If you just want to see if a BJT amplifies,for an NPN transistor ---With your DMM in diode test,connect the Red lead to the collector & the Black lead to the emitter.
You should see "OL" or something similar on the meter.
Now spit on your finger,& use it to connect between collector & base,& if the device is OK,you will see a low reading on the meter.
For a PNP,just reverse the meter leads.
Obviously,this doesn't give a definitive indication of transistor characteristics,but is a useful check.
If the idea of spit grosses you out,make a jig so you can connect between collector & base with a 2k resistor or similar.
Lots of people use this trick,but it is very seldom published,with most discussions just giving the "looks like 2 diodes" check.