Airman's Roll Call: Earning college credit

The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support program is here to help Airmen be better prepared for Air Force leadership positions or, should an Airman choose to leave military service, civilian career opportunities. This week's Airman's Roll Call explains ways Airmen can continue their education during times of high operations tempo. (U.S. Air Force illustration/Mike Carabajal)

Airman's Roll Call: Earn college credit for free

Published July 17, 2008

San Antonio, Texas -- Did you know it's possible to complete an associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force without sitting in a traditional classroom by using college-level testing provided through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support?

The DANTES testing program includes College Level Examination Program, DANTES Standardized Subject Tests and Excelsior College exams to award credit to students who demonstrate knowledge in a variety of subjects. Exams are free to military members.

Study guides and sample tests for these programs are available online at http://www.petersons.com/airforce to help Airmen accurately gauge whether or not they have the knowledge required to pass the actual exams.

Other things about the DANTES examination program:

- Successfully passing college-level tests supplements college credit Airmen receive for completing basic military training, technical school, upgrade training and professional military education.

- About 2/3 of U.S. colleges and universities accept these exams for credit.

- Apprehension about failing keeps many from taking these tests. Students who don't pass, though, can simply retake an exam six months later -- again for free.

- The programs are very adaptable to a high operations tempo They allow Airmen to keep chipping away at their college degree even when they don't have the time to sit in a classroom or participate in an online course.

The DANTES program is there to help Airmen be better prepared for Air Force leadership positions or, should an Airman choose to leave military service, civilian career opportunities. For more information contact your local education center.