Quantico’s New National Testing Center opens doors to furthering education
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Marine Corps Community Services hosted the grand opening of the National Testing Center and an open house at the Voluntary Education Center on Oct. 16.
Before the opening, service members stationed at MCB Quantico had to either pay standard testing fees at off-base public centers or travel approximately one hour to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, which served as the only active NTC in the National Capital Region.
The new center makes it easier for service members to achieve their goals by placing education counseling, in-person test preparation, testing and credentialing support in a single location at the VEC. Available exams include the College-Level Examination Program, DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, Pearson Professional Assessments (formally known as Pearson VUE testing), and eligible certification exams associated with service credentialing programs, such as Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunities On-Line.
Nancy Moorman, the Marine Corps Community Services Quantico director, said the new partnership with Grand Canyon University — which completely funded and enabled the creation of the NTC — brings college-credit examinations and professional certification testing directly to the military community.
“What makes this especially valuable is that Marines can now access education counseling, in-person test preparation, testing, and credentialing support all in one location at our VEC,” Moorman said. “Whether they're beginning their college journey, working toward a degree, or pursuing professional credentials, we're making it easier [for] them to achieve their goals.”
The proximity of the new facility also helps remove challenges for service members taking their first steps toward higher education.
“Sometimes the biggest obstacle to pursuing higher education is simply knowing where to begin,” Moorman said. “For Marines who haven't taken a college course or exam before, the process can feel intimidating. Having the NTC within our VEC creates a welcoming environment where they can ask questions, receive guidance, prepare for an exam, and take that first step with confidence.”
Moorman added that bringing this capability to Quantico eliminates fees at off-base commercial sites and removes the travel burden to Joint Base Andrews.
“We want Marines to see higher education as something within their reach and removing these obstacles can make a tremendous difference,” she said.
These removed barriers directly impact junior personnel who face tight budgets and busy work schedules.
“As a married junior Marine with a child and financial responsibilities, paying to take exams would be difficult,” said Lance Cpl. Diego TorresVega, a supply administrator for Security Battalion at MCB Quantico. “Having the opportunity to continue working toward my college degree without the additional financial burden is something I truly appreciate.”
Having immediate, on-site testing also helps military personnel maintain academic momentum despite demanding training cycles, field exercises, deployments and rotational shifts.
“We recognize that Marines don't always have the luxury of planning their education around a traditional schedule,” Moorman said. “Having testing available right here at Quantico gives Marines greater flexibility to take advantage of opportunities when their schedules permit.
Keri Reams, the senior university development manager for GCU's military division, added, “The on-site National Testing Center at Quantico enhances Grand Canyon University’s ability to support active-duty Marines by making testing services more accessible and helping students stay on track with their educational goals.”
She continued to say how the MCCS Quantico-GCU partnership allows for personalized guidance, connecting service members with academic resources to earn credits and complete degree requirements that fit their demanding schedules.
For MCCS Quantico and GCU, the mutual goal is to help service members maintain momentum rather than put their educational goals on hold.
Service members can schedule testing sessions by contacting the NTC directly to coordinate with a proctor. For more information on how the NTC can serve the Quantico community, contact the VEC at 703-784-2375 or mailto:MCCSQuanticoEdCenter@usmc.mil.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
