News

'CLEPtomania' - Reservists can earn school credit by skipping class

  • Published
  • By Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  The College Level Exam Program and DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) Subject Standardized Tests make earning college credit a near steal.

Pierce College is giving 446th Airlift Wing Reservists a chance to test for university credits in various areas, which they're already proficient in, April 11 at 10 a.m. at the campus test center on Lewis-Main.

These opportunities are offered the first month of each quarter, and have been since January.

When an Airman passes a CLEP or DSST examination, they're given college credit as if they'd taken the course in a traditional classroom setting.

"The benefits are amazing," said Senior Master Sgt. John Besselman, 446th Force Support Squadron Force Development Flight chief. "Members can apply these credits towards their (Community College of the Air Force) and civilian college degrees, counting towards promotion and other career opportunities."

Up to 30 credit hours of CLEP can be applied towards a CCAF degree, but Reservists should check to see how the credits are used with their academic institutions.

"Some schools accept up to 30 credits towards degree requirements," said Mike Anderson, 446th FSS Education Services Specialist.

Initial DSST and CLEP exam titles are free to service members, he said. The test format is multiple choice, and a passing score is around 50 percent. If an examinee fails their first exam, they must pay administration and exam costs in order to retake it.

"This is where study guides come into play," Besselman said. "There are free resources available at the base library."

Free resources are available online as well, Anderson said. The DSST mobile application allows access to practice quizzes. Practice tests and study guides are also available through the Air Force Portal, and at www.nelnetsolutions.com/dod.

DSST exams require registration at the time of testing. Information on DSST can be found at http://getcollegecredit.com/test_takers. CLEP testing requires a ticket, which is obtained by registering through https://clepportal.collegeboard.org/myaccount.

Anderson said Reservists who plan on testing April 11, should report to the Pierce College National Test Center, 851 Lincoln Blvd., Room 304 on Lewis-Main.

Wing members who have additional questions, need help with registration, or additional information should go to the Wing Education and Training Office in Bldg. 1205, or talk to Mike Anderson at (253) 982-2300 or michael.anderson.173@us.af.mil.