AF education changes imminent Published May 26, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support will no longer fund any retests for college-level exams due to budget constraints and low pass rates beginning Oct. 1. DANTES provides funds for exams in the College Level Exam and Excelsior College Exam Programs as well as DANTES Subject Standardized Tests. "Colleges can award credit for knowledge demonstrated on the (DANTES) exam," said Margaret Slade, 4th Force Support Squadron chief of education and training. Typically, three to six semester hours are awarded for each exam. There is a wide variety of CLEP, Excelsior and DSST exams offered at Seymour Johnson ranging from American Government to Technical Writing. Currently, Airmen are able to take an exam for free, whether it is the first time testing in that subject or the third. With the upcoming changes, the first test will be free and all subsequent retests are at the expense of the individual, said Janie Best, 4th FSS chief of force development. "The cost of the retake depends on the test." CLEP test retakes will cost the individual $77 plus a $20 registration fee, while retaking a DSST exam costs $80 plus a $20 registration fee. Subsequent Excelsior exams can range from $240 to $345. To prepare for the exam, Ms. Best suggests Airmen review the study guide for the test they intend to take. Study guides are found on the Air Force Virtual Education Center through the Portal or at the base library. These books can be checked out of the library for 14 days at a time. "Testing is a great way to earn college credit without having to take a class," Ms. Best said. "It saves Airmen time and money. Even if they take a little time to review for the exam, it's a win-win situation with the first exam being free." For more information on the new testing update or to sign up for an exam, contact the education center at 722-5800.