The Army Credentialing and Continuing Education Services for Soldiers (ACCESS), under the Vice Provost for Learning Systems, Army University, is formerly referred to as the Army Continuing Education Division (ACED). ACCESS promotes lifelong learning and sharpens the competitive edge of the Army now and for the Future Force. The program helps us to achieve the Army's goal of retaining quality soldiers, enhancing their career professional progression, increasing the combat readiness of the Army, and eventually assisting soldiers in their transition from the Army into successful civilian careers. The program supports the leader development imperatives of the Army Leader Development Strategy and supports Army Strategic Priorities.

Army Reserve Soldiers on Federal Active duty may be eligible for several or all ACCESS programs and services.

ACCESS receives program guidance and resources from Army G-1 and is responsible for developing programs, establishing policy, standards, procedures, reporting requirements, and is the proponent for Centralized Tuition Assistance Management. ACCESS education programs and services are demand-driven operations that are delivered by Army Education Centers (AEC) and supported by Multi-Use Learning Facilities (MLF)/Army Learning Centers (ALC) worldwide under the direction of the Installation Management Command (IMCOM).

IMCOM delivers the following ACCESS education programs and services:

• Counseling Services: Academic and vocational counseling services are central to all ACCESS programs/services. Counselors assist soldiers in establishing professional and educational goals and developing education plans. They also provide soldiers transitioning to civilian life with counseling on using Veterans' education benefits to continue their education.

• Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST): This on-duty program provides soldiers job-related instruction to improve basic educational competencies necessary for job proficiency, advanced schooling, and career progression. FAST focuses on reading, writing, math, and computer skills soldiers need on the job as well as for reenlistment and reclassification purposes.

• High School Completion: This off-duty program provides opportunities for soldiers to earn a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. Soldiers receive 100% tuition assistance for high school completion courses.

• Postsecondary Programs: A wide range of postsecondary programs is offered on Army installations from the associate through graduate degree level, including technical courses for licensure or certification. Over the past years, the growth of postsecondary distance learning (DL) has been exponential. Overall enrollment in postsecondary programs is at an all-time Army-wide high.

• Tuition Assistance (TA): Financial assistance authorized by Congress (Title 10, USC 2007) for voluntary off-duty education programs that support the educational objectives of the Army and the soldier's personal self-development goals. The DoD standardized TA policy authorizes all or a portion of tuition costs or up to $250 per semester hour, whichever is less, with a maximum yearly total of $4,000. The Army uses an automated business process called ArmyIgnitED (https://www.armyignited.army.mil/student/public/welcome), giving soldiers, regardless of component and location, 24/7 access to request TA online and enroll in college courses.

• Testing: Academic, vocational interest testing, and Army Personnel Testing (APT) services are available. Academic testing includes Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) sponsored examination programs. The APT services include testing to meet Army promotion and reenlistment requirements.

• Joint Services Transcript (JST): The JST is a collaborative transcript program that allows Service members and Veterans to have one officially recognized military transcript. The JST is not an academic transcript; it officially documents college recommended credit generated from military training. The JST will provide transcripts documenting military training for all soldiers and qualified Veterans. Obtain transcripts at https://jst.doded.mil/jst/.

• Leader Skill Enhancement Courses: Courses to assist noncommissioned officers (NCOs) meet their leadership responsibilities as trainers, supervisors, and communicators are available based on command-identified needs. Courses are conducted to assist in unit readiness, cross training, stress management and preparation for Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOPDS) attendance. Education Services Officers (ESO) coordinate with commanders and trainers to determine courses and attendees.

• Soldier Training Courses (MOS Improvement Training): These courses enhance unit readiness by providing individual training oriented to specific mission, organization, or equipment requirements. Soldier Training Courses augment normal on-the-job training programs. The ESOs assist commanders in planning/conducting this training.

• Language Training: For the non-linguist, this training provides host-nation orientation and basic language skills. Also it enhances language skills of non-linguist soldiers whose primary duties require frequent contact with host-nation counterparts.

• Multi-use Learning Facilities (MLF)/Army Learning Centers (ALC): are technology-based facilities providing necessary training, education, and support materials for soldiers to develop/sustain job-related and leadership skills. Programs are designed to meet unit and individual needs. The ACCESS professionals design, monitor, and manage the MLF/ALC.

For more information, visit the Army Education Portal:
https://www.armyignited.army.mil/student/public/welcome

Army Credentialing and Continuing Education Services for Soldiers (ACCESS):
https://armyuniversity.edu/ACCESS/Army_Continuing_Education

Army Regulation 621-5:
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN4227_R621_5_FINAL.pdf