Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Valdosta Campus is now offering College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing, expanding opportunities for students and community members in the Valdosta and Lowndes County area to earn college credit. The first CLEP testing session at the Valdosta Campus is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, at 1:30 p.m. Seating for this inaugural session is limited, and Wiregrass officials encourage individuals interested in taking an exam to register early.
CLEP, which is administered by the College Board, allows individuals to demonstrate knowledge they have gained outside of a traditional classroom setting. This program can help students who qualify to secure college credit for this existing knowledge, offering a potentially faster and more affordable route toward completing a college credential. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Director of Testing and Enrollment Reporting, Julie Drexler, stated that the addition of CLEP testing at the Valdosta Campus provides "another valuable option for moving their education forward" for both students and the wider community. She elaborated that CLEP offers an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge acquired through previous education, work experience, military service, or independent study, and potentially convert it into college credit.
Earning a passing score on a CLEP exam can result in three or more college credits. The exact number of credits awarded depends on the specific examination taken and the credit policies of the institution that accepts the score. By successfully earning credit through examination, students may be able to bypass certain introductory courses, which can significantly reduce the amount of time needed to complete their desired credential. This method also holds the potential to lower overall educational costs for participants.
The new testing option at the Valdosta Campus also specifically enhances access for military personnel and veterans residing in the region. Eligible military personnel and veterans who choose to test at the Valdosta Campus can register through the Wiregrass testing portal. By selecting the “CLEP (Military)” group during registration, these individuals will not be charged the Wiregrass registration fee. It is important for all CLEP testers, including military personnel and veterans, to also register separately through the College Board website. This step is necessary to obtain the required CLEP ticket number or voucher before they arrive for their scheduled examination.
For non-military testers, the registration process involves a $25 Wiregrass registration fee. This fee is in addition to the separate CLEP examination fee charged by the College Board. Registration through Wiregrass can be completed up to two business days prior to the scheduled examination date, although this is subject to the availability of seats for the chosen session. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College advises those interested in taking a CLEP exam to review all registration instructions thoroughly. This includes specific information for military and veterans, resources for exam preparation, and other pertinent CLEP details.
This expansion of testing services locally underscores Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s commitment to providing flexible educational pathways for the diverse population of Valdosta and surrounding areas, including current students, adult learners, and those transitioning from military service. By offering these recognized college-level examinations, the institution aims to empower individuals to accelerate their academic and career goals right here in South Georgia.
