Has anyone here taken any CLEP tests?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 03:36:33 -0400

I recently passed the board and am hurting for promotion points. I am primarily missing civilian education. I will not be able to take any college courses because I am going to BLC and Airborne very soon before I PCS in March. I am curious about CLEP tests though. I have went to my Education Center but they were not as helpful as I had hoped. Anyone have any experiences with CLEP tests?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2016 3:45 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 03:45:34 -0400

Took a few over 40 years ago, if you have a working knowledge of the subject, they are or were "a piece of cake". Good luck and don't waste time, get started! :-)

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Jul 11 at 2016 4:05 AM

Capt Michael Greene — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 04:05:07 -0400

Take CLEP tests. Often. They count. If you can get 3 credits in a subject, then that's a class you don't have to pay for and a couple of months you don't have to spend in college.

Response by SPC Karen Ramsey made Jul 11 at 2016 4:27 AM

SPC Karen Ramsey — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 04:27:23 -0400

I have, they are pretty easy

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2016 4:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 04:52:05 -0400

Each test has its own credit hours assigned to it depending on what you score on it. I took the Spanish CLEP test and received 12 semester hours for a three hour test.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jul 11 at 2016 5:07 AM

TSgt Joe C. — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 05:07:25 -0400

They seem easy enough. There is study material available as well I believe too.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:04 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:04:45 -0400

Not CLEP, however, other exams for credits, yeah, though immnotmentirepymcertainnofnyour circumstances given your description, as to whether what I did might be of use to you. However, having said that, I'll try to elaborate somewhat. I obv don't know how much college you've done, however, you might, if you haven't already, ask about community college of the air force, or CCAF, if it hasn't already been mentioned to you. I've known theyre intended to help enlisted, not merely USAF, but other svcs also, get their Assoc based at least to whatever extent it's allowed, on prior enlisted training. My only point is, if you haven't looked at it, you have nothing to lose by trying, I thought, you know? Now, also, there's also DANTES, though I know little about who it works. Also, look at http://www.uopeople.edu, which charges no tuition as it's a nonprofit, just admin and exam fees. The thing is, though, they just got DETC accred, which is not the same as regional accred, which is the typically accepted norm of accreditation. I know DETC, which used to be NHSC, is approved as an accrediting body to some extent, however, truthfully, while I've heard and read good things about UoPople, I don't know if DETC is sufficient for the svcs, VA, or industry. That being said, look also at http://www.excelsior.edu, which I got a 2nd Bach from in math yrs ago, I'll explain how. They're extremely SVC friendly, used to be part of NYS govt, then privatized, they used to be called regents college/educ degrees (RCD/RED). A friend of mine got his Bach math from them by transferring in credits from three other schools into what they termed their credit bank, though I think they've changed how they do it, since they privatized. Excelsior is the NYS motto, hence their new name. My friend used his Bach math to go to one of the OCS programs, that I know for certain, so, given that excelsior has a toll free phone, you've got nothing to lose by trying. This tablet is temperamental, so I'll send this, then try to send more, I don't want to lose what I've already typed, one moment, thanks.

UoPeople - The world's first tuition-freeAccredited Online University

Welcome to the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online, American university. Follow your dreams. Your career starts here.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2016 7:12 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:12:09 -0400

While I don't have experience with them in the military sense I have taken them before on a military base. One important thing is if you intend to use them with a college make sure that that college accepts them. Some colleges don't accept them and it can mess with planning.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Jul 11 at 2016 7:12 AM

SFC Andrew Miller — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:12:24 -0400

The education center will have practice tests for each of the CLEP and DSST exams. Take a few practice ones here and there as you can. If you score at least 80 on it, take the actual one. If you get 70-80 spend some time with the study guide, then take it. Less than 70, move on to the next one. They actual exams are scored differently than a percentile, but those are good indicators. I passed 66 credits worth during my first 10 years in. Get started on it and good luck.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:20 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:20:46 -0400

OK, moving on: UoPeople has Assoc and Bach in bus admin, comp sci (CS), and health sci, as well as an MBA. As I said, they're not a panacea, however, being nearly free, as I've gathered, I've wondered how the svcs, VA, or industry might view their DETC accred, in terms of legitimacy, I just thought being free, what's to lose by asking, you know? I don't think they allow transfers, though, so you'd have to do their whole program, which is prob for accred reasons, I'd expect. Now as to how I got credtis by exam, there's the grad record exam or GRE, both the genl and subj tests. The genl GRE test, I "think", might be acceptable for GED, though thats obv not your circumstance, I'm uncertain, though I seem to recall something about that. The subject tests for GRE, however, have had credits given for them, college level, though from which group tends to vary. RED/RCD used to give 30 pass fail credits, 15 Assoc level, 15 Bach level, I know, I got them, by doing the GRE subj tests in engrg, physics, and math. The engrg and math ones, I was fairly well prepared for, the physics one was rough, I needed three tries to get an adequate raw score. One needed a min raw score, not a min percentile, though excelsior might not use them the same way, you'd need to ask to be sure. Now, Edison college, I think, in NJ, and oak tree college, in CT, I believe, did similar things, though if read that Edison gave 24 pass/fail credits, understand the GRE subj test credits were pass/fail, with no grade. Also, I did the 2nd Bach math using an RED/RCD rule they had about a 2nd Bach, where if one got 30 credits in a new major, 90 credits of a STD 120 credit min Bach from before, could be applied twd the new 2nd Bach. Also, the RED/RCD grades were odd, in that they had n po fractional grading. Thus, a C+ became a C, rounding up, yet a B+ became a B, rounding down, I never understood their rationale, yet that was how NYS let them do it, I don't know how excelsior does it, I just know the svcs have accepted them for a long time, they even had a special Navy program for the nuclear enlisted program, as so many Navy nuc enlisted grads asked them for credit, I'd read they did a special eval on that program, which I'd applied for, before going USAF, ultimately, I'd also been army ROTC before that, as well, though I went USAF instead. I'll send this, then try to add more, many thanks.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:23 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:23:24 -0400

So, here's the thing, you can ask about the GRE subj tests, though, as I said, they can be rough, CLEPs and DANTES exams, I never did, though I gather they have fewer credits per exam, which is why obv GRE subj tests can be so rough, 30 credits is a fair number, so they have to be strict, obv, as t po min raw score needed, that's all I'm saying. I did use them that way, though, so you might care to ask about them. I'll try to send links now, then add more, if possible, many thanks.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:26 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:26:35 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_College_of_the_Air_Force

This is only the Wikipedia page, just look up CCAF using Google, you'll see the real site, I'm sure.

Community College of the Air Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is a federal program offered by the United States Air Force which grants two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in association with Air University.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:28 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:28:47 -0400

https://bookstore.acenet.edu/

Look at this also, ACE isretty much definitive as to what's allowed for college credit, incl in the svcs, from what I'd read.

The American Council on Education

As a leader in the higher education community, you need resources to help you meet the day-to-day challenges you face on your campus. From practical solutions to longer-term strategic planning, the American Council on Education offers numerous publications to help you succeed.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:30 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:30:20 -0400

http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx

I think that last one was wrong, this was what I'd meant to send....

Military Guide

Online guide for military students returning to college

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:31 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:31:21 -0400

http://www.uopeople.edu

Here's the UoPeople site....

UoPeople - The world's first tuition-freeAccredited Online University

Welcome to the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online, American university. Follow your dreams. Your career starts here.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:31 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:31:51 -0400

http://www.excelsior.edu

Here's the Excelsior site....

www.excelsior.edu

Excelsior College, an online college with degree programs, courses and exams in Business, Technology, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Health Sciences and Public Service.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:34 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:34:28 -0400

http://www.tesu.edu/

Here's the Edison site....

College Degrees for Adults at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University provides opportunities for adults to earn a college degree. Explore our programs, online courses and flexible transfer credit policies today.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 11 at 2016 7:36 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:36:00 -0400

I have 30+ of them (CLEP/DANTE/Excelsior), to the point where my entire AS was covered by them and most of my BS was.

The CLEP has a "passing score" (C) of 55%, and with only a few exceptions are multiple choice only. As an example, I have 6 credits in Accounting. I know NOTHING about accounting, but I passed the test.

They (CLEPs) net you 3-6 Lower Level college credits and "many" schools will accept 30~ (1 years worth) in Transfer Credits (some take more). They are a great way to burn down pre-reqs and humanities so you can focus on what you really want to learn. Additionally, they are a great way to save money. While you are in, you can take them at a base education center for FREE. When you get out, they cost $95 which is still cheaper than the per credit hour cost of most courses.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:36 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:36:28 -0400

https://www.charteroak.edu/

Here's the Oak Tree site....

Finish your Degree Online | Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is an accredited, public college offering online courses and degree completion programs. Established by the State of Connecticut in 1973.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:37 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:37:47 -0400

https://www.charteroak.edu/

Here's the Oak Tree site....

Finish your Degree Online | Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is an accredited, public college offering online courses and degree completion programs. Established by the State of Connecticut in 1973.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:42 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:42:03 -0400

Try to explain some more about your background if possible, interests, education, ambitions, so far as you might care to say, and I'll try to explain more, if I can. I know that was a good deal to absorb, however, I find such problems as yours of interest,mif I can give you many further thoughts, I'll of course try, many thanks. The more you give me as to specifics, exacdt courses done thus far, schools while and and also outside so far as you can say, your actual obgjectivezps, also, the more I might be able to suggest. Let me give them while thing some thought, I'll see if I can find some other freebies or useful stuff, as well as what's here already thaymive sent or besides what's also been suggested by others here, many thanks.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:44 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:44:25 -0400

http://www.cgauxedu.us/

You might also care to glance at that....

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:46 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:46:39 -0400

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=auxop-courses

And that....

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Training Directorate

Public and Members Website for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Training Directorate

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:48 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:48:45 -0400

http://a13002.uscgaux.info/masters.html

I also found that pretty interesting actually...

USCG Auxiliary Seattle: Division 2 Homeland Security Masters Degree

Auxiliarists are eligible to apply for the Homeland Security Masters Degree (MA) Program. This is an 18 month distance learning program, but you will need to spend two weeks each quarter in residence. The program is fully funded, so there is no cost to the Auxiliarist.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:52 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:52:51 -0400

http://www.capmembers.com/cap_university/professional_development/inresidence_courses/

I also did some of this when I was in, svc mbrs, so far as imknew at least back then when dinos walked the Earth in the Pleistocene could do CAP stuff as well as USCG aux, I think, as well, they allow one to do PME that might not be otherwise avail for you, maybe, they're either free or not all that expensive, as well, just a thought, they likely do it far differently now, however I did find the site shown here, hopefully, enjoy....

CAP In-Residence Courses - Civil Air Patrol

CAP is a nonprofit organization with over 58,000 members. It performs 95% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions. Members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 27,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:54 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:54:53 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Correspondence_Course_Program

This also seemed relevant....

Army Correspondence Course Program - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Army Correspondence Course Program (ACCP), is a type of distance education and the formal nonresident extension of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) service schools' curriculum.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:56 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:56:20 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSST_(standardized_test)

DANTES apparently "morphed", this is apparently it's new name....

DSST (standardized test) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) are credit-by-examination tests originated by the United States Department of Defense's Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. The program is an extensive series of 30+ examinations in college subject areas that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in undergraduate college courses. These tests are frequently used in conjunction with CLEP...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:57 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:57:57 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Institute

There also seems to be a USMC university, I'll try to find that as well....

Marine Corps Institute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Marine Corps Institute, commonly referred to as MCI, develops and maintains a curriculum of Marine Corps education. Subjects include infantry strategy/tactics, leadership skills, MOS qualifications, personal finance, and mathematics. Completion of MCI courses is generally required for promotion to the next Marine enlisted rank.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 7:59 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:59:56 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Institute

Found USMC university, as well....

Marine Corps Institute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 8:00 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 08:00:50 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_University

Sorry, this is it, didn't paste the first time....

Marine Corps University - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Marine Corps University is a group of accredited higher-education schools at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. It reports to the United States Marine Corps Training And Education Command. It was established on August 1, 1989 by General Alfred M. Gray, Jr., then Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 11 at 2016 8:04 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 08:04:15 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlisted_Professional_Military_Education

This might also be useful to look at....

Enlisted Professional Military Education - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The term Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) is a general term used by all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces to describe the formal system of education each branch provides to its enlisted personnel. Each branch has its own system and sequence of courses, with the overall focus on leadership and management. Education generally increases in intensity and level of knowledge as individuals progress in rank and assume broader...

Response by MSgt Sandra McKinney Dent made Jul 11 at 2016 10:35 AM

MSgt Sandra McKinney Dent — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 10:35:19 -0400

I took them while deployed to Kuwait during Operation Southern Watch. I actually maxed out several of them. Just remember it is UP TO THE INSTITUTION (college or university) to accept any portion of the recommended credit hours.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Jul 11 at 2016 12:07 PM

SGM Joel Cook — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 12:07:06 -0400

I am disappointed you did not get the right answers from the Ed center. It is the only reason they exist to give you the answers to tough civilian ed questions. I did two CLEPs and more than 50 DANTES. I did so many Dante's because they were easy, free and I educated myself on many subjects. I would suggest you get with a military associated college like Cental Texas College, University of Maryland or Excelsier College. Sign a SOCAD agreement with that college. A SOCAD is a contract to finish a degree program with that college. Then whenever you want to take a test, you can ask their ed counselor if their college will accept those credits. Example: I wanted to take English CLEP. I asked the college ed rep if they would accept the credits. She said yes, but only if I took the English CLEP with Essay version. There are short practice tests for every CLEP, but in my opinion they are not a real example of how difficult the actual exam is. I took the practice exam and I thought it was easy. Then I took the actual exam. It was a very hard test. When you rip open the test envelope it assigns you an essay subject. Then you have to write a rough draft, then rewrite it as a five paragraph paper. Both must be turned in and are part of your grade. I think I finished it with less than five seconds to spare and I only got a C on the test. So I retook English in the classroom and got an A. I also took American History I CLEP and got an easy A, I blew it out of the water. My Associates Degree was with Central Texas College. My Bachelors is with Excellciors, both are good colleges. Excellciors accepted most of my DANTEs, Central Texas College accepted not as many. Always ask before you begin studying for the exam, if your time is limited or valuable. DANTEs were very easy exams. I got over 48 As and two Bs. Good luck on your degree program.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jul 11 at 2016 1:37 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 13:37:01 -0400

In the 80s, I took all the basic CLEP Tests and several of DANTES subject specific tests. My recommendation to you is sign up for a test, study the workbook book and videos for two weeks just as if you were taking a short class, take the test, then move on to the next subject and repeat till you've completed them all. First off they are free, second nothing happens if you don't score high enough to get credits and finally, its way easier than taking all those basic classes. Think about it, you don't have to write any reports or take multiple quiz's, or sit in a boring classroom day after day and be lectured to.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Jul 11 at 2016 2:14 PM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 14:14:24 -0400

Hit the library and you'll find a dedicated section for CLEP and DANTES Test study material. Generally it consists of study guides, books, and CD's that exclusively cover material geared toward these variety of tests. I utilized these sources during my active duty service to take CLEP exams that cost $0 and awarded my 3 College Credits or more towards an undergraduate degree. For instance, the PBS Series by Ken Burns on "The Civil War" was available on video cassette and after watching the entire selection, I took the exam successfully....viola' 3 Credits at no cost! Subject matter covers Humanities, Math, English, Science, and Organizational Management...just to name a few! Well worth your time if your motivated to do so and spare you from paying for a full college class. Should you fail the test, you can retake the exam in six months (or so it used to be) and generally at no or little cost to you.

Response by Cpl D L Parker made Jul 11 at 2016 9:02 PM

Cpl D L Parker — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 21:02:47 -0400

I passed the western civilization course some 30 years ago. I was able to get a AA in LA while stationed at Camp Lejuene.

Response by SSgt James Atkinson made Jul 11 at 2016 11:28 PM

SSgt James Atkinson — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 23:28:24 -0400

While you are on active duty take all of the CLEP and DANTES tests as you can, and do these as rapidly after initial entry training (Boot Camp + Technical School), and be aware that the CLEP and DANTES tests assume you already own the knowledge, as it is not the sort of examine you can cram for. I know people, who in the first six month after initial entry training hammered out all of the general subject CLEPs (6 credits each), and all the math, science, radio, electronics, and related exams where they acquired 60+ credit by these exams before they reached the point in their OJT that would have allowed them to attend conventional courses. Of course, to get promoted you have to spend time in a classroom as the military placed a great value on actual butt-in-seat courses. You can also rapidly gain around 30 college credit by online courses and exams with FEMA Emergency Management Institute, but the course require quite a bit of time to complete, with tens of thousands of pages of reading, but the FEMA/EMI courses are well received by all branches of the military, and they have historically be helpful for promotions.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jul 12 at 2016 4:27 AM

PO1 Tony Holland — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 04:27:19 -0400

At San Jose State in the mid-60's CLEP tests were not available to freshmen and sophomores ---- By the time you were a junior you had already had to have taken every undergraduate course which could have been challenged by the tests ---- basically, the school's version of a Catch-22.

Response by SSG Amy Maldonado made Jul 12 at 2016 2:07 PM

SSG Amy Maldonado — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:07:43 -0400

See if you can go back and talk with someone else. It has been a few years since I had taken any (I took 3 tests in all). If that does not help find a military friendly college in your area and talk with their VA representative. I am saddened to hear you recieved that kind of information from the Ed Center. Normally they promote the tests and have the study guides to help prepare you for them. I wish you the best of luck!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 13 at 2016 12:27 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:27:35 -0400

CLEP rocks!!!! Especially early in your career. I took all sorts of advanced classes in high school, and that helped me not have to take math later on. It was the difference in graduating and having to go remedial when I found out that in this decade we have 1 and 3 as cousins and 5 and 4 as distant kissing cousins in some number family rigamarole.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2016 4:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 16:37:06 -0500

The Spanish CLEP awarded me 12 semester hours; the Ethics in America DSST earned me three semester hours.DSST is very similar to CLEP and are upper level tests.