Are There Any Out-of-Pocket Costs With Army Credentialing Assistance?

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There’s usually a cost-benefit analysis that takes place when deciding whether it’s worth your time and effort to pursue new training and certifications to get ahead professionally. But when a hefty portion — or even all — of your costs can be paid with Army Credentialing assistance, the scales may start to tip.

The question is: What does Army Credentialing Assistance pay for? And what doesn’t it cover?

Like many active members of the U.S. Army, you may have a lot of questions about your benefits and how you can leverage them to get ahead professionally. Army Credentialing Assistance, or CA, is designed to help you both as a soldier and after your service if you are discharged to civilian life.

CA is available to any active-duty Army, Reserves or National Guard soldier, and it funds up to $4,000 annually for the work necessary to complete any certificate that’s listed on the Army Credentialing Opportunities Online (Army COOL) site. Read on to learn more about these benefits.

What’s Covered and What’s Not

CA provides financial assistance for courses and exams that can help you stand out from the competition when it’s time for job interviews. The career path you pursue with CA funding could be related to your military occupational specialty or not. For example, if you’re interested in getting a CompTIA Security+ certification but it has nothing to do with your work in the Army, that’s still covered.

Costs that CA pays for include:

College courses, online or in-person
Academic certificate programs
Degrees
Study materials
Non-college preparatory programs
Membership fees
Application fees
Exam fees
Civil engineering units
Recertification fees

What isn’t covered? That’s hard to answer because you may find yourself with unforeseen expenses, such as gas costs to class or paying a babysitter. Funding cannot exceed a maximum of $4,000 a year.

It’s best to double-check and get approval before spending money on your education.

Next Steps to Learn More

Follow these four steps to start or further your career path.

1. Determine Your Eligibility

To be eligible for a no-cost education through the Army Credentialing Assistance Program, you must be in the Army; Army National Guard; or United States Army Reserve as an officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer; or enlisted.

2. Find a School That Accepts CA Funds as Payment

Some academic institutions make it easier for soldiers than others. MedCerts is an approved online school that offers online classes for healthcare, IT, and other industry certifications.

3. Research In-demand Certifications and Skills Through Army COOL

Any certification that is eligible for funding must be listed in Army COOL. Browse the offerings along with the available courses through MedCerts to see what interests you professionally.

4. Apply for CA Funding

All funding requests must be submitted through ArmyIgnitED. Soldiers can apply for up to $4,000. Other funding options, including the GI Bill, may cover additional expenses.

Move Ahead Professionally With Army Credentialing Funds

Whichever school you choose to pursue a certification or other credential, make sure it provides direct support for your unique position as an active member of the U.S. Army. Want more info about MedCerts and our Army CA-Approved programs, connect with one of our expert Army Education Consultants today!

The Army, Department of Defense, and Department of the Army are not affiliated with MedCerts and do not endorse our services.

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Military Life

Written by

Mickey Gamoral

Military Education Consultant

Mickey is a Platoon Leader for the Nevada Army National Guard and has been serving since September 2019. He joined the Army in an act of “now or never” as he neared his 30th birthday and had always dreamed of serving. Mickey is also an ASVAB coach and uses his education background to assist other soldiers through Gamonal Tutors.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and spent two and a half years in Morocco with the United States Peace Corps. He joined MedCerts in January 2020 and uses his combined Army and education experience to help soldiers take advantage of their Army Credentialing Assistance funding to pursue career training.

Mickey lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife Sheena, who he considers his “rock”, and enjoys teaching snowboarding in his free time. He also has completed MedCerts Project Management program and hosts the ASVAB Domination podcast.

Published on

June 6, 2022

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