Lifelong Learning:

Valuable Educational Benefit for Guard/Reserve Spouses

If you're married to a soldier in the National Guard or Reserve you may be entitled to a very valuable educational benefit – free testing that can lead to college credit that will save you time and money.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) cover a wide range of topics. The registrar or admissions office at the colleges that you are interested in attending (or are attending) have information about which tests are accepted for college credits. Students can earn from three to six credits per test.

CLEP tests consist of five general objective exams and about 30 subject exams. They have a 90-minute time limit. There is a penalty for wrong answers. Libraries, bookstores, and the education centers have sample tests to help spouses prepare for the exams.

The CLEP program consists of a series of examinations that test college-level knowledge gained through your job, reading, travel, hobbies and other interests. Almost 3,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. recognize CLEP. Acceptable scores mean potential college credit for knowledge and experience you may already have without attending classes.

Since 1967, CLEP has helped millions of people get a head start into a better tomorrow. It's an outstanding way to save time and money as you pursue a college education.

DSST tests consist of about 35 objective exams. They have no time limit, but take about 90 minutes. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Sample tests are available on-line at the DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) Web site.

For free testing, spouses must take the exams at National Guard or Reserve test centers. They are funded (free) for spouses only at these centers, not at active duty education centers.

For more information on how to take full advantage of this free benefit, National Guard spouses must contact their State Education Service Officer at STARC headquarters; Reserve spouses can contact their Education Service Specialist at their Army Reserve Regional Support Command.