For 10 years, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Testing Services has helped students turn existing knowledge into college credit they can then apply towards a degree through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
CLEP exams allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of introductory college-level subjects and potentially earn college credit by receiving a qualifying score. For students, that can mean getting a head start on college, saving time toward a degree, and reducing the overall cost of their education.
As CWI celebrates a decade of administering CLEP exams, the milestone also recognizes the partnerships and people who have helped connect more students throughout Idaho with opportunities to experience college and begin working toward their educational goals.
Bringing College Opportunities to High School Students
Over the last few years, a partnership between CWI Testing Services and Dual Credit has expanded CLEP outreach to high school students throughout Idaho.
Through special CLEP event days, participating high school students visit CWI to take an exam while also getting an introduction to college life. Students can tour campus, learn about enrollment, have lunch, and experience what it is like to be on a college campus.
For some students, it is their first time experiencing college firsthand; this experience can help reinforce college is an option and attainable for everyone.
Dual Credit Sr. Transition Coordinator, Oster Hernandez, has played an important role in growing this initiative to include more than 20 high schools. Working with counselors, teachers, administrators, and CWI's Testing Services and Admissions teams, Hernandez helps coordinate CLEP opportunities that go beyond testing. More importantly, he is introducing students to college life and the resources available to them.
Hernandez experienced the benefits of CLEP firsthand when he took an exam in 2011, saving thousands of dollars in college expenses. Knowing how much the exam helped him has encouraged him to make the same opportunity available to more students.
Through his work with high school students, Hernandez has also witnessed how a CLEP exam can build confidence and encourage students to pursue a college education.
“Before taking the test, many students do not believe they have what it takes to go to college. Afterward, they leave feeling confident and believing in themselves,” Hernandez said. “They realize they can complete college-level work and take the next step toward becoming a college student.”
Outreach has connected CWI with high schools across Idaho, including schools in Caldwell, Emmett, Homedale, Kuna, Marsing, Middleton, Mountain Home, Nampa, Weiser, Wilder, Wood River, and other communities.
CWI’s Admissions team also supports these events through campus tours and presentations, giving visiting students an opportunity to learn more about college and the resources available to help them succeed.
The initiative has also gained national attention, with Hernandez invited to speak at College Board and National College Testing Association conferences about the work being done in Idaho to expand CLEP opportunities for high school students.
For Bianca Juarez, CLEP helped make earning a college degree more affordable and attainable.
Juarez did not always see college in her future. When she decided to pursue higher education, she faced the challenge of balancing school, personal responsibilities, and the cost of earning a degree. Through CLEP, she was able to turn knowledge she already had into college credit, saving time and money while avoiding the cost of an additional semester of tuition.
“For me, CLEP was more than an exam,” Juarez said. “It was a reminder that there is more than one way to reach a goal, and that sometimes, the right opportunity can make all the difference.”
Now working in higher education, Juarez helps students navigate similar challenges and connects them with opportunities to earn college credit through CLEP. Each year, she helps bring a group of students to take the Spanish CLEP exam, encouraging native Spanish speakers to put their language skills to work toward their education.
“Through resources like CLEP, we can help students move forward, not by asking them to start from scratch, but by recognizing how far they have already come,” Juarez said.
Turning Knowledge into College Credit
CLEP gives students an opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge they already have.
Students can prepare at their own pace before taking an exam in subjects ranging from business and history to mathematics, science, literature, and world languages. Students who earn qualifying scores may be able to apply that credit toward college requirements, depending on the policies of the college or university they attend.
“Our goal is to make sure students and educators understand the opportunities available to them and have access to resources that can help students succeed,” Testing Specialist, Geni Draghici said. “My own daughters took CLEP exams many years ago, and they were able to save both time and money by earning college credit through the program. Seeing firsthand how CLEP can make a difference has made this work especially meaningful to me.”
For students and families, CLEP can provide a more affordable way to earn college credit and make progress toward a degree.
“It is meaningful to know that I am part of an effort that helps students achieve their educational goals while also contributing to the growth and success of our community,” Draghici said.
A Decade of Service
CWI’s 10-year milestone was recognized by College Board during a special celebration honoring the collaboration, dedication, and work that have supported CLEP at the College.
Assistant Director of Testing Services, Witney Davis, shares that the milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the team's growth and the impact of their work.
“When I first stepped into my role five years ago, we only had two specialists certified to administer CLEP exams,” Davis said. “Now, our entire team is certified and trained to offer these exams. Seeing that growth and the hard work of our team pay off, especially through the high school CLEP events, has been incredibly rewarding.”
Administering CLEP exams requires specialized training, technical setups, and adherence to strict proctoring standards. CWI Testing Services currently offers CLEP testing twice each week, with CWI students and employees receiving a $15 discount on CLEP exams taken through Testing Services.
The work is part of a larger commitment by Testing Services to provide students and community members with a secure, professional place to complete exams and assessments.
Testing Services at CWI
CLEP is one of many testing options available through CWI Testing Services.
As a National College Testing Association Certified Test Center, Testing Services supports current and future students, graduates, and community members through a variety of academic and professional testing needs.
Services include:
- Academic, placement, and GED testing
- Certification exams for a variety of professional fields
- Credit for prior learning assessments
- Accommodated testing
- Test proctoring
- Off-campus exam coordination
Testing Services has locations at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) and Ada County Center Lynx Building (ALYN), providing students and community members with access to testing resources in both Nampa and Boise.
Whether you are looking to earn credit for knowledge you already have, complete a placement exam, pursue a professional certification, or find a secure location for a proctored exam, Testing Services can help you identify your next step.
Learn more about CLEP exams, available testing services, locations, and scheduling by visiting the CWI Testing Services webpage.
