You can earn college credit for:
• Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Training
• Military Training Courses
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Excelsior College Examinations (ECE)
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
Do you have exceptional knowledge in math, science, or other college level subjects? Would you like to earn college credit for an entire college course by taking a three hour test? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you can take advantage of free testing programs available to Army National Guard members through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
DANTES offers programs that provide a wide range of non-traditional education options for members of the Army National Guard. The programs are for members who need alternatives to fulfill degree requirements when classroom courses are unavailable or when work schedules or duty locations do not permit class attendance, and for anyone who wants to reduce their college course requirements.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
With CLEP, you can earn college credit at over 3,000 colleges and universities. You may even be able to earn up to two years of credits. The American Council on Education recommends 3-6 semester hours of credit for most CLEP exams, depending on the examination. CLEP Subject Examinations measure knowledge of basic concepts, principles, relationships, and applications involved in various subject areas. Over 1,300 National Test Centers located on college campuses offer the computer-based CLEP eCBT testing program. Starting in January 2004, DANTES intends to fund the CLEP eCBT for eligible military personnel at National Centers. Visit the DANTES website for the most current funding policy before registering. For more information on CLEP, visit www.collegeboard.com/clep.
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
Earn college credit while you are still in high school or already in college. The DSST program is an extensive series of examinations in college level and technical subjects that are comparable to the final or end-of-course exam for specific undergraduate courses. The American Council on Education recommends three semester hours of credit per exam. The tests are in multiple choice format, administered without time limits, and are available in college and technical subjects. DANTES funds DSST testing for military personnel. Army National Guard soldiers are eligible to take DSST examinations immediately upon enlistment—including prior to attending basic training. For descriptions of the each of the DSST exams, visit www.getcollegecredit.com.
Excelsior College Examinations (ECE)
This program is available at DANTES Test Centers. Excelsior College Examinations meet specific requirements for Excelsior College degrees. Excelsior College awards credit for military educational experiences toward 30 degree programs at the associate and baccalaureate levels. Examinations are accepted for transfer college credit at over 900 colleges and universities. The program is available at no cost to Army National Guard soldiers who are eligible to take ECE examinations immediately upon enlistment—including prior to attending basic training. For more information, visit www.excelsior.edu.
Certification Program
The DANTES Certification Program offers Army National Guard soldiers an opportunity to test on an assortment of credential awarding examinations that relate to their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in such areas as information technology, federal communications, human resources management, automotive services, and emergency medical technology. The Army National Guard provides a reimbursement benefit that pays for one certification or licensure examination sponsored by DANTES. Certification and licensure examinations are offered at DANTES Test Centers and National Test Centers. Find additional information on the DANTES Certification Program at www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/certification/arng_proc.htm.
Contact your state Education Services Officer (ESO) for information on how to take advantage of the programs offered by DANTES. See the list of ESOs on page 130. The DANTES website www.dantes.doded.mil also provides extensive information on all their programs and course offerings.