Part one of the DSST Principles of Public Speaking test includes 84 multiple choice questions related to a multitude of topics pertaining to public speaking. These topics can include, but are not limited to: ethical issues pertaining to public speaking, audience analysis and speaker adaptation, reasons for speeches, speech structure, speech content, researching for speeches, rhetorical language, delivery and enunciation, nervousness and controlling nervousness, considering feedback and criticizing and evaluating public speaking. The multiple choice section of the test is un-timed.
Part two of the test is a the delivery of an impromptu speech to a trained evaluator, typically a speech teacher or coach. Test-takers receive 10 minutes to prepare for the speech and it must be between three and five minutes in length. Speeches shorter than three minutes or longer than five minutes will be automatically failed, regardless of quality. The assessment of the impromptu speech will be evaluated according to the following principles: 25 percent for structure and organization, 25 percent for delivery, 20 percent for content and supporting material, 20 percent for effect or persuasiveness and 10 percent for language use and style.
Typically students prepare for the test in a high school public speaking course specifically designed to prepare students to pass the test, similar to Advanced Placement courses. Prometric, the designer and administrator of the DSST Principles of Public Speaking test, recommends a multitude of preparatory materials for these exams, including textbooks such as "Fundamentals of Speech Communication," "The Elements of Public Speaking" and "Introduction to Rhetorical Communication." Prometric also supplies sample questions for the multiple choice section of the exam, as well as sample speech topics.
As with Advance Placement courses, the American Council of Education advises that successful completion of the DSST Principles of Public Speaking examination count for three lower-level credit hours. These credit hours can stand in for a public speaking course or its equivalent.