Testing For Success

by SSgt Tyler J. Dalton

On the 25th and 27th of October the National Test Center at the Kirtland AFB Education Center opened its doors all day for the first-ever 377th Security Forces Group CLEP-A-THON. During this two day period a team of proctors from Lewis University, headed by Mr. John Harvey, administered 72 CLEP/DANTES tests to 38 Defenders.  The result was nothing short of impressive: 144 credit hours were earned throughout the two day period. That translates to $36,000 in Tuition Assistance funding saved.


SrA Patrick Murphy, 377 WSSS taking a CLEP test.

 

“This really is a great resource to have available,” Said SrA Cody Madama, 377th Weapons System Security Squadron, or 377 WSSS, who earned 12 credits towards his CCAF from 3 CLEP/DANTES exams. “It helps speed up your degree progression, saves TA funding, and fits into the irregular duty hours that most Security Forces work.”

 

For those who may be unfamiliar with CLEP/DANTES testing they are a series of exams covering a wide variety of topics which, if passed, grant the test taker college credit without ever having to set foot in a classroom. The intent is to give Airmen credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom and avoid unnecessary or redundant courses which could delay degree progression.

SF Airmen focused on their testing.

 

 

“It was nice to have the option to get credit in one day for subjects I had already studied instead of spending 8 weeks in a class,” Said SrA Brad Hall, 377 WSSS, who earned 6 credits in one day. “I definitely plan on coming back to test again.”

 

These tests are free for military members and range from 3 to 9 credits each and typically take just over an hour to complete. Additionally, these tests have no impact on an Airman’s $4,500 annual Tuition Assistance allotment. In total, the amount of money saved in this 12-hour event was equal to 8 years of TA funding. These tests are also available to Airmen who are not currently eligible for TA funding. The National Test Center is open to all personnel every Tuesday and Thursday for CLEP and DANTES testing. To schedule a test call 505-265-3947 or visit www.lewisu.edu.

 

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