Army Credentialing Assistance / Army Cool
THE ARMY CREDENTIALING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS LIKE THE ARMY’S TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, where Soldiers can receive funding in pursuit of credentials that are listed in Army CA. So what does the “COOL” in Army COOL stand for? The COOL stands for Credentialing Opportunities On-Line.
What is the purpose of the Army Credentialing Assistance / Army COOL program?
The goal of the Credentialing Assistance Program is to help Army service members get certifications and licenses. That can enhance their skills or assist them as they transition into the civilian workforce. To be more specific, they would help these service members find:
- We offer certifications perfect for all 25 or 17 series MOSs and anyone interested in transitioning into a Signal MOS.
- Soldiers can make 10 promotion points per certification and up to 50 in total!
- Credentials related to an Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
- Credentials related to Civilian Occupations
- Credential requirements and potential gaps between Army training and civilian credentialing requirements
- Resources available to fill gaps between military training and civilian credentialing requirements
THE CLASSES INCLUDE:
- Amazon Web Services Solutions Architect – Associate
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise (CCNP)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
- CompTIA Cyber Security Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Security+
- ITIL® Foundation
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
How can I request funding for a credential?
To apply for the COOL go to the Ignited page: https://www.armyignited.com/app/
- On cool select the cert you would like
- After selecting the cert look up Intellectual Point as the training provider
- You will upload a price quote for each cert provided by us
Step by step for applying for COOL: https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/docs/soldier-ca-process-guide-22-feb-22.pdf
How do I sign up for training after I get the credentials at the Army Credentialing Assistance?
- View our Intellectual Point Training and Certification Page to search for the certification training course. If you are not sure check out our How to Launch Page.
- Call us to get registered 703.554.3827 or come visit us in person at 46175 Westlake Drive, Suite 500, Sterling, VA 20165
- Once your registration is complete you will receive an email confirmation from Intellectual Point with more information.
ARMY COOL Benefits
- Army Credentialing Assistance Program Funding provides qualifying soldiers to explore credentials recognized by the civilian community that can help the soldiers current performance in their Army job as well help prepare for civilian employment
- Army Credentialing Assistance Program Funding is a tuition program that pays up to $4000.00 for training for all qualifying US Army soldiers
- Use your Army Credentialing Assistance Program Funding to purchase expert Cybersecurity, IT and Professional Development training from Intellectual Point today!
- Intellectual Point will accept all Army Credentialing Assistance Program Funding registrations.
So why would a soldier want civilian credentials?
Getting certifications can help soldiers in their Army careers while they’re still in service. That said, it’s also helpful when they return to civilian employment. Why? Because it allows them to convert the skills they’ve acquired in the military into the experience that civilian employers understand. That can help these service members find work more quickly, or even get promoted sooner.
At what point should an Army service member start getting credentials?
As we noted in the previous answer, some soldiers seek credentials while still on active duty. According to the Official Army COOL website, “it improves the professionalism of Soldiers. If a credential is related to your duties, the Army may award promotion points for earning it.” While other soldiers get ahead on their civilian careers and start working on certifications if they know they’re separating from service soon, those that have already separated leverage the program, too.
Who decides on credentialing requirements?
Credentialing boards decide all the requirements for any licenses or certifications, which is usually a mix of a candidate’s education, training, work experience, exams, or other job-related requirements.
Who Can Participate
Soldiers that are eligible: Regular Army, Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) pursuant to Title 10 and Title 32, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR), and Army National Guard (ARNG) in an active drilling status with a designation as satisfactory.
ARMY COOL serves a variety of audiences, including:
- Soldiers who want to find out what civilian credentials apply to their MOS and how to obtain the credentials.
- Education, Career/Retention and Transition Counselors who provide guidance on educational, professional growth, and career opportunities and requirements.
- Army Recruiters who want to demonstrate to potential recruits the opportunities for professional growth and civilian career preparation provided in the Army.
- Employers and Credentialing Boards interested in learning about how military training and experience prepares Soldiers for civilian credentials and jobs.
Army COOL FAQ
- Soldiers may use both Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Credentialing Assistance (CA); however, the combined usage shall not exceed $4,000 per FY.
- CA can be used for any credential listed on Army COOL: https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/index.htm.
- CA will pay expenses for classroom, hands-on, online/blended training and associated materials to include: manuals, study guides, textbooks, processing fees, test fees, related fees for continuing education requirements, and recertification of credentials.
- For help you can contact Cameron Smith.
The Department of Defense and the Department of the Army are neither affiliated with nor endorse Intellectual Point.
