DANTES: A Faster Way to Your Degree

It can be easy for servicemembers to overlook using The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) credit-by-exam program, but they shouldn't. The program allows members of the military to speed up the time it takes to earn a college degree by allowing them to test out of courses. Additionally, earning credits through DANTES can make new GI Bill benefits go further as fewer classes are needed to complete the degree.

DANTES Exam Basics

DANTES offers three types of exams--College Level Exam Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Specialized Tests (DSST) and the Excelsior College Exams (ECE). These three tests are designed to help soldiers apply the lessons they've learned through their military training and combine them with some additional studying to pass college level tests. Once passed, these tests save servicemembers from having to take the actual courses.

• CLEP. The tests that fall under CLEP are subject focused. In general, the 33 CLEP examinations cover material that is covered in classes most students would take in their first two years of college. Credits acquired through CLEP testing are accepted at most GI Bill schools.
• DSST. Designed with servicemembers in mind, military training and experiences can be applied to "test-out" in any (or all) of the 37 subjects areas offered in this test. This is a great way to maximize your new GI Bill benefits.
• ECE. These tests differs from CLEP and DSST in that they offer tests in nursing and teaching fields in addition to many of the same fields covered by CLEP and DSST. This makes ECEs particularly useful for servicemembers interested in healthcare occupations.

Before taking any of the DANTES tests, first check with your GI Bill school to ensure they accept the type of test you are considering.