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National Test Center Opens at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061119-01
Release Date: 11/19/2006 3:55:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bruce McVicar, Northwest Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- A National Test Center (NTC) saw its grand opening at Columbia College on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) Nov. 14.

The NTC will allow Sailors and Marines to take College Learning Education Program (CLEP) tests online as opposed to turning in paper tests.

“We have created an outstanding partnership with Columbia College in order to get the National Test Center at Whidbey Island," said Cheryl Pollock, director of the Navy College office.

Classes will be immediately increased from 14 paper-based CLEP tests to 34 electronic tests. The system will soon expand to offer Dantes Subject Standardization Test (DSST), which will offer many more classes and eventually certifications.

“The wider variety of tests available will give students more flexibility with regard to their interests and degree plan,” said Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW) Richard Smith. “Also, instant feedback on successful performance facilitates the student's accumulation of credits by allowing them to immediately prepare for their next test.”

This upgrade in service reduces the amount of administrative work necessary to complete the education mission.

“An increase of the variety of CLEP will reduce my need for actual college courses,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW) Daniel McCarty.

All CLEP titles will be administered via Computer Based Testing (CBT) and all are still free to active-duty service members. Instantaneous scoring of the tests is now a reality, with the exception of exams that have an essay component, such as English Composition Technical Writing.

“I have long been a proponent of CLEP; it simplifies the process of attaining my degree. I believe it’s more efficient to challenge a course and earn the credit than to complete a semester of instruction,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class (AW) Carolyn Robertson. “More CLEP exams also mean greater savings to the military by not having to pay for tuition.”

Prior to the NTC Whidbey Island opening, students had to drive to Marysville, Wash., to take tests at the Smokey Point NTC. The NTC will be the second located in Navy Region Northwest.

“I am a huge fan of the CLEP exams. I can go to the library and study the material on my own time for as long as I need to grasp the material, and then get free college credit at a faster pace than going to school,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Justin Mosiman. “It will definitely benefit anyone and help the process for new degree requirements within the enlisted community.”

It takes an average of four to six weeks for the test to be mailed off and graded as the student waited for the results. The future could see more testing days, added classes and possibility Saturday tests, which will add flexibility.

“This is a team effort to help military personnel in their quest for a higher education," said MarJean Knokey, director of Columbia College.

Family members, military retirees, dependents and civilians with base access and attending an on base school may also test at the on base National Test Center on a space-available basis, but they must pay both the test fee and the administration fee.

Practice exams for certain CLEP exams are still available through Navy Knowledge Online at www.nko.navy.mil, and all of them are available through the local Navy College Office.