How to Apply for Credential Assistance
How to Apply for Credential Assistance (Army)
1. Go here for the Army Cool Steps: https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/costs_and_funding/index.html?credentialingassistance
2. Click on the Middle Thumbnail: "Steps for Applying"
3. Watch this Video: https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/costs_and_funding/index.html?credentialingassistance
4. Log into ArmyIgniED: https://www.armyignited.army.mil
5. Find Milgears section on left margin, and click in, which takes you here https://milgears.osd.mil
Go to the upper right corner of Milgears and select "Tools" and then "Engage my career"
6. Upload JST or other compatible files suggested here: https://milgears.osd.mil/engage-my-career
7. Select branch of service. Retrieve JST or upload other specified document and continue to answer info questions for the certification you are requesting.
8. Take a final screenshot and download your LER.
9. Head back to Army IgnitED https://www.armyignited.army.mil, navigate back to Milgears and click "+Create New Plan" on Left Margin in Army IgnitED and click "Apply for Funding". Upload your previously downloaded screenshot & LER. Submit Plan.
10. Contact a CA Virtual Counseling (VCC): https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/costs_and_funding/index.html?credentialingassistance
11. Request quote and submit the form at: https://aristalearn.com/moodle/contactus.php
How to Apply for Credential Assistance (Air Force)
1. Log in to the Air Force Virtual Education Center (https://veteran.com/afvec/) using your CAC, Click on AF COOL (the bottom Left hand side of the screen under “Research”) >Click on Search AF COOL and then find your credential (Air Force Specialty Code) or career goals. From the same screen, select “create education goal”>select “Next”
2. Identify all the funding you need to achieve your credentialing goal (Check “Study Material” and “Prep Course” if you plan to request funding for those items), then select “Next” and confirm your funding request.
3. Contact your chosen credentialing agency or testing center to request an itemized invoice or price quote (including any administrative fees). Upload this quote, along with any other required supporting documentation listed on your eligibility tab, to your AFVEC goal
4. Submit a Funding Request. Return to your AFVEC dashboard and locate your newly created AF COOL goal.
Click the "Apply for Funding" button. Follow the prompts and input your test center, testing window (usually 120 days), and total costs. Submit the application, which will route electronically to your supervisor for approval.
5. Take Your Exam and Report Grades. Once your supervisor and the AF COOL office approve the funding, the government will pay for the exam/books directly. Complete your training/exam and submit your grade or Certificate of Completion to the AF COOL office within 120 days to avoid recoupment.
5. Request quote and submit in the form at https://aristalearn.com/moodle/contactus.php
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