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National Testing Center opens on base

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kristina Barrett
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  New educational opportunities are now available for deployed Airmen with the recent opening of the National Test Center here.

In addition to computer-based College Level Examination Program and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support tests, the new testing center offers Pearson Vue and Excelsior testing for certification and licensure programs.

"Until recently, deployed Airmen took paper-based tests, which had to be sent through the mail and scored by hand," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Grass, base test control officer. "With the opening of the NTC, we now offer computer-based testing for CLEP and DANTES, which allows testers to get immediate test results."

As the driving force behind the center opening, Grass said it almost didn't happen.
"Initially our location wasn't even considered," he said. "But after multiple emails and lots of coordination, University of Maryland University College decided to stand up our location, which is the first one stood up in Southwest Asia."

Without the center, Grass said he would only be able to offer 14 tests, which doesn't serve deployed Airmen's education needs. As it turned out, the decision was all about location.
"From here, we are able to serve many different deployed locations," he explained. "Any military person in the area can use our test center."

Heading up the new testing center is Sheryl Velshek, who managed test center locations at other deployed locations for several years. She explained the importance of opening up an NTC here.
"We can offer several tests that fulfill the general education requirements for a bachelor's degree," she said. "This is a great environment for service members to work on their degree requirements."

As part of her role, Velshek has developed information on what tests transfer to Community College of the Air Force requirements, in addition to what other tests apply to various certifications and licensing programs.

"It's never too late to finish your degree - and then continue with your education," she said.
"The NTC allows military members more opportunities to get their educational needs taken care of," Grass said. "There are a lot more options now than there used to be."
He also explained the military will pay for one-time certifications or licensing tests, up to $4,500.
"There are a lot of people who don't know that or take advantage of it," Grass added.
In all, the new test center offers 367 tests in 31 subjects.

Currently testing is available at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. These hours will expand to meet the needs of testing when a full-time civilian test control officer arrives. See the NTC brochure here or stop by the education center in building 367 for more information or to schedule a test.