DSST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DSST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A researcher wants to estimate the average height of students at a university. She randomly selects 50 students. This is an example of: → Simple random sampling
2. The sacred scripture of Sikhism is called the: → Guru Granth Sahib
3. The 'span of control' concept in management refers to: → The number of subordinates a manager can effectively supervise
4. Which quantum number describes the shape of an atomic orbital? → Angular momentum quantum number (l)
5. Which professional attribute is most valued in introduction to computing within the DSST field? → Accountability and commitment to standards
6. The Central Limit Theorem states that the sampling distribution of the sample mean approaches normality as: → Sample size increases
7. In Fiedler's contingency model, leader effectiveness depends on matching the leader's style to situational: → Favorableness (degree of situational control)
8. In Buddhism, 'Nirvana' refers to which of the following? → Liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth
9. A trial balance is prepared primarily to verify what? → That total debits equal total credits
10. If P(A) = 0.4 and P(B) = 0.3 and A and B are independent, what is P(A and B)? → 0.12
11. Which law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature? → Boyle's Law
12. Which accounting principle states that revenue should be recognized when earned, regardless of when cash is received? → Revenue Recognition Principle
13. A projectile is launched horizontally from a cliff. Which component of its velocity remains constant (ignoring air resistance)? → Horizontal velocity
14. Which of the following best describes a liability? → An obligation the company owes to outside parties
15. Which professional attribute is most valued in humanities within the DSST field? → Accountability and commitment to standards
16. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in what is now: → Nepal
17. Which of the following is an example of an informal organization? → A group of coworkers who regularly lunch together and share information
18. What is the value of continuing education in introduction to computing for DSST professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
19. What is the primary unit of structure and function in living organisms studied in DSST? → Cell
20. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be satisfied before esteem needs? → Social/belonging needs
21. What is the value of continuing education in humanities for DSST professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
22. Which approach best demonstrates mastery of criminal justice in DSST practice? → Applying principles to novel situations with sound judgment
23. Which economic system combines elements of both free market and government-controlled economies? → Mixed economy
24. Which decision-making model assumes that managers have complete information and will select the optimal solution? → Rational model
25. Which term describes an unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment? → Sexual Harassment
26. Which scientific method step follows hypothesis formation? → Experimentation and testing
27. A SWOT analysis examines an organization's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and: → Threats
28. What is the value of continuing education in criminal justice for DSST professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
29. The Milgram obedience experiments primarily demonstrated that: → Ordinary people will obey authority figures even to cause harm to others
30. Which concept describes the tendency for groups to make riskier decisions than individuals would make alone? → Risky shift