National Testing Center Opens at Pensacola Naval Air Station

March 17, 2009 - PRLog -- Coastline College officially began CLEP and DANTES e-testing at its Pensacola National Testing Center (NTC) March 15th.  The college, with physical campuses in Fountain Valley, California, now operates NTCs in four locations: Fallon NAS, Dyess AFB, Holloman AFB, Pensacola NAS.  By June they will also have established NTCs at Gulfport, MS and Point Loma NSB, bringing their total to six.  

“Anytime we’re able to reduce the amount of time and money that a service member needs to expend toward their education, we’re happy to do so,” stated Ed McKenney, Dean of Military Programs for the college.  “CLEP and DANTES testing provide a means for our military to acquire college credit for knowledge they’ve already attained through independent study, prior course work and, most importantly, their military training.”

Prior to the establishment of this e-testing center, tests were paper-based and results could take weeks to return through the mail.  Service members, as well as civilians may now take CLEP and DSST exams on one of 10 computers in the new computerized testing center and receive their score reports instantly. Students will know exactly what college credits they can receive by successfully completing a test.

“One big advantage is that the tests are free for active duty and reservists and don’t require a Tuition Assistance Form, “ stated Joel Menges the Pensacola Site Administrator.  “I love being able to provide this service.  As the former Test Examiner here at Pensacola, I know receiving results back from testing agencies can seem to take forever.  Having these results in your hands the same day you take the test is a real plus.”

In April, students will be able to schedule their CLEP/DANTES tests at any one of the centers through Coastline’s Military website http://military.coastline.edu.  For now, students may schedule a test time directly with the center at 850-549-7599.

Coastline College is a leader in providing the military VolEd opportunities.  With over 25k enrollments per year, a Spouse Program which offers free textbooks and courses offered through the internet and on handhelds, the college continues to find innovative ways to help the military student attain their educational goals.  Established in 1975 as a college “without walls,” dedicated to distance learning, Coastline specifically began serving the military audience in the early 80s. As a California community college, Coastline has been able to offer a high quality degree at one of the lowest TA rates available.  Coastline conferred Associate degrees on almost 1,500 military graduates in 2008.  

“It’s our sincere hope that Pensacola’s NTC will provide even more opportunity for sailors in the Southeast region.  When we bring the Gulfport NTC online, as well, we hope to be able to eliminate any barriers Navy and Coasties might have.  We want them to get that Associates degree, so they can establish a solid first step toward their advanced degree and promotion,” added Mr. McKenney.

Media Contact: Shawn Mann, Manager of Military Programs & Off-Campus Activities, (714) 241-6272, smann@coastline.edu

# # #

Founded in 1976, Coastline Community College has an international reputation as one of the nation's most innovative institutions offering CDROM, PDA and on site courses. Coastline awarded 49% of all Associates degrees in the Navy in 2008.