Dsst technical writing

[smf6824]

Ok I have to take the DSST technical writing exam for the BSAST for TESC or I presume I could take their TECEP. Either way I have been taking practice tests through the DOD/MWR Library, I believe it is a Peterson's study resource and I have been getting 75% or above on each test. My last couple tests have actually been over 80%. I know the only way to know if I am ready is to just take the exam, but based upon those scores do all of you feel I would be ready? I have heard it is an easy test, but I just like to be prepared since I have yet to take any credit by examination test. Also about how many questions can I miss? According to ACE a passing score is 46 or above.... So what exactly does that mean? Does that mean I only need to get a 46%? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but I really have no idea how DSST exams are scored. I know some have passing scores such as 46 and others have passing scores of 400. Any enlightenment on that situation would be most helpful. Either way thanks for your time.

[BGSU_Alum_86]

46 is a scaled score. DSST has a good explanation of the difference between their old scaled scoring system and the one for the refreshed exams (where you see a passing score of 400). Unfortunately I cannot find a link on their website to this printed piece of literature (have a good stock on my shelves though). Here is the explanation (if you can understand it):

Norm-Referenced Standard Setting:
Historically, DSST exams have been scored using a "norm referenced" approach to determine the pass/fail point for each exam. Using a norm-referenced approach, a cut-score is set based on judgments about groups of test takers; essentially, it establishes what proportions of each group should pass or fail. Setting a proportion of candidates to pass or fail means that whether you pass or fail is based on how you perform in relation to others within the group. This method is widely used, especially in education, and the DSST exams that have NOT been refreshed continue to use it today.

Criterion-Referenced Standard Setting:
The new scoring model first applied to refreshed exams in 2008 and 2009 is called "criterion-referenced." This method sets cut scores based on judgments about individual test questions or the test as a whole. It determines how many of the test questions must be answered correctly in order to pass. Criterion-referenced scores are based on how much the examinees know, not how they performed against others in the same pool.

[smf6824]

Ok. Thanks for the reply. Hopefully getting 80% or higher on these practice tests will suffice. I am kind of tired of waiting to get higher scores on practice tests.

[Leebo]

Yeah, they're in the process of moving to a new scoring system, but Technical Writing hasn't transitioned yet. What's nice about the new style is they actually tell you what percentage you need to pass.

http://getcollegecredit.com/assets/pdf/D...coring.pdf

[Westerner]

Ok. Thanks for the reply. Hopefully getting 80% or higher on these practice tests will suffice. I am kind of tired of waiting to get higher scores on practice tests.

Yes, your scores sound good. I was scoring similarly on the PTs and I passed the DSST with 61.

[smf6824]

Thanks. I appreciate all the input. I just want to knock this test out and get it done. Then only 4 more to go (Ethics, Diversity elective, Physics, and Stats)