Earning college credits through by-pass examinations is an excellent method of advancing an individual's college plan. It speeds progress towards your degree completion and costs you less to do so. The number of credits you can earn per exam does vary. There are four major types of examinations available without charge to active duty and reserve component military personnel. They are CLEP General Examinations, CLEP Subject Examinations, DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs), and ACT Proficiency Examinations (ACT/PEP).

Passing an exam does not guarantee credit--it must be accepted by a college. Most colleges accept one or more of these exams. In order to receive credit for taking the exams, three conditions must be met:

1. Scores must be submitted to a college which accepts the exams.

2. Scores must meet the minimum standards established by the college.

3. Subject matter of the exams taken must be applicable to a degree program offered by the college.

You are advised to discuss your college/testing plans with your Base Education Guidance Counselor before testing, and to coordinate your testing plans with your academic advisor from the school where you are pursuing your degree. Counseling is available through your Base Education Center to help you determine your plans of action.

Information regarding exams and study guides are available at the Base Education Center. Additionally, study materials are available at the Base Library, the Base Exchange and most book stores.

CLEP and DANTES exams are available to active duty military dependents and DOD civilians on a self-pay basis. Exams are available to others on a self-pay basis through local college testing centers.

CLEP and DANTES exams are offered free of charge to all active duty and reserve military, but official transcripts require a handling fee.