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Testing Information for Veterans

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The Tyler Junior College Testing Services Department is extremely proud of its long-standing relationship with the men and women in uniform who bravely serve this country. We are also equally thankful for the sacrifices and commitment of their family members. Please know that we are dedicated to providing the highest quality testing services to our military and veterans in an atmosphere that is respectful, quiet and secure.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

TSI Exemptions: If you are new to TJC, the State of Texas requires a TSI assessment or an approved alternative test prior to enrolling in any college-level course work. There are a number of exemptions to the TSI assessment for those who are veterans or active military. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s TSI statutes, you are exempt if:

  • You are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces or the Texas National Guard.
  • You are currently serving, and, for at least the three-year period preceding enrollment, has served as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the US.
  • You, who on or after August 1, 1990, were honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces.

Critical VA Information: It is important for you to know that the Veteran’s Administration has certain guidelines that will impact what developmental classes they will cover.

  • If you decide to not take the TSI assessment, the VA WILL NOT cover the cost of any developmental courses unless you show a "Verifiable Need" for the developmental class. Verifiable need is defined as taking the TSI assessment and those results will be included in the student’s VA file.
  • However, if you do decide to take the TSI assessment, development courses will be covered by the VA as long as the developmental class is taken on campus. The VA will not pay for any developmental class that is taken via Internet or Hybrid.

Testing Services Department Recommendation: Even though you may be considered exempt by the State of Texas, we feel that it would be in your best interest to take the TSI assessment. The TSI will help you and your advisor determine if you are ready for college-level course work or if you will need intervention to help you become better prepared for college courses.

If you choose to take the TSI assessment, please visit the TSI web page for further information regarding the TSI. Additionally, out of respect for your service to our country, we will not charge you for taking the TSI.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Military Benefit: The CLEP affords you the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know by taking any of the 33 entry-level college subject exams. Here at TJC, we accept 22 of the CLEP exams. Did you know that because the exams are funded by the United States government through DANTES, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars towards your degree?

According to CLEP, DANTES will fund exams for the following groups:

  • Military personnel (active duty, reserve, National Guard): Army, Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army, and Air National Guard.
  • Spouses and civilian employees of: Air Force* (civilian employees only), Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve, Coast Guard (active and reserve). Please note: Spouses and civilian employees of Air National Guard can no longer receive DANTES funding effective October 15, 2014.

For further information and details regarding DANTES funding for CLEP exams, please review the DANTES Eligibility Chart.

What you need to know to take the CLEP: For Military personnel and veterans, the CLEP registration process is different. After selecting what CLEP test you would like to take through our Testing Center, you will need to do the following:

  1. Learn about your college or university's CLEP policy. It is important to know that each institution sets its own policy. Thus, it is important to connect with the Admissions Office or speak with an advisor.
  2. Next, you will need to develop a “My Account” through the CLEP registration portal.
  3. According to CLEP, you must specify your military status during the My Account process. When buying an exam in My Account, you will be asked if you qualify for DANTES funding. It is critical that you identify yourself as DANTES funded and then answer all questions about your military status.
  4. When you register as a DANTES funded test candidate, CLEP will automatically send you a corresponding exam guide at no cost.
  5. Make sure to print out your REGISTRATION TICKET at the time of registration.
  6. You will then need to schedule your appointment with our Testing Center. So, after you register for your exam, call TJC’s Testing Services office at 903.510.2617 to make an appointment to test.
  7. On exam day, you will need to bring the following:
    • Geneva Convention Identification Card ID on test day. Refer to the DANTES Eligibility Chart (.pdf/259 KB) for additional information on IDs for active-duty members, spouses, and civil service civilian employees.
    • $25.00 non-refundable proctoring fee for each exam (make check or money order payable to Tyler Junior College)
    • REGISTRATION TICKET

CLEP Transcript Request: Requesting a transcript must be done through the CLEP military channel. According to CLEP, To obtain a CLEP transcript, military personnel must order a military transcript online using the Parchment Transcript Ordering Service. 

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