KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M -- The Kirtland Air Force Base Education Center has officially resumed on-base College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) testing, restoring a convenient resource for service members, families and eligible personnel working toward higher education goals.
For more than two years, Kirtland personnel seeking to take CLEP or DSST exams had to travel off base after the previous university-managed testing center closed. Bringing testing back to the installation removes a significant barrier for military members and Department of War civilians, whose work schedules, deployments, temporary duty assignments and family responsibilities can make off-base appointments difficult to coordinate.
“We are excited to restore these important services right here at Kirtland, making it easier for our Airmen and Guardians to achieve their educational goals,” said Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Rapsavage, 377th Air Base Wing command chief. “For many of our personnel, the ability to test on base means less time spent traveling and more flexibility to pursue a degree while continuing to meet mission requirements.”
CLEP and DSST exams allow students to demonstrate college-level knowledge gained through military training, professional experience, independent study or previous education. Students who earn qualifying scores may receive college credit, depending on their school’s transfer-credit and degree requirements.
For service members, these exams can be a practical way to make the most of the knowledge and experience already gained through military service. Rather than repeating introductory coursework in familiar subject areas, eligible students may be able to focus their time and education benefits on advanced courses that directly support their degree plan, professional development and long-term career goals.
By passing standardized exams, students may be able to:
- Accelerate degree completion: Earn credit for qualifying subjects and potentially reduce the number of courses needed for graduation.
- Reduce education expenses: Avoid some tuition, fee and textbook costs associated with completing equivalent introductory courses.
- Maximize Tuition Assistance: Preserve military Tuition Assistance funds for upper-level, specialized or degree-required coursework that cannot be satisfied through examination credit.
- Increase flexibility: Complete degree requirements around demanding work schedules by preparing independently and testing when ready.
- Translate experience into academic progress: Receive potential college credit for knowledge developed through military training, technical expertise and prior learning.
The return of on-base testing also supports readiness by helping Airmen and Guardians pursue education without unnecessarily competing with mission demands. Completing academic requirements more efficiently can assist personnel in remaining competitive for future assignments, professional military education opportunities and civilian career transitions.
“Our goal is to make higher education as accessible as possible for the entire Kirtland community,” said John Harvey, 377th Force Support Squadron lead education services specialist. “We want to ensure everyone knows that these CLEP and DSST testing services at the Education Center are open to any personnel with base access. Whether you are active duty, a dependent or a DoD civilian, we are here to support everyone along their educational journey.”
Interested students should consult with their college or university before testing to confirm which CLEP or DSST exams are accepted, the minimum score required, and how credits apply to their specific degree program.
Students can schedule a CLEP or DSST exam by logging into their Air Force Virtual Education Center account and navigating to the Scheduled Tests section. Questions regarding testing schedules, eligibility or procedures may be directed to the Kirtland Education Center testing office at 377fss.fsde.testing@us.af.mil.