Keesler AFB National Test Center Reopens After Pandemic

Bellevue University Offers Free CLEP and DANTES Exams to Military Members

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Members of the 81st Forces Support Squadron and Education Services pose for a photo during the National Test Center reopening ceremony inside the Sablick Center at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, on May 12, 2021. Photo credit: Kemberly Groue

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Keesler AFB personnel tour the National Test Center during the center's reopening ceremony on May 12, 2021. The test center is managed by Bellevue University, which offers free CLEP and DANTES exams to military members. Photo credit: Kemberly Groue

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Chief Master Sgt. John Crane, 81st Force Support Squadron superintendent, holds a flyer during the National Test Center reopening ceremony at Keesler, AFB, Mississippi, on May 12, 2021. Bellevue University manages the center, which was closed for a year, due to the pandemic. Photo credit: Kemberly Groue

BELLEVUE, Nebraska – Bellevue University staff recently participated in the reopening ceremony for the official military National Test Center (NTC) at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The reopened center, which is now managed by Bellevue University, was closed for a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the testing center, military candidates will have the option to accelerate their degree plans through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Both exams are offered free to military members.

Credit-by-examination tests allow military candidates to have the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses.

“We are proud to be selected by Keesler Air Force Base to become a National Test Center and continue to serve our military service members and help them to achieve their education goals,” Stan Hawkins, Assistant Director of Military Programs, said.

Through its current educational partnership, Bellevue University offers four featured programs at Keesler AFB, including: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, Bachelor of Science in Management of Human Resources and a Master’s in Cybersecurity.

Bellevue University has close to 140 strategic partnerships, including more than 80 corporate partnerships, 45 community college partnerships and 10 military and government partnerships.

Keesler Air Force Base is home to the 81st Training Wing and is the second largest technical training wing in the Air Force, consisting of military, Department of Defense civilians, and international students. The 81st Medical Group is also located on Keesler and operates the second largest medical center in the Air Force.

About Bellevue University

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).