United States service academies are set to announce next month that they will start accepting scores on the Classic Learning Test (CLT) for the 2027 admissions cycle, as reported by Politico on Monday. 

The CLT, developed in 2015, assesses aptitude in reading, writing, grammar and mathematics, similar to the widely used SAT and ACT. Where it differs from those two exams, however, is its assessment of knowledge pertaining to classical literature, American history and ethical reasoning, among other differentiating topics. 

An assessment content brief released by Classic Learning Initiatives, the for-profit company that administers the CLT, notes that the exam consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, grammar/writing and quantitative reasoning. In the verbal reasoning and grammar/writing sections, texts are derived from topics such as classical literature, articles on topics such as genetics, astronomy and physics, and biographies of historical figures, like Joan of Arc and William Shakespeare.

According to Politico, the service academies will update their websites deeming the CLT an option for admissions applications by Oct. 1. There are five military services academies in the U.S. — the Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Air Force Academy. 

The Pentagon did not immediately to The Hill’s request for comment. 

In a post on X in May, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said “we’re going to make this happen” regarding the service academies accepting CLT scores in admissions applications. 

“The CLT is the gold standard, and our academies need to attract the very best,” Hegseth added. 

Less than two weeks later, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation that would require military service academies to accept CLT scores in the admissions process.

“The Classical Learning Test is the standard for academic excellence, and our service academies should accept nothing less. My bill ensures we recruit the brightest, most well-rounded young Americans to lead and defend our nation,” Banks told Breitbart at the time.