CLEP and two forms of photo ID

[sypher]

Guess I missed this in my research...went to take my first CLEP today at the local CC and they needed two forms of photo ID. All I have is drivers license and I'm not a student there so I don't have a student id card. I guess I will go get a passport. Kinda annoyed as I have been studying and was planning on taking 3 exams this week.

[BGSU_Alum_86]

Here is what the CLEP "Information for Candidates" says in regards to the required second ID (which does NOT have to be a government-issued ID): "The secondary ID must have either a photo OR a signature."

Many testing candidates seem confused about this requirement for a second ID and think they have to send away for a passport. Here are some ideas:
school ID (usually these have a photo)
employee ID (again, many of these have a photo)
social security card (should already be signed, but should not be laminated)
library card (if this is one with a signature)
credit card (needs to be in your name, not expired, with either a signature on the back or a photo if not signed)

Does this help?

[sypher]

Actually they said that just changed this last week and they could no longer accept a Social Security card. Here's the guidelines:

Examinees must present two forms of current identification in order to be admitted for a CLEP exam. Your primary ID must be government-issued and include your name, signature, and a recognizable photograph. The secondary form of ID must include your full name and have a photo and/or signature. A credit card, with or without photo, an employer ID, or a Social Security Card are no longer accepted as secondary ID. All funded military candidates must present a current military ID and a second form of government-issued photo ID.

[sypher]

Well, I called another community college on the other side of town..they said they'll take a social security card as secondary ID. I guess I will go over there tomorrow....weird. Beats having to go through the hassles of getting a passport, but it means a 40 min drive where I could have literally walked to the other place.

[GoodYellowDogs]

Wow, I've never been asked for a second ID.

[Westerner]

Actually they said that just changed this last week and they could no longer accept a Social Security card. Here's the guidelines:

I test at DeVry and they need 1 photo ID and 1 non-photo ID. I’ve always used my SS card for the second but I wonder if their policy has now changed...

[cannoda]

Actually they said that just changed this last week and they could no longer accept a Social Security card. Here's the guidelines:

The Bulletin on the CLEP website says that a secondary ID must have a photo OR signature.

If they have really changed this, I can't imagine too many individuals that have a second id that would meet their requirements.

Besides my drivers license, the only IDs in my wallet with my picture on it is my employer ID and my Sams Club card.

And I would love for them to explain to me why a university faculty-staff id can't be used for a second id.

[burbuja0512]

I have tested or taken my DS to test at a total of 4 different colleges and only been asked for more than one ID at one, however, I was told that the 2nd ID was basically "anything official with your name on it" and the credit card I used to pay with was sufficient.

Honestly, if the first college is a more convenient location, I would try to get on the phone with someone in charge and see what other ID they recommend. Do you need to go spend 85 bucks on a passport if you don't have one, or would the Sam's club ID work? If so, I would definitely find out who is in charge and let them know about the hassle.

Keep in mind that many librarians or test center staff get a bit too much power and take it too far. I'm sure that they have good intentions, but keeping people from taking tests does make their job easier, so there may be a strong incentive to dissuade you from testing there.

I'm always professional and courteous when I complain, but I would never let a librarian/test center employee make me jump through hoops without finding out who they report to and then if necessary, who that person reports to.

[Publius]

You'd want to check up on this, but an option may be to get a state I.D. card. That's photo and signature, if I'm thinking straight.

My testing center only ever looked at one (military I.D.), and since they know me so well now, they don't even look at that anymore. hilarious

[burbuja0512]

You'd want to check up on this, but an option may be to get a state I.D. card. That's photo and signature, if I'm thinking straight.

My testing center only ever looked at one (military I.D.), and since they know me so well now, they don't even look at that anymore. hilarious

I know in my state you can't have both a driver's license and a state-issued ID, it's one or the other. This is why I think that the "boss" on campus has no clue about this policy. I can't think of a 2nd official govt-issued ID with a photo other than a passport or military ID. A passport is expensive and a military ID is not an option for many test takers. So, I think it sounds like someone at the testing center that either hates to give CLEPs or loves to gives students a hard time.