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.

Retired Service members are not eligible to participate in Army COOL.

Army COOL Website:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/index.html

DoD COOL Website:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/

Army COOL Fact Sheet:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/docs/online_Army_COOL_vs_Army_CA_15_JUNE_2022.pdf

ArmyIgnitED:
https://www.armyignited.army.mil/student/public/welcome

Army Regulation 621-5:
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40054-AR_621-5-001-WEB-3.pdf

Army's Credentialing Assistance Policy:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/docs/Army_Credentialing_Assistance_Policy_11_DEC_24.pdf