Press Releases

Funding for CLEP® Exams Extended to Eligible Military Veterans

10/17/06

NEW YORK—Military veterans can now receive full reimbursement for CLEP (College-Level Examination Program®) testing fees, thanks to a recently-implemented law that enhances veterans' educational benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will reimburse veterans for the CLEP examination fee as well as test-center administration fees.

CLEP has been a critical part of the education services program for active-duty service members since 1974; this new funding option provides valuable continuity in benefits for those transitioning out of the military. Nearly 3,000 colleges and universities grant credit or advanced standing based on CLEP exam performance. By earning satisfactory scores on CLEP exams, veterans earn college credit in subject areas they have already mastered as a result of training or independent learning. Earning credit by exam provides a significant time savings as veterans avoid taking courses in subject areas for which they have knowledge. Veterans earning credit can make the most of their GI Bill tuition benefit by applying those funds toward needed coursework. The 90-minute CLEP exams are administered on computer at 1,300 college test centers across the country; veterans will receive their scores immediately after completion of the exam. CLEP exams are offered in 34 subjects ranging from English Composition to U.S. History, Spanish, and College Algebra.

"The College Board is proud to serve military personnel as they transition from active duty to civilian life," said Ariel Foster, executive director of the CLEP program. "Most veterans move on to other careers after leaving the service and CLEP can help them reach their goal of a college degree."

"CLEP is one of the best programs I've ever come across in education. In only two months I received 15 credits toward my degree through CLEP. It has saved me money, but more importantly, I haven't had to sit in class for weeks to earn those credits," said Jackson Gillett, a former Marine from Portland, Oregon. "My advice is to take advantage of CLEP whether you are on active duty or a veteran like me."

Since the program's inception in 1967, more than six million CLEP exams have been taken. For more information about CLEP and the benefits available to veterans, visit www.collegeboard.com/clepveterans.

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs office at (212) 713-8052.