Credentialing Assistance

How Do I Qualify?

• E1-E9 and WO1-WO5
• Have an active ArmyIgnitED account and not be on hold (acceptable holds are: Tier, Civ. Ed. Student Agreement, GPA)
• Cannot be flagged
• Military Service Obligation (MSO):
• Have an ETS or MRD 31+ days after completion of CA-Funded course(s)'
• Using CA and GI Bill: 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

What Do I Get?

• As of 11 Dec 2024 CA will provide Soldiers up to $2,000 each year to pay for one credential; selected aviation-related credentials are limited to $1,000
• Soldiers are now limited to 3 credentials for their first 10 years of service. After completion of 10 years of service, Soldiers are eligible for another 3 credential
• Recertifications of previously earned credentials do not count toward the 1 credential max per FY or the 3 credential max for 10 years of service.
• Soldiers are now required to take the exam associated with the credential they are pursuing. If the Soldier does not take the exam within 180 days after completion of the training or fails the exam, they will be recouped
• Soldiers may use both Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Army Credentialing Assistance (CA); however, CA is limited to $2,000 per FY of the total $4,500 FTA FY limit
• CA can be used for any credential listed on Army COOL and 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
• All expenses are paid prior to course/exam start date by ACCESS AU; Soldiers who pay out of pocket will not be reimbursed

What Are the Most Popular Certifications?

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Security +CE
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
• Associate Professional in HR (APHR)

How Do I Apply?

Soldiers with questions can contact their assigned State Education Service Specialist directly or submit a help desk ticket to the ArmyIgnitED ServiceNow.

To start the process, follow the steps below:

• Step 1. Contact your State ESO/ESS to discuss the CA application process, access tutorials and verify eligibility
• Step 2. Ensure your credential is listed on Army COOL. If you don’t have an ArmyIgnitED account; create one
• Step 3. Complete CA 101 and MilGears through the ArmyCOOL website
• Step 4. Create a CA education goal in ArmyIgnitED
• Step 5. Request Credentialing Assistance funding

-All requests must be submitted a minimum of 45 calendar days prior to course/exam start date

       Effective 19 March 2026, Command approval must happen within 5 days of Solider submission

-Select training provider
-Enter course information to include start and end dates and cost types, and upload any relevant documentation
-Verify all information, including funding, vendor and credential, is correct, and submit

NOTE: Effective 19 March 2026, Soldiers with two unsuccessful grades in the same fiscal year (between FTA & CA) will be suspended from requesting FTA  or CA  for 12 calendar months.

Where Can I Go For Testing?

Testing locations vary based on the exam. Check with your credentialing agency to find out where they offer testing. There are two major companies that offer certification and licensure exams. You can find local test centers on their websites: 

Pearson VUE
Prometric