That’s where Army Credentialing Assistance and Tuition Assistance can help. These two programs are offered by the military to help enlisted people prepare for careers in and out of the Army. Soldiers can use both Army Tuition Assistance (TA) and Credentialing Assistance (CA) to cover up to $4000 of tuition per year, split between the two programs.

The two programs are a little different, though. TA only covers college course credits, while CA covers certification programs. Still, you can combine CA and TA funds to help you cover the costs of multiple certifications at once. Here’s how.

Is Using Credentialing Assistance for Multiple Certifications Allowed?

Yes, you can use credentialing assistance to get multiple certifications. As long as you work with approved certification programs, the CA program does not restrict you to a single credential at once. According to the Army COOL website, “Soldiers may work on multiple credentials simultaneously or sequentially.”

This can be invaluable for your career. In fields like IT, multiple certifications can help you enter the industry in higher positions and progress more quickly. The certifications can help you get your civilian career started on the right foot.

There are two restrictions when using CA, though. First, you have to have your credential request approved before you’ll receive funding for the program. Choosing approved courses makes this step easy. Second, you can only receive up to $4000 per year through CA and TA total, but you can split that between programs however you want.

How to Use Credentialing Assistance for Multiple Certifications

Now that you know you can use CA to cover multiple courses at once, the question is simple: How? It’s almost as easy as applying CA to one course at a time. Here’s what you need to do.

• Choose your courses. When you’re applying for CA, you need to do so in a timely fashion. It takes several weeks for CA requests to be approved. Choose the courses you want to take at least 35 days in advance. Then double-check to make sure their schedules don’t conflict with each other.

• Submit separate credentialing requests for each course. When you’ve chosen your classes, you can write and submit a credentialing request for each one separately. The CA program will consider each one independently, except when determining how much funding you receive.

• Wait for the decision. The CA program will respond to you regarding your approval status after they’ve looked over the requests. Once approved, you can sign up and pay for the course.

Make the Most of Army Credentialing Assistance

The Army’s support of education is one of the biggest benefits provided to soldiers like you. Whether you want to prepare for your life after the military or improve your opportunities, education is paramount. You can use credentialing and Army tuition assistance to get multiple certifications at once and launch yourself in the career of your choice.