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SWIC opens test center at Scott

  • Published
  • By Education Center
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 375th Air Mobility Wing and Southwestern Illinois College recently launched a joint project to establish a National Test Center at Scott Air Force Base, which conducted its first testing session Sept 9.

"The biggest benefit for those who use the NTC is the ability to get instant score results," said Ladonna Livingston, Education and Training section chief. "At many other testing locations, exam answer sheets are still mailed to an agency scoring site, and examinees wait two to six weeks to receive score results."

For Master Sgt. Trenton Musel, 375th Communications Support Squadron, who has taken nine College Level Examination Program tests and one DANTES Subject Standardized Test, the most recent on Sept. 9, the program has many benefits.

"This is much more convenient and a lot easier to work into my schedule," he said. "I've had to travel to different locations to take my tests before, which takes a lot of time. Other times, I've had to wait up to six weeks to find out if I passed."

The NTC, located in the Scott Education and Training Center (Bldg. 1650), offers computer and internet-based college level credit exam administration services to all Team Scott personnel. The NTC currently offers both CLEP and DSST exams. Future plans include addition of Excelsior College and some certification exam options.

"We're excited about opening the National Testing Center and offering the Scott AFB community this opportunity," said Chris Moran-Hunter, SWIC enrollment specialist. "Both CLEP and DSST testing will allow people to receive college credit for comprehensive subject knowledge they have received through independent or prior study, or on-the-job training."

Transition of exam services from the Education Office to the SWIC NTC will expand the range of available exams and provide examinees with immediate scoring feedback. The NTC will offer the full spectrum of 34 CLEP and 37 of 38 DSST exams versus the 14 CLEP and 16 DSST exams available in paper-based format through Air Force Education Offices.

Scheduling and administration of the Public Speaking DSST exam will continue through the Education Office, until an internet-based exam is developed.

DANTES currently funds, and will continue to fund, administration and exam fees for active duty and Reserve members. The Education Office staff will continue to provide program information and advisement services. Spouses and civilian employees of the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve are also eligible for funded exams.

As an added benefit, DANTES and the Air Force will realize a cost savings of $8 per exam that can be used to support other programs.

DoD Acquisition Workforce Personnel are eligible to take any of six DSST and three CLEP funded and career field related exams.

The SWIC NTC will also provide exam administration services to Team Scott personnel who do not meet funded eligibility requirements or wish to retake an exam. The standard CLEP exam fee of $77, DSST exam fee of $80, and administration fee of $20 will be charged for all unfunded examinees.

NTC exam sessions are scheduled for most Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8-11 a.m. and 12:30- 4:30 p.m. Appointments can be requested by visiting or calling the SWIC Scott AFB Office at 256-2442, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For additional information regarding college level credit examination options, including free study materials, visit the CLEP and DSST websites at www.collegeboard.com/clep and www.getcollegecredit.com or call the Scott Education Office staff at 256-3327.