What This Exam Covers
The Civil War and Reconstruction DSST exam covers American history from the antebellum period through the end of Reconstruction in 1877.
This exam overlaps a lot with what you learned in K-12 education, so you should have at least some knowledge to start with.
Exam at a Glance
| Questions | 100 multiple choice |
| Time | 120 minutes |
| Passing score | 400 (scaled score) |
| College credits | 3 semester hours (lower-level) |
| Exam fee | $100 (military free) |
What's on the Civil War and Reconstruction DSST / DANTES*?
| Period | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Causes of the War | 16% | U.S. society in the mid-nineteenth century, slavery as a Southern institution, the anti-slavery and abolition movement, westward expansion and the free vs. slave territory debate (Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act), John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, the political situation in 1860 and secession |
| 1861 | 11% | Secession, formation of the Confederacy, Fort Sumter, Lincoln's call for volunteers, First Manassas (Bull Run), Union Army vs. Confederate Army strengths and weaknesses, Lincoln vs. Davis leadership |
| 1862 | 17% | Southern strategy, war in the East (Peninsula Campaign, Second Manassas, Antietam), war in the West (Shiloh, fall of New Orleans, Corinth), major battles, the Emancipation Proclamation |
| 1863 | 19% | Casualties and their impact, role of women in the war, Black Americans and the war (United States Colored Troops, freedpeople), major battles (Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chancellorsville, Chickamauga) |
| 1864 | 15% | Political situation (the 1864 election, Lincoln's reelection), war in the West (Sherman's Atlanta Campaign), war in the East (Overland Campaign, Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersburg) |
| 1865 | 7% | Sherman's Carolina Campaign, fall of Richmond, Lee's surrender at Appomattox, assassination of Lincoln, end of the Confederacy, cost of the war |
| Reconstruction | 15% | Presidential Reconstruction plans (Lincoln's 10% plan, Johnson's plan), Southern response (Black Codes, resistance), Congressional Reconstruction (Radical Republicans, 13th/14th/15th Amendments), military Reconstruction, end of Reconstruction (Compromise of 1877) |
Source: DSST / DANTES Civil War and Reconstruction exam fact sheet.
How hard is the Civil War and Reconstruction DSST / DANTES*?
This exam is of moderate difficulty and can be relatively easy if you paid attention in high school. If you know the battles, leaders, and events you will only need to refresh that knowledge.
One area that is often not covered in school is Reconstruction, and since this is 15% of the exam, you will want to make sure you learn that before testing.
Starting from scratch, plan 4 to 5 weeks, but students with a strong existing interest in American history can often study in a week or two.
How to study for the Civil War and Reconstruction DSST / DANTES*
- Work through the InstantCert flashcards in chronological order, starting with the causes of the war. Remember to pay attention to Reconstruction, as many have not seen that material before.
- Download the free official DSST fact sheet from GetCollegeCredit.com. It has 12 sample questions and the full content outline so you know exactly where the exam weight sits.
- Ken Burns' "The Civil War" documentary on PBS is the best supplemental resource for this exam, but it is also very long. Watching the episodes on the causes and the 1863 turning points will help.
- If Ken Burns is a bit much, you can get a quick overview from Crash Course that covers a lot of what you will need.
Study the Reconstruction Amendments carefully. The 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship and equal protection), and 15th (Black male voting rights) come up on most exams.
What score do you need to pass?
A score of 400 is the standard passing threshold at most institutions. Credit typically counts toward American history, political science, or general education requirements. Confirm with your school how it applies to your specific degree before you start studying.
Pass and the credit appears on your transcript with no letter grade. Fail and the attempt does NOT appear on your transcript at all.
Can you pass the Civil War and Reconstruction DSST / DANTES* with just flashcards?
Yes, many of our students have passed only with the flashcards. A lot of this exam is remembering battles, leaders, laws, etc. which are perfect for flashcard studying.
Civil War and Reconstruction DSST / DANTES* vs. taking the class
A semester of American history at a community college runs a few hundred dollars in-state. At a four-year university, the same course typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 or more. The DSST earns you the same 3 credit hours for $100, and active duty military pay nothing.
| Exam fee | $100 (military free) |
| Typical tuition equivalent | $700–$3,000+ (one semester) |
| Credits earned | 3 semester hours (lower-level) |
| Time to prepare | 4–5 weeks self-study |
| GPA impact | None, pass/fail only |
| Failed attempt on transcript | No |
For students who want just the credit and paid attention in school, then this exam could be an easy win. For those planning to do upper-level US history courses, then writing papers and having discussions in a classroom setting is beneficial.
Happy testing!