How to Use Army Credentialing Assistance to Build a Career You Can Be Proud Of

As a service member of the U.S. Army, you’ve already accomplished something you'll forever be proud of. Your service to the country likely provided you with a number of skills that you can build upon and use in your future.

And through programs and resources the Army provides, like Army COOL and the Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program, you can get certifications proving those skills.

With these professional opportunities, you’ll be able to transfer the skills and experience you've learned during your years of service into civilian credentials – either to promote within the Army or find a career after service.

But first, you'll need to find an online training program and school that will support you in your training.

What Is Army COOL and Credentialing Assistance?

Standing for Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, the Army COOL program helps soldiers find the training and certification they need to progress professionally. Once you’ve found a program, you can apply for Credentialing Assistance funding for approved courses, which could help you launch into a new career or gain additional skills to be more competitive in the future.

Much like the GI Bill, these resources are a benefit that accounts for the current marketplace for many of the fastest-growing industries in the nation. Healthcare and IT, in particular, are expected to see a significant increase in jobs over the next decade due to an increase in demand.

Finding an Approved Program

The budget of your Army CA benefit is the first thing to consider when searching for approved programs. Just because a school can qualify for your benefit doesn't mean that the entire training, certification exam, materials, and other costs will be covered.

You can receive up to $4,000 through CA, but you need to find a program that can give you the knowledge you need to pass the exam. Credentials will help with career advancement, making your resume more attractive to potential employers.

Tips for Finding the Right School

If you know what industry and skillset you'd like to pursue, make sure you're getting that education through a reputable school. There are a few things to look for, including:

• Affordability

• Customized, one-on-one student support

Look for schools with a history of student success and experience with Army CA programs. Unlike a lot of the "diploma mills" that churn out students but don't provide the support needed to actually achieve career goals, MedCerts supports their students and graduates.

MedCerts will partner you with a personal student advisor who can help you craft an education plan, answer any tech-related questions and help you schedule your certification exam.

Benefits of Online Learning

In recent years, the popularity of remote learning has gained a lot of traction. It's easy to see why so many students are signing up for online courses. Benefits include:

• Flexibility

• No need to depend on unreliable transportation

• Multimedia, state-of-the-art learning tools

• Focused lecturers

• Time savings when earning a certificate

Make Your Benefits Work for You

You've earned the financial assistance for credentialing through the Credentialing Assistance program. To take the first step toward building a career you can be proud of, schedule a MedCerts advisor consultation today.