New testing center opens at Eglin

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The University of Maryland University College's facility here held its national testing center grand opening Aug. 14.

"Having the center at Eglin makes a college degree more attainable for military personnel and civilian community members with base access, and can help them reach their long- or short-term educational goals," said Anna Quilter, UMUC's director, Eastern Region, department of military partnerships.

Center patrons can take a variety of tests to help meet their specific goals, including the College-Level Examination Program; Defense Education for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests; Pearson Virtual University Enterprise/Excelsior College Examinations; and UMUC placement exams, Quilter said.

Quilter said the center's services are not limited to personnel looking to pursue UMUC courses. "We will service the entire Eglin community regardless of their school affiliation," she said.

The center's on-site representatives will be available to answer questions and guide individuals who may be unsure about what their next step is to obtaining a degree, Quilter said. The representatives can also show individuals how they should go about taking the right examination in a cost-efficient way, she added.

Active duty military personnel may take CLEP and DSST exams at the center free of charge, when taking an exam for the first time, she said. Passing these exams can help active duty military students in their pursuit of promotions.

"The convenience of having an on-site testing center and on-site representatives may give some people the needed push to re-think pursuing a college education," Quilter said.

The UMUC's National Testing Center is located at 502 West D. Avenue, Suite 100. It is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for CLEP and DSST walk-ins only; on Wednesdays at noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and on Fridays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, call 882-1321.