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Free DSST Practice Questions

Five real-level DSST questions from the top-enrolled exams — with full explanations. No signup. DSST prep is harder to find; start here.

Principles of Supervision

Question 1

A supervisor notices a productive employee has grown disengaged over the last month. According to Herzberg's two-factor theory, the supervisor's FIRST priority should be to address:

  • A) Salary and fringe benefits
  • B) Physical working conditions
  • C) Motivators such as recognition and achievement
  • D) Company policies
Show answer
Answer: C

Herzberg distinguishes hygiene factors (A, B, D — which prevent dissatisfaction) from motivators (C — which drive satisfaction). A disengaged productive employee typically needs motivators, not better working conditions.

Human Resource Management

Question 2

Which selection tool has historically shown the highest predictive validity for job performance across roles?

  • A) Unstructured interviews
  • B) Years of prior experience
  • C) Structured work-sample tests and cognitive-ability tests
  • D) Handwriting analysis
Show answer
Answer: C

Meta-analyses consistently show structured work samples + cognitive-ability assessments as top predictors. Unstructured interviews have surprisingly low validity; years of experience alone is a weak predictor after 2-3 years.

Organizational Behavior

Question 3

A team leader asks members for input before making a final decision herself. According to the Vroom-Yetton decision model, this is BEST classified as:

  • A) Autocratic (AI)
  • B) Consultative (CI)
  • C) Consensus (GII)
  • D) Delegative (DI)
Show answer
Answer: B

Consultative (CI) — leader gathers input individually but retains decision authority. Autocratic makes decisions without input; consensus requires group agreement; delegative hands the decision over entirely.

Personal Finance

Question 4

A 30-year-old invests $5,000 once, earning 8% annual compound return. At age 60, how much will the investment be worth (approximately)?

  • A) $20,000
  • B) $50,000
  • C) $75,000
  • D) $120,000
Show answer
Answer: B

Using the rule of 72, money doubles every 72/8 = 9 years. In 30 years that's ~3.3 doublings: $5,000 → $10,000 → $20,000 → $40,000 → ~$50,000. Compound growth is the single most important Personal Finance concept.

Introduction to Business

Question 5

A sole proprietorship differs from a corporation primarily in that the sole proprietor:

  • A) Must file articles of incorporation
  • B) Is personally liable for business debts
  • C) Issues stock to raise capital
  • D) Is required to have a board of directors
Show answer
Answer: B

Unlimited personal liability is the defining feature of a sole proprietorship — the owner's personal assets can be seized for business debts. A, C, D all describe corporations.

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