Credentialing Assistance (CA)

Overview

The Army's Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program provides Soldiers with funding for more than 1,600 credentials listed on https://www.cool.army.mil

How Do I Qualify?

Soldiers may begin work on their first ‘credential pathway' upon successful completion of AIT, WOBC or BOLC (Tier 1). 
Soldiers establish eligibility for a second ‘credential pathway' upon successful completion of ALC, WOAC or CCC or equivalent (Tier 2). 

What Do I Get?

• CA will provide Soldiers up to $4,000 each year to pay for an eligible credential.
• Soldiers may use both Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Army Credentialing Assistance (CA); however, the combined usage shall not exceed $4,000 per FY.  
• CA can be used for any credential listed on https://www.cool.army.mil/ but does not have to be related to the Soldier's MOS.
• 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. 

 What Are The Most Popular Certifications?

• Associate Professional in HR (aPHR) 
• Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) 
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) 
• Certified Welder (CW) Commercial
• Commercial Driver License (CDL) 
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Lean Six Sigma 
• Project Mgt Professional (PMP)
• Private Pilot, Airplane Single Engine
• CompTIA A+ CompTIA Security +ce

 How Do I Apply?

• Contact your State ESO/ESS to discuss the CA application process and verify eligibility.
• Ensure your credential is listed on Army Cool at https://www.cool.army.mil/.
• Ensure your training provider has been vetted (approved) by HQ ACES.
• Receive a CA Application/Request from your ESO/ESS and complete all tabs (Excel file).
• Fill out a helpdesk case in GAE and upload the completed excel file and SOU.
• Gather all required documents/forms required for training and upload in the GAE eFile.
• Education office reviews documents for completion and escalates to HQ ACES for processing.
• HQ ACES notifies Soldier if approved/disapproved. 
• If you don't have a GoArmyEd (GAE) account, create an account at www.goarmyed.com
  When the GAE VIA decision tool launches:
  Select ‘Credential School' and ‘Credentialing Pathway' degree program to pursue a credential program.

Where Can I Go For Testing?

There are two major companies that offer certification and licensure exams. You can find local test centers on their websites.

Pearson VUE: https://home.pearsonvue.com/

Prometric: https://www.prometric.com/en-us/Pages/home.aspx