Credentialing aSSISTANCE

- One credential up to $2,000/fiscal year (three credentials over 10 years of service)

- Maximum of $1,000/year to pay for select aviation related credentials

- Pays expenses for course training, materials, supplies, textbooks, and exam (exams must be taken for all CA funded training)

- Can be used for any credential listed on www.cool.osd.mil/army and does not have to be related to the Soldier’s MOS

- All expenses are paid prior to course/exam start date (Soldiers who pay out of pocket will not be reimbursed)

- Soldiers must take the associated exam for the credential listed in the CA education goal

- Soldiers have up to 180 days to submit a CA request for the associated exam 

- Soldiers will be recouped for the training, books and supplies if they do not pass the exam or fail to submit an exam request within 180 days of the completion of the training

-Credential MUST be listed in Army COOL web site

-Credentials do NOT have to be related to Soldier’s  MOS

-All expenses paid PRIOR to the start of the course/exam 

-Soldiers who pay out of pocket will NOT be reimbursed

-Request must be submitted in ArmyIgnitED at least 45 days PRIOR to test, course, or credential start date; end date must be NLT one year after start date

- Be currently serving in good standing in the ARNG and have a Common Access Card (CAC)

- Not be flagged

- Officers no longer incur a Military Service Obligation (MSO)

- Have an ETS or MRD 31+ days remaining in service after completion of CA- funded course(s)/exam(s)

-Soldiers are subject to recoupment if they: 

    -Fail an exam/course  

    -Withdraw from a course of instruction 

    -Fail to sit for an exam in the timeframe required to earn the credential* 

    -Do not complete their MSO (if required) 

*Unless Soldier obtains an approved military withdrawal

-Soldiers cannot use CA and GI Bill benefits to pay for the same expenses

-However, Soldiers can use their GI Bill benefits to request reimbursement for exam related fees/costs that CA did not pay

-Soldier must pay out-of-pocket for the exam and request reimbursement from VA (VA Form 22-0803)

1. Contact the state’s Education Services Specialist to receive counseling/guidance/information 

Ilka Davidson, ilka.i.davidson.civ@army.mil, (562) 795-2485

2. Find the credential on the Army COOL website https://www.COOL.osd.mil/army  

3. Create an ArmyIgnitED account at: https://www.armyignited.army.mil  

4. Select a training provider and request CA at least 45 days prior to course start date 

    - Soldiers requesting CA for the first time MUST complete: 

      ~ MilGears decision support tool: https://milgears.osd.mil/

      the Explore Careers, Quick Explorer tool, download their report

      and upload it to ArmyIgnitED

     ~ CA 101 training provided by the CA Virtual Counseling Cell

5. Upload the Certificate of Completion NLT 30 days after end date