News

Earn college credits during drill weekends

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  The 446th Force Support Squadron's Education and Training flight, McChord Field, Washington, is teaming with the Pierce College National Test Center to offer the College Level Examination Program and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests to Reservists during the January unit training assembly.

"By successfully passing these exams, Reservists can earn credits toward their Community College of the Air Force degree and a civilian college degree without needing to sit in a classroom," said Michael Anderson, education counselor with the 446th Force Support Squadron's education and training flight.

Each CLEP and DSST exam may be taken free of charge by Reservists, although fees are assessed for any repeat testing.  Reservists can receive guidance and register for exams at the 446th FSS education and training office in Bldg. 1205 before January. 

"It's our goal to offer CLEP and DSST testing every quarter during UTAs, although Reservists can still schedule and take exams anytime during the year, said Anderson.

"Testing is a neat way to pick up credits without having to worry about sitting in a classroom when you already have the knowledge to pass the test," said Anderson.  "In an effort to make it more convenient for members to work on their education, we're trying to open (testing) up on UTAs.  We're kicking it off in January and we'll see how it goes and consider offering it quarterly. "

Pierce College, responsible for administering the tests here on base, is going to bring people in to the test facility in Bldg. 851 during the UTA in January and hope to start everybody testing around 10 a.m.. The tests are around 90 minutes.

"The testing is done on secure computers, which is why we have to do in at the national testing center in Bldg. 851," said Anderson.

At the 446th FSS education and training office, Reservists can pick up a list of CLEP and DSST tests offered, as well as study resources.

"We have a list of all the CLEP and DSSTs and the areas they're applicable to in the CCAF degree program and how much credit they're worth.  You can get up to six credits, two classes if you will, just by testing," said Anderson.

"I always encourage people to consider testing as an option, especially if they're short just one class, like a math class.  Because to be honest with you, with a little bit of prep, you only need to get about half the questions right on these multiple choice exams to get the credit.  Coming in cold that will be hard, but with a little bit of prep through any of these study guides, that will do the trick."

For more information on the earning college credits through testing, or to sign up for the January testing option, contact Anderson at 982-2300.