CLEP testing saves money, time, headaches

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christian Michael
  • 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  There is a way for Airmen to earn their degrees using knowledge gained from work and personal study, while at the same time saving money and shortening time spent in classes.

The College Level Examination Program and the Excelsior examination program are available to servicemembers in pursuit of a college degree.

These programs save students time, money and encompass a large variety of courses.

They are in high demand because they can eliminate general course credits. While military education does cover some general education requirements, it does not cover or is not accredited in class like English composition, mathematics, natural science, social science, history and humanities.

However, CLEP general exams cover most first-year level college work, according to Rozzie Lovett, the education services officer at the Langley Education Center here. CLEP subject exams usually cover a wide range and variety of subjects and fields which can be applied toward higher-level requirements. The examination program, along with Excelsior exams, also cover subjects that are more specific to degree programs, though they usually do not exceed second-year college level exams.

Except for specialized exams, such as speech, which requires a taped impromptu speech, most exams are uniform in nature.

“The CLEP general examinations are timed and multiple choice; the subject exams are timed also, but are not multiple choice” Mrs. Lovett said. “Test results are usually received at the education center three to six weeks after the test date.”

There are so many benefits to taking CLEP exams, she said. It saves students and the government money; students don’t have to pay for school time, books, gas or living costs that can build up while attending school.

Passed exams have saved the government more than $300,000 in the past year in class costs and other fees, Mrs. Lovett said. That does not include how much money students have saved paying for the courses.

Tech. Sgt. Edward Perry, the 1st Fighter Wing command chief assistant here, has completed four exams within the past year toward his speech, humanities, ethics and English courses. Currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in construction technology, he finds the monetary benefits the best part of the program.

“It doesn’t cost a dime for military members,” he said, “I can get college credit toward a degree with information I already know.”

CLEP and Excelsior exams are free for active-duty military members, free or a minimal cost to reservists and guardsmen, and are relatively inexpensive for dependents and retirees. On top of the low cost and convenience, there are great benefits for the CLEP exams that keep students coming back.

“Students can take as many CLEPs as they want in any period of time,” said Mrs. Lovett. “If they fail one, however, they cannot retake the exact same test for another six months.”

Because of Sergeant Perry’s schedule, his biggest benefit is the time saved by taking test.

“It’s a great benefit for those of us in the military who have our time spent in so many other directions, because we can work toward our degree while still doing our duty,” he said.

He also pointed out the value of receiving credit for knowledge gained and practiced elsewhere.

“Why would I want to take a class in a subject I’m already well-versed in?” Sergeant Perry said. “Because of these tests, I spend less time in class. This frees me up for other classes I need.”

According to Sergeant Perry, CLEP subject study books at the base library can prepare students to take the test.

For more information on military education programs call your base education office.