CLEP for Military Personnel
College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) exams are available to eligible military personnel as a way to save time and money while earning college credit. To assist military personnel in meeting their educational goals, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) funds CLEP exams for eligible military service members and eligible civilian employees.
- Who Is Eligible For Military-Funded CLEP Exams?
- Testing Options for Military Personnel and Eligible Civilian Employees
- Obtaining Transcripts for Military Personnel
- CLEP Preparation
Who Is Eligible For Military-Funded CLEP Exams?
CLEP exams are free to the following eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees. Military veterans can seek reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for CLEP exams and fees. For more information, visit the CLEP for Veterans page.
- Military personnel (Active Duty and Reserve) - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army and Air National Guard
- Eligible civilian employees and spouses of participating Reserve Component and Coast Guard personnel
- Department of Defense Acquisition Personnel (only eligible for the following computer-based exams: Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Marketing)
Military-Funded CLEP Exams: Eligibility Chart (.pdf/52 KB)
CLEP Testing Options for Military Personnel and Eligible Civilian Employees
| CLEP Testing Option | CLEP at Test Centers on College Campuses | CLEP at College Test Centers on Military Bases | CLEP Testing at DANTES Education Centers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | February 2004 | Check with your Education Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist. | April 2004 |
| Exams Available | All 34 CLEP exams | All 34 CLEP exams | 14 CLEP titles* |
| Exam Format | Computer-Based | Computer-Based | Paper-and-Pencil |
| Scoring Format | "Rights-only scoring"; no penalty for guessing | "Rights-only scoring"; no penalty for guessing | "Rights-only scoring"; no penalty for guessing |
| Scores Available | Immediately upon completion of the exam** | Immediately upon completion of the exam** | Score reports are mailed approximately 6 weeks after the testing date. |
| To Find Testing Locations | Consult the CLEP Test Center search online. | Contact your Educational Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist. | Contact your Educational Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist. |
| Fees | CLEP exam is free to eligible military examinees. Examinee is responsible for the college's exam registration fee.*** | CLEP exam AND the registration fee are free to eligible military examinees. | CLEP exam is free to eligible military examinees. There is no registration fee. |
| To Register | Contact the college test center directly. | Contact your Educational Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist. | Contact your Educational Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist. |
| For Directions to a Test Center | Contact the college test center directly. | ||
| For More Information | Consult the Information for Candidates bulletin or contact a test center near you. | Contact your Educational Services Officer or Navy College Specialist; or visit the DANTES Web site at: www.dantes.doded.mil | Contact your Educational Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist; or visit the DANTES Web site at: www.dantes.doded.mil |
* 14 Paper-and-Pencil CLEP titles. General Exams: English Composition, Social Sciences and History, Natural Sciences, Humanities, College Mathematics. Subject Exams: Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, College Algebra, Freshman College Composition, Information Systems and Computer Applications, Introductory Sociology, Introductory Psychology, Principles of Management , History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877, History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present.
** Scores for computer-based CLEP exams are available immediately upon completion of the exam, except for scores for English Composition with Essay. Score reports for this exam are mailed to the examinee and the institution 2-3 weeks after the testing date.
*** Most colleges charge a non-refundable registration fee payable to the institution. The College Board recommends a $15 registration fee; however, each test center establishes its own policy and may charge a different amount. Military personnel are responsible for payment of the non-reimbursable registration fee. Military personnel must bring a current "Common Access Card" and a second form of ID with signature, e.g. driver's license, passport.
Obtaining Transcripts for Military Personnel
Military personnel may request an official transcript for CLEP computer-based exams taken after January 1, 2004 by sending the Military Transcript Order Form (.doc/68K). Enclose a certified check or money order of $20 for each transcript requested, payable to The DANTES Program. Credit card payment is accepted.
A military transcript will include all scores for paper-based CLEP exams taken by service members at DANTES military test centers (after July 1, 1974) and CLEP computer-based exams (taken after January 1, 2004)."
CLEP Preparation
Visit Preparation Resources for Military Service Members to learn about more ways to get ready for the CLEP exam.
