The College Board recognized the Boise State Testing Center at Mountain Home Air Force Base as the 2018 College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Back-To-School Initiative winner for the State of Idaho for the number of tests administered and for their creative marketing materials. This is not the center’s first recognition by the College Board: In 2017, the Mountain Home location also won the CLEP Back-To-School contest in the Student Success Story category and was selected in 2018 as one of the top 25 in the nation for most exams administered.
The Mountain Home location is strategic for Air Force, Reserves and Idaho National Guard members and their families.
“We offer onsite CLEP exams that help service members advance without having to travel or set aside extra time. It is our responsibility to serve these individuals by removing barriers and increasing access to higher education,” said Director of Community Education and Outreach Sean Hunter.
CLEP exams accelerate the time to complete a degree by applying test takers’ knowledge and experience to a test that, if passed, counts for college credits. Air Force members participating in Airman Leadership School are strongly encouraged to take CLEP tests.
“These tests allow Air Force members to advance their career in the military and expand opportunities post-separation,” explained Laura Porter, outreach coordinator for Boise State’s Military Programs.
Students who successfully complete CLEP exams can apply the credits they have earned at over 2,900 colleges and universities toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and are up to 18 percent more likely to complete a four year degree. Continuing to offer CLEP and other competency-based education options is one way Boise State is acting on the recommendations made by the governor’s Higher Education Task Force.
Boise State has partnered with the Mountain Home Air Force base for more than 60 years. Along with Porter, Boise State staff members Amanda Reynolds and Kimm Durr administer CLEP tests, DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs) and proctored exams at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 9 a.m. on Fridays at the Mountain Home location.
Individuals can learn more about testing and services offered at Mountain Home and Gowen Field at https://www.boisestate.edu/flex/flexible-locations/military-programs/.