FY13 - DSST Civilian Pass Rates

[Prloko]

You remind me of my current supervisor, Prloko (and I mean this in an absolutely positive way). I agree with you on the points you made, and in my short time in (3 years this past January) it's become clear that despite how long CLEP/DSST and alternate educational sources have been around very few within the services actually understand or even appreciate what they're for.

As I posted in the Off-Topic forum, we barely got a blurb about what CLEP/DSST was during BMT, other than "it's free credits when you pass". Even my educational counselor couldn't pass the one CLEP he took, so he advised me and anyone who'll listen to at least "warm-up" for class by taking these cold. The PDG has a very weak description of both exams as well, which doesn't spell out just how valuable they can be.

I will say though, for my unit at least, that things are turning around; I've already had multiple NCOs and SNCOs approach me for help on the CCAF, after knocking it out in 9 months, and the newer airmen coming in are fully appreciating what the military can offer them education-wise including testing out, thanks to the precedent I've set. It's really up to us in the service now to turn things around (especially from previous Airmen, such as my former supervisor who failed multiple times for EPR bullet purposes), and all we can really do is try.

For my testing center's part they link to free-clep-prep for advice on how to pass the exams, which is a site I found on my own and which ultimately led me here to InstantCert.

Are you a MSgt by any chance?

I was a 7 year TSgt, but got out before I made MSgt (I declined promotion testing since I had wanted to separate). I like the things you say in here. I notice that the new influx of Airmen are much smarter and dedicated than the old bunch. Many are coming in with BAs and MBAs as Airmen. I had some really awesome airmen that could teach me a thing or two and that is awesome that you are passing it on to others. I tried so hard to sell people in my old career field on CLEP and TESC, but many insisted on going with one of the NA schools or TUI (not that there is anything wrong with them, just I felt TESC was more efficient). Its great you are not wasting your opportunity, remember to add substance and purpose to whatever you are doing and the bullets write themselves.