Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) helps Army Service members find information on certifications and licenses related to their military occupation and civilian careers.
On December 11, 2024, the Army released ALARACT 099/2024 (Changes to Voluntary Education Policy) to announce the following policy updates to the Army COOL Program:
- Annual cap decreased from $4,000 to $2,000
- Limit Soldiers to one credential a year and a maximum of three in 10 years
- Require Soldiers to take associated credential exam or recoup the cost of the course work/training
- Limit Aviation credentials to $1,000 per year for all Army components.
- Require Soldiers who are first time users of CA to take ArmyIgnitED training prior to requesting CA
- Require Soldiers to use the decision support tool prior to requesting CA.
- Regular Army: Active Duty
- Regular Army: Retired
- Army National Guard: Active Duty Under Title 10 USC or Title 32 USC (Full-Time National Guard Duty)
- Army National Guard: State Active Duty
- Army National Guard: Drilling
- Army National Guard: Retired
- Army Reserve: Active Duty
- Army Reserve: Drilling
- Army Reserve: Retired