Now Defense Department personnel can take the College Level Examination Program tests in 34 subjects, get instant results, and — if they’re active duty — pay nothing through the University of Maryland University College’s Asia National Testing Center program.

This type of instant results will be availalble in Korea in January.

CLEP testing is a great benefit available to military personnel. Along with the general CLEP tests which offer up to semester hours (you can earn up to six hours for each test), CLEP are also available in about a hundred other specialized areas.


The good things about CLEP tests are: No cost, if you fail (don't achieve the suggested passing score) you can retest in 6 months. The results are available for use the rest of your life. The same testing organization that keeps the SAT results keep CLEP results.

A bit of history - In 1974 the AF decided in a cost cutting era to eliminate free CLEP testing for military personnel. A year or so later they brought it back. A word to the wise, don't wait to start. Testing guides are available at the library but, if you don't have time, you don't have to study, just show up at the testing room. You may be suprised how well you may do.

I knew one guy who took, in one day, ten CLEP tests cold. Guess what, he passed eight of them.

Any time you attend some type of training- PME etc. maximize your time spent and go take all the CLEPS that relate to the training (for example complete Ldrship school and then take all the management, world history, communicative skills CLEPS available). Along with the CCAF credit for NCOLS you could pick up another 12 -15 semester hours of credit.

Your goal should be to take at least 24 CLEP tests durning a 12 month tour.

Jim is right, CLEP is a great way to get basic college credits. Also, if you have the gumption, take some of the upper level DANTES tests as well, and you can easily set yourself up with 20-30 credits with just a few hours of testing. I've taken 6 in the last couple of months and they were all a breeze. If you're taking courses through UMUC, the academic advisor will point out specific tests you can take that are guaranteed course equivalents for UMUC classes. It's free, so why not take the time and fill in some bubble sheets for credit.

Can't agre more. For those of us that just plain detest sitting in a classroom, this pays big dividends. I have two chunks of paper framed on my wall...and only took two college courses in my life. The rest, CLEP and DANTES...they truly are my best friends.

For those SNCOs that have failed to get their CCAF degree and will now be subject to not receiving senior rater endorsement, you have time to get it done, just be taking a test.

Take a test, get a degree. Get a degree, get a stripe. Get a stripe, get a bigger retirement check.

Are CLEP tests available for military spouses? If so, how much would it be?

I took 7 DANTES (DSST) tests while I was there and passed 6.

The tests end up being something like $75 or $85 each. I'm not really sure if spouses can take them here though.

I work in an Education Center in area IV. We have civilians take them all the time.