Testing Available Through an Education Center
Testing can be an important first step in your career development. Some colleges and
universities may require you to provide test results as part of your application. After your
release from active duty, you may be able to take advantage of the testing services offered by your
military Education Center, Navy College Office or Marine Corps LifeLong Learning Center. For
many Guard and Reserve personnel, these centers may not exist where you live. However, you can
still access them by phone or e-mail. Once in contact with them, ask them if there are any
websites that can also assist you. The services they provide include the following:
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Vocational interest inventories: Most Education Centers, Navy College Offices and
Marine Corps LifeLong Learning Centers offer free vocation interest inventories that can help you
identify the careers most likely to interest you.
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Academic entry exams: Before applying for college or other academic programs, you
may want to take a college admission test such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), ACT, or the
Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Some schools may require that you do so. Information
on these tests is available through your Unit Education Officer, installation Education Center,
Navy College Office, or Marine Corps LifeLong Learning Center. You must start
early. These exams are offered only a few times each year.
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Credit by examination: Your unit Education Officer, installation Education Center,
Navy College Office and Marine Corps LifeLong Learning Center offer a variety of “challenge” exams
that can lead to college credit. If you score high enough, you may be exempt from taking a
certain class or course requirements – resulting in a big savings of time and money as you earn
your degree. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardized
Tests (DSST) are also free to service members while on active duty. Consider taking advantage
of this while on full-time active duty.
Save Time and Money: You can get up to 30 college credits by taking the five CLEP
General Exams. If you are currently serving in the Armed Forces, you can take these exams for
free.
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Certification examinations: As a Service member and member of the National Guard
and Reserve working in an important occupational field, you have received extensive training
(service schools, correspondence course, OJT, active duty tours) which has proved valuable in
developing your professional skills. A military Education Center, Navy College Office, Marine
Corps LifeLong Learning Center, or VA counselor can provide you information on certification
examinations that “translate” military training into civilian terms. Examinations are
available in many skill areas and upon successful completion the documentation you receive is
readily understood and received in the professional occupational civilian community.
Tip: Contact a military Education Center, Navy College Office, or Marine Corps
LifeLong Learning Office, or a VA counselor to ensure that they have the capability to offer
examinations you need in paper and pencil or Computer-base-testing (CBT) format.
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009
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