DSST, CLEP Testing Readily Available

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. — Sometimes Marines cannot attend college courses on site or online due to work schedule or time constraints — but they have an alternative.

Service members can take the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support’s Subject Standardized Tests and College Level Examination Program tests for free with the National Test Site operated by National University at the education center aboard the air station.

The tests offered range from Accounting to Zoology and are worth three to six credits, depending on the test. The tests assist Marines, building on their elective courses and general education. Colleges generally accept more than 80 percent of these tests, said Chuck Banks, an education service specialist with the education center.

“Taking these tests is an efficient and effective way of building college credits,” said Rusty Schmitt an, education services specialist with the education center.

Taking CLEP tests or DANTES can help Marines finish college requirements faster for commissioning programs and in time for package deadlines, commented Cpl. Dorian Reyes, who plans on taking CLEP tests and DANTES to complete his package for the Meritorious Commissioning program.

Marines can take tests every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. They must schedule an appointment because spaces per time slot are limited.

Marines who pass the test receive their grades immediately. If a Marine does not pass a test, it will not reflect negatively on their record, but they must wait six months to retake that test.

“There is really nothing to loose if Marines take the test,” added Schmitt.

For more information on these tests, Marines can contact the Education Center at 858-577-1801.

To learn more about military education benefits, visit the Military.com Education Channel.