CLEP® for service members: DANTES-funded exams and how to get credit
If you serve on active duty, in the Reserve or in the National Guard, DANTES pays for your first try at each CLEP® exam. Here's who qualifies, how to register, where to test and how the credit reaches your college. Your college decides what counts.
- $0.00The price at checkout when DANTES funds your exam
- 34CLEP exams you can take at home; DANTES pays the remote fee on your first try
- OnceDANTES funds each exam subject once. A retake waits 3 months and is self-paid
Who pays: DANTES funding for CLEP®
For eligible service members, the U.S. government fully funds CLEP exams and the test center's fee.
Active duty, Reserve and Guard
DANTES pays for military personnel on active duty, in the Reserve and in the National Guard.
Military spouses
Spouses eligible for SpouseWorks (formerly MyCAA) can take CLEP exams free through DANTES. Spouses of Coast Guard members are covered too.
Air Force civilians
Air Force civilian employees are covered when they test on base or at a U.S. fully funded test center.
One funded try per subject
DANTES funds each CLEP subject once. To retake, you wait three months and pay the exam fee and any center fee yourself.
Already out?
DANTES doesn't pay for veterans, but the GI Bill can pay the fees back. See CLEP® for veterans.
How to register for a DANTES-funded CLEP® exam
- Ask which exams count. Your admissions officer or academic adviser can tell you which CLEP exams to take.
- Fill in your military status. When you register, complete the military status questions if you're eligible for DANTES funding.
- Check the price. For a DANTES-funded test taker, it shows $0.00 at checkout. College Board's study guide for that exam is added to your account at no charge.
- Pick where your score goes. You can send your score to two colleges free when you register.
- Book your seat. Registering and booking a test appointment are separate steps. At a test center, contact the center to set the date and time.
Where to test: on base, at a test center or at home
On base or at a DANTES-funded center
No administration fee for a DANTES-funded exam on a military base, at a college center sponsored by a nearby base, or at a DANTES-funded center.
At another test center
If the center isn't base-sponsored or DANTES-funded, you pay its administration fee. Each center sets its own fee.
At home
All 34 CLEP exams can be taken at home with remote proctoring. DANTES pays the $30 remote proctoring fee on your first attempt. To test at home you must live in the U.S. (not a U.S. territory) or be DANTES-funded.
On test day
Bring your Geneva Convention ID card.
How CLEP® credit works for service members
Your college decides
Each college has its own CLEP policy that says exactly what credit it gives. Check it before you test.
Your score right away
Your score is on the screen as soon as the exam ends (College Composition and Spanish with Writing take 2–3 weeks).
Military transcript
Your military transcript lists every DANTES-funded CLEP score from exams taken after July 1, 1974. Transcripts for DANTES-funded exams are ordered through Parchment for $30.
Air Force: CCAF
Scores from DANTES-eligible exams go to the Community College of the Air Force automatically.
Tips before you book
- Study first: DANTES funds one try per subject.
- Test on base, at a DANTES-funded center or at home to skip the center fee.
- Choose your two free score sends when you register.
- Check your college's CLEP policy for each exam.
Study for your CLEP® exams with TransferCredit.org
One plan covers every CLEP course and study guide we sell: $29 a month or $69 for 3 months. Or pay $149 once for every CLEP and DSST course and guide.
CLEP for service members: quick answers
Is CLEP free for active-duty service members?
For eligible service members, DANTES funds the exam fee on the first try at each subject, and DANTES-funded and on-base test centers waive their fee. A retake is self-paid.
Does DANTES pay for CLEP exams taken at home?
Yes. DANTES covers the $30 remote proctoring fee on your first attempt at a CLEP exam.
Can my spouse take CLEP exams through DANTES?
Spouses eligible for SpouseWorks (formerly MyCAA) can take CLEP exams free through DANTES.
Will my college accept my CLEP score?
Your college decides. Each college has its own CLEP policy, so ask your adviser which exams to take.
How do I get CLEP scores on my military transcript?
Your military transcript includes all DANTES-funded CLEP scores from exams taken after July 1, 1974. Order it through Parchment for $30.
Use your funded tries well
Check your college's policy, study, then book. Our CLEP® prep covers the exams most colleges take.
We source all of this information from College Board.