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.

CLEP tests allow you to test on a specific course subject and get full credit for that specific course if you achieve a passing score.  This can save you a lot of time since the CLEP test may take hours versus many weeks for a standard course term.  Military can take CLEP test for free and their spouses and dependants can take the CLEP tests for $120.00.

CLEP tests are offered in both a paper and a computer based format and there are three types of CLEP tests are available:

1. General CLEP is worth six credit hours and covers a broad overview of a specific subject.
2. Subject CLEP is worth three credit hours and is more specific.
3. Foreign Language CLEPs are worth between three and 12 credit hours each.

You should check with your college to see which of the above listed CLEP tests they accept since not every college accepts every type of CLEP test.  Even if your college does not accept your CLEP tests, the credit hours earned through CLEP may be eligible to be added to your promotion packet for future promotions. (example: Army gets a certain number of promotion Points per credit hour)

Why take CLEP tests?

• Save time. Get college credit for what you already know. Be rewarded for what you've learned through independent study, advanced high school courses, noncredit adult courses, or professional development.
• Save money. CLEP exams are free to military service members.
• Make college more interesting. Move right into advanced courses.
• Graduate on time. CLEP can help you to the finish line if you're a few credits shy of graduating.
• Satisfy a proficiency requirement. Demonstrate you've already mastered the content of, for example, a basic math or language course. Great for dual-degree candidates or students just a few credits shy of graduation.

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. 

• 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)

CLEP for Veterans

Active-duty military service members have had the opportunity to take funded CLEP exams since 1974. This benefit has now been extended to military veterans. If you are an eligible veteran, you can receive reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for CLEP exams and fees, saving you time and money while you pursue a college degree.

Veterans can claim reimbursement for CLEP exams and exam administration fees under provisions of the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-454), which enhances the education benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill. For more information about who is eligible for the CLEP benefit and how to submit a claim, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/testing.htm.

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 Resources for Military Service Members

DANTES Test Centers have reproducible copies of sample tests from the individual study guides. Contact your Education Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist; or visit the DANTES homepage at www.dantes.doded.mil.

Before you buy any CLEP prep service, check with your Education Services Officer (ESO). He or she may have heard about the company from other service members and may have records of past problems or successes. Also, your ESO should have good, current information about legitimate and useful prep methods and sources. Your local Better Business Bureau may have free information about a company — be sure to check with them.