Coast Guard COOL Programs
MedCerts is an approved provider of the Coast Guard Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program. Available to Coast Guard service members that meet enrollment eligibility criteria, this funding is designed to build up your skills, and advance in your career or transition into a civilian career.
Coast Guard COOL
Approved Training
for eligible Coast Guard service members, with up to $4,500 available per fiscal year.
Build Skills for Career Advancement
with training designed to support professional growth and new opportunities.
Prepare for a
Civilian Career
by earning industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields.
CG COOL Certification Opportunities
If you are Active Duty Coast Guard, you may be eligible to receive up to $4,500 in financial assistance every fiscal year for the Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance Program. The CG COOL service is designed to help service members gain licenses and credentials to benefit their military or future civilian careers. MedCerts offers approved online programs in healthcare, IT, and more.
Coast Guard COOL
- Amount: up to $4500 available per fiscal year per Coast Guard professional on a first-come, first-serve basis until fiscal year program funds allocation is reached. There is no limit on the number of applications that can be submitted.
- What Schools Qualify: Civilian credentials and licenses through approved credentialing agencies listed on the CG COOL website.
- What Can Funds be used for?: Payment of eligible credentialing exams, recertification fees, maintenance fees study, materials, and eligible training courses.
- Who Funds it?: Credentialing Assistance (CA) is a reimbursable program; therefore, members are required to pay up-front for their exam or training costs. The Education and Training Quota Management Command (ETQC) administers the CA program.
CG COOL Program Eligibility
Active Coast Guard
Be in compliance with weight standards in accordance with Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual, COMDTINST M1020.8 (series)
Be marked as “Ready” (R) or “Not Ready” (X) for advancement on their most recent Enlisted Employee Review (EER)
Have at least 6 months remaining on their service obligation
A Credentialing Assistance Request must be reviewed and approved by the Education Service Officer (ESO) and then forwarded to Education and Training Quota Management Command (ETQC) for final authorization
When am I not eligible? Who Is Not Eligible?
Veterans
Non-Coast Guard branches
Service members marked as “Not Recommended” (N) on their most recent Enlisted Employee Review (EER)
Service members with less than 6 months remaining in their service obligation
Coast Guard COOL Program Contact Info
For more information regarding the CG COOL program, visit the Coast Guard COOL site here, or reach out to the Education and Training Quota Management Command’s (ETQC) voluntary credentialing office at [email protected] or 757-756-5300.
To talk to a MedCerts Military Enrollment Consultant, feel free to fill out the Coast Guard COOL Application form, chat online, or call: 1.800.734.1175
Applying for Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance
How to apply for Credentialing Assistance:
- Explore CG-approved credentials you may qualify for through the Coast Guard COOL Site here
- Request approval via MyCG Ed
- Pay for Approved Fees
- Gain Your Credential
- Report Results
For step-by-step instructions, visit the CG COOL site’s 5 Step Process section
CG COOL + MedCerts
We’ve been an approved vendor for Army credentialing assistance since the Army COOL program launched in June 2019. MedCerts received approval as a Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance vendor in March 2023. We’ve received an 8.5 out of 10 average rating from Military CA students. Additionally, MedCerts has repeatedly been recognized as a Military Friendly® school by Viqtory Media for our work with military students.
Coast Guard COOL Approved Vendors
There are more than 2,300 credentials approved for CG COOL – including MedCerts programs. When choosing a vendor, consider the format of their program (online vs in person), if their training leads to in-demand careers, and what type of support they provide students. You can find a full list of Credentialing Assistance approved vendors through the Coast Guard COOL site here.
COOL Approved Credentials
Credentials are a quick way to learn a new set of skills and gain recognition through certification. MedCerts certifications take 6 months or less to complete and cost less than $4000 – fully covered by your CG COOL funds. The COOL program states that Certifications and Licenses must be on the CG COOL site for ETQC to fund it. Programs are selected based on their ability to help with growth within your military career or create better opportunities in civilian careers after service.
Student Support.
MedCerts understands that those serving our country often have different priorities than the average student. That’s why our Military Enrollment team is built of people with experience in the armed services, including many veterans. They are experts on the COOL program and can help you create an education path with your priorities in mind. CG Credentialing Opportunities Online Program resources are available through the Education and Training Quota Management Command and the Coast Guard COOL website.
GI Bill & FAFSA
- GI BILL: AF Credentialing Opportunities Online are not a part of the GI Bill program and are funded separately. MedCerts is not approved to accept GI Bill funding.
- FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine government financial aid opportunities for prospective and current students. MedCerts does not accept FAFSA funding.
Learn more about utilizing your military benefits for career training!
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Disclaimer – Program Transfer Policy: Military students using Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance (Army, Air Force & Coast Guard) are not eligible to transfer to another program within the MedCerts Catalog after initial program selection. This policy is in compliance with the Department of Defense’s Credentialing Assistance Withdraw/Cancellation Policy.
