CLEP testing now available electronically on base

[USMCRET6391]

Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 200491683237
Story by Cpl. Shawn Vincent



Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va (Sept. 12, 2004) -- For more than 40 years, College Level Examination Program has been available for the military. Now, CLEP tests are offered on base electronically for all Department of Defense identification cardholders.

The tests are free to service members and will cost civilian personnel and dependents $75 per test.

“[Test takers] earn college credit that takes the place of college classes,” said Susan McIntosh, education services officer, education office, Marine Corps Base Quantico. “They can test out of the first two years of college if they study hard and are persistent in their efforts.”

McIntosh said that of the 35 available tests, most tests take approximately an hour and a half and since the testing has been available electronically, the education center has tested 12 people.

“This is a great opportunity to help our Marines and family members to get to graduation,” she said. “It saves them time and money, and every test passed saves tuition time and dollars.”

McIntosh said that before the electronic testing was available, Marines and civilians had to wait six weeks to receive their scores.

“Now they know as soon as they finish the test,” she said. “This is a great benefit for planning purposes.”

McIntosh said that materials are available for test takers to study before the examinations, and test times are at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.

“The [DoD members] can call to sign up and choose any one of the 35 exams they would like to take,” she said. “They come at their assigned time, sit down at a computer where the test is downloaded on the computer, and they have a one and one-half hour time limit for the tests.”

She said that upon completion of the tests they will know if they scored highly enough to receive either 3, 6 or 12 college credits for the exam, and their passing score reports will be sent to the college of their choice to receive the credits.

For more information on CLEP testing, contact McIntosh at (703) 784-4010.

[Vulture6]

The tests are free to service members and will cost civilian personnel and dependents $75 per test.

With the old written tests, you had to pay a deposit to reserve your slot. If you passed, then your deposit was refunded. This looks like a better deal.

CLEP - an excellent way to cut down on tuition costs. Each CLEP test that you pass is one less class that you have to pay tuition for. Most will cover you electives, though some will take care of General Education requirements such as Math, Science, and English. Not all colleges accept CLEP, DANTES, or DSST tests. Check with your school on how much CLEP credit they will take BEFORE you sign up for a test.