What the Army Credentialing Assistance Program Covers in 2026
The program provides up to $2,000 per fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) for approved certification training, including classes, books and other materials as well as exam fees. The CA program is different from the Tuition Assistance (TA) program. Applying for CA doesn’t reduce TA eligibility.
All CA requests must be validated through Army COOL to qualify, and all applications must be submitted and approved before the course start date.
Choosing Certifications That Actually Fit the $2,000 Cap
You can find eligible credentials on the Army COOL website. Look for single-cert IT programs with total costs under the $2,000 cap. The Army doesn’t allow dual-certification programs, but you can stack certifications over consecutive years. Planning to schedule certification programs around the fiscal year and your other duties will help you get the most out of CA opportunities.
Why IT Certifications Are the Smartest CA Investment
IT certifications are a smart investment for service members. Many Army roles already involve systems, networks or technical troubleshooting. It’s a natural career progression you can build your existing military skills on.
IT certifications transfer directly to civilian jobs, and specific certifications map to different job titles. By stacking certifications and adding higher levels of expertise, soldiers can progress through job qualifications and salary expectations, from a support professional to a networking professional and up to an IT security or cloud expert.
Certifications remain valuable throughout your time in the Army and beyond ETS or retirement.
Timing Mistakes That Cost Soldiers Their CA Funds
Planning and staying organized are key to getting the most out of the CA program. Avoid common mistakes like:
- Waiting until late in the fiscal year to apply: Rolling into the next fiscal year means you can’t start another credential until the fiscal year after that.
- Submitting your request too close to the exam date: You need to submit your CA application at least 45 days before the course or exam start date.
- Choosing programs before checking Army CA: Only programs listed in the Army database are eligible for CA funds.
- Assuming CA works like Tuition Assistance: The CA process differs from TA. For details, visit the Army COOL website.
How MedCerts Supports Army CA Students
MedCerts is an approved provider in the Army Credentialing Assistance Program. Our IT certification programs feature personalized support, guidance through the CA process and flexible options that help service members achieve their career goals.
All MedCerts IT programs feature a flexible online format to accommodate duty schedules and deployments.
If you want to learn more, contact the MedCerts team. Support staff are familiar with the CA application process, and they can help you get started on your IT certification journey.
The Department of Defense is not affiliated with MedCerts and does not endorse our services.
