Different versions of Dantes/DSST Ethics explained?

[mhellad]

Could someone please explain to me what the different versions are? I've read posts about people choosing which one to take, them being scored differently, studying for each one differently...but I can't seem to find any accurate info on what these versions are and if you have a choice on which one to take. It sounds like there's a pre-2008 and a post-2008. Some say the pre is easier and some say the post is easier. I'm just confused on all of this. Thanks for any help!

[Chebasaz]

Hi there and welcome to the forums.

The versions refer to whether or not the exam has been refreshed. Prometric has recently (In the last two years or so) been updating the exams. Part of that update has been a new scoring system. That's why some exams will have a passing score of 48 or so, and some will have a passing score of 400. The ones that have a passing score of 400 are the refreshed exams.

Now, whether you get a refreshed exam or an old exam relies on a few factors. I know Prometric has some hard dates that they tell testing centers, "Don't give out any more old exams, use the new ones".

Until that date passes, it's up to the testing center which one they use. If your testing center uses computer based testing, you'll most likely be forced to take the new ones. If you take your exams on paper and pencil, there's a chance that they'll still have the old ones stocked along with the new ones. It's always best to call the testing center and ask if you ever have any questions about which ones they give.

Regarding difficulty - Some of the new ones are harder than the old versions, and some aren't. The important thing is to make sure your study material accurately reflects the information you'll be tested on. That's one of the reasons why I'm such a fan of the Specific Feedback folder here on IC. Generally you can spot right where the new exam was introduced, because people start saying "Whoa, there was a lot of stuff I had never seen before on my version!" The IC admins have been pretty good about updating the flashcards with the new information and it's study-time as usual.

On the other hand, if you buy a book off of Amazon that was made for the old exam, you may be in trouble. One way of checking is to look at the published date for the book, and then look on the DSST site to find out when the exam was refreshed (It's at the very bottom of the fact sheet for the new exam).

Hope that answers your question.