48th FW testing marathons save Air Force $342,000

BRANDON, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

11.22.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Elijah Chevalier 

48th Fighter Wing

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – The 48th Force Support Squadron Education Center, along with the National Testing Center, hosted a testing marathon Nov. ¬¬14-18, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.
Testing marathons, which usually take place once a quarter, are a chance for Airmen to take CLEP tests to earn credits toward their Community College of the Air Force degrees or other educational goals.
Over the course of the three testing marathons hosted this year at RAF Lakenheath, the Air Force has saved $342,488. Testing marathons give Airmen a chance to not only better themselves, but also provide wings around the Air Force the opportunity to exemplify the Secretary of the Air Force’s “Every Dollar Counts” initiative.
“The testing marathon is a gamble,” said Master Sgt. Brian Rutlege, 48th FSS career assistance advisor. “If Airmen do not pass enough tests and earn enough credits, the week could net a loss for the Air Force. This week, Airmen assigned to bases in the U.K. made that gamble pay off. Their efforts produced a total savings of $97,928 for the week!”
The testing marathon can help Airmen pursue their CCAF degree and then any educational goals beyond that, Rutlege said. One of the unique features of testing marathons is the absence of scheduled testing appointments. Airmen walk in at times that work best for them.
“During the (testing marathon) you can do back-to-back testing without having to schedule two different appointments for the same day,” said Stephanie Palte, NTC coordinator. “A few people took back-to-back tests, up to three or four exams. Others came once in the morning, left, and then came back later in the afternoon.”
Over the course of the weeklong November testing marathon, 358 exams were taken, with 597 credit hours earned.

• Date Taken: 11.22.2016
• Date Posted: 12.02.2016 03:02
• Story ID: 215517
• Location: BRANDON, SFK, GB