Coast Guard Cool

Coast Guard Cool

Advance Your Career with the Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance Program

Earn in-demand IT certifications and secure your future through the Coast Guard Assistance Program, designed for Coast Guard personnel ready to advance.

What is Coast Guard Cool?

In the civilian world, credentials – certifications and licenses – may be required for a job or help you become a highly qualified candidate for a job opportunity. By holding a credential, you demonstrate that you meet these standards. If, for example, you are a welder, you can provide your welding certification to a potential employer to document that you have the skills and knowledge required for the position.

Provides background information about civilian certifi¬cations, licensure, examinations, and apprenticeships to include credential requirements and preparation resources.
Provides information on resources available to Soldiers to facilitate credentialing.
Identifies gaps between Coast Guard training and experience and civilian credentialing requirements and ways to bridge those gaps.

Overview

Education and Training Quota Management Command (ETQC) administers the Credentialing Assistance (CA) program that will pay for eligible credentialing exams, recertification fees, maintenance fees study, materials, and eligible training courses.

CA will be authorized on a first come, first served basis. Funding for the program will suspend if/when the fiscal year program funds allocation is reached. Eligible service members may request CA funding up to $4500 per fiscal year. There is no limit on the number of applications that can be submitted.

What is the purpose of the Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance / CG COOL program?

Many civilian jobs have certain professional and technical standards. Obtaining credentials – certifications and licenses – demonstrates that at you meet industry standards. For example, a welder can show their welding certifications to an employer to prove you have specific skills and knowledge. Credentials may be required for a job, can increase the likelihood of employment, and/or lead to a higher salary. Credentials aid career advancement and streamline the transition of separating members entering the civilian workforce.

How can I request funding for a credential?

Step 1: Find and Select Related Credentials
Step 2: Request Approval via MyCG Ed
Step 3: Pay for Approved Fees
Step 4: Get a Credential
Step 5: Report Results

Step 2: Request Approval via MyCG Ed
To be ready to complete your credentialing assistance (CA) funding:

Check your eligibility
Submit application in MyCG Ed
Ensure your command approver (ESO) approves the application

Check Your Eligibility	Submit an Application in MyCG Ed	Ensure your ESO Approves the Application
Determine if you meet the credential agency eligibility requirements. Next, make sure you qualify based on the Coast Guard’s policy requirements. The eligibility requirements for credentialing assistance are detailed in the Coast Guard’s CA Eligibility Requirements.	Apply for credentialing assistance via the MyCG Ed Portal. Applications for CA must be submitted 14 calendar days prior to incurring any fees. Separate CA applications are required for training courses and exams.	Follow-up with your Education Service Officer (ESO) to ensure they approve your application. After command approval by the ESO, ETQC will review the application and generate the Credentialing Assistance Authorization.

Step 3: Pay for Approved Fees and Request Reimbursement

After CA authorization from ETQC, pay for approved credentialing fees. Once payment is made, upload applicable receipts, along with an electronically endorsed Request for Miscellaneous Reimbursement (OF-1164) to MyCG Ed Portal within 30 calendar days of payment.

Step 4: Get a Credential

After CA authorization from ETQC and payment of fees, complete the credentialing requirements (e.g., take exam, submit application package, etc.) through the credentialing agency.

Register for Exam

Use the credentialing agency links provided on the Credential Snapshot pages to register and pay for an exam. Follow the credentialing board’s application procedures which include:

Submitting an application to agency
Submitting documentation of training and experience
How to pay for application and exam fees

Step 5: Report Results to Coast Guard COOL

Upload a legible copy of your credential to the MyCG Ed Portal within 30 calendar days of attainment.

How do I sign up for training after I get the credentials at the Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance?

Please call 858-208-4141 or email us: sales@ccslearningacademy.com

CA Eligibility Criteria

Service members must be in compliance with weight standards in accordance with Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual, COMDTINST M1020.8 (series).
Service members must be marked as “Ready” (R) or “Not Ready” (X) for advancement on their most recent Enlisted Employee Review (EER). Service members marked as “Not Recommended” (N) are ineligible for CA.
Service members must have at least 6 months remaining on their service obligation.
The service member’s Command will play a critical role in screening for CA. 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.

Important Note: If the Coast Guard Credentials Program is expected to fund the credentialing exam – under no circumstances shall the service member (or service member’s command/organization) register, take, participate in, schedule, or otherwise obligate the service member or government in any Coast Guard-funded credentialing program or exam without an authorization voucher from ETQC.

How Coast Guard COOL Works?

Go to https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg to view credentials applicable to your rating, career specialty, out-of-rating assignment, collateral duty, or earned education and explore those credentials that interest you.
Review the credentialing agency websites to better understand what it takes to obtain a certain credential.
Study! VCP will only pay for one attempt at the exam. Make it count!
Eligible officer and enlisted personnel should engage with their Education Services Officer to learn more about VCP, including the process to seek reimbursement for applicable fees.

Coast Guard COOL Benefits

Civilian credentialing can contribute to military career development. Federal, state, or local law may require specific credentials to legally perform some jobs.

Credentials may improve an employee’s prospects for promotion. Credentialed members demonstrate to civilian employers that their skills are on par with civilian peers.

Employers may choose to hire only employees who have credentials, or to pay those employees more.

CCS Learning Academy will accept all CG Credentialing Assistance Program Funding registrations.

Who decides on credentialing requirements?

Credentialing boards decide all the requirements for any licenses or certifications, which is usually a mix of a candidate’s education, training, work experience, exams, or other job-related requirements.

Who can participate in CG COOL

CA is authorized for qualified officer and enlisted active duty and SELRES members (in good standing) who meet VCP eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the policy for the Voluntary Credentialing Program (VCP) Credentialing Assistance (CA)?
Who is eligible for credentialing assistance (CA)?
CA is available to eligible active duty and SELRES members (enlisted and officers) as well as GS and WG civilian employees. Note: Civilian employees who are occupying a position, or seeking to qualify for a position, that is excepted due to the confidential, policy-making nature of the position are ineligible for CA funding
What documentation needs to be submitted to apply for Credentialing Assistance (CA)?
Your ESO and ETQC will verify eligibility in Direct Access. If your “Person Profile” in Direct Access is missing information, additional documentation may be requested to verify eligibility. SELRES members must upload their most recent points statement.
What are the eligibility requirements for Credentialing Assistance (CA)?
- CA is available to eligible officer and enlisted personnel (active duty and SELRES) as well as eligible GS and WG Coast Guard civilian employees.
- Officer and Enlisted Personnel: Meet established weight and body fat standards and have at least 6 months remaining on service obligation.
- Enlisted Personnel: Must be marked “Ready” or “Not Ready” on their most recent employee reviews.
- Civilian Personnel: Have at least 90 days of prior, continuous CG service; received or expected to receive “Achieved Expectations” or higher on most recent annual appraisal or interim rating; received supervisor approval to participate in CA program.
- All Personnel: No misconduct.
Where can I go to see what credentials are available?
The CG COOL website is the primary source of information and displays all eligible voluntary credentials a service member or civilian can pursue – https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg/index.html
How do I apply for credentialing assistance?
- Meet With Your ESO to Find and Select Related – Meet with your Education Services Officer (ESO) for guidance on finding related credentials. Use the ‘Explore Military and Civilian Occupations’ quick link to see how your training and experience match up with military and civilian credentials. Learn about credential requirements and contact the credentialing agency to validate that you meet their eligibility criteria.
- Request Approval via MyCG Ed – Apply for credentialing assistance (CA) via MyCG Ed at https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil. Applications for CA must be submitted at least 14 calendar days prior to the exam or training start date. Choose the appropriate fee type option in the CA application.
- Pay for Approved Fees – After CA authorization from ETQC, pay for approved credentialing fees. Once payment is made, upload applicable itemized receipts along with an electronically endorsed Request for Miscellaneous Reimbursement (OF-1164) to MyCG Ed within 30 calendar days of payment.
- Get your Credential – After CA authorization from ETQC and payment of fees, complete the credentialing requirements (e.g., take exam, submit application package, etc.) through the credentialing agency.
- Report Results – Upload a legible copy of your completed credential to MyCG Ed within 30 calendar days of completion.
What if I need to make change to the exam date or amount on the approved CA Request?
Before command approval, you can make changes in MyCG Ed under “Review Applications” at https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil After command approval, send an email to etqc-smb-cap@uscg.mil to request changes or cancellations.
Can I submit the same CA application for training and the exam?
No. Submit separate CA applications for training and exams. Complete the appropriate fields in the application related to your request.
What if the credential I want to pursue is not on Coast Guard Cool?
Submit a request to CGCOOL@USCG.MIL and include the certification name and and credentialing agency’s website. The requested credential will be screened for inclusion on COOL.
What if I receive approval, then the credentials is removed from the CG COOL website, will ETQC still pay for it?
Yes. If the Credentialing Assistance (CA) application was authorized by ETQC in MyCG Ed, then the member will be reimbursed.
What if I previously earned a credential, will the Voluntary Credentialing Program (VCP) Credentialing Assistance (CA) cover the renewal Fees associated with the previously earned credential?
Yes. ETQC will fund renewal fees providing all eligibility criteria are met.
I previously paid for a credential. Can I be reimbursed for it?
No. Members must receive approval from ETQC prior to paying any fees. No exceptions. Other funding options: CG Foundation Grant, CGMA, GI Bill.

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Experience and Background	Timing	Credential Eligibility
Your service in the Coast Guard has prepared you to meet most eligibility requirements. When you are searching for credentials, you can review certifications and licenses associated with your military or federal civilian occupation and experience. Additional credentials will become available as you move up in rank or change jobs.	For service members, some credentials are better attempted prior to separating from the service, and some may even help you advance your career while still serving. For civilians, some credentials are suited to entry level positions while others are more oriented to individuals who have more years of experience. No matter the path you choose, consider how long the credential might take to achieve as a part of your decision-making process. See Do I Need a Credential? for more information about factors you might consider.	Credentialing agencies may require specific education, training or experience. To learn more about credential eligibility requirements, go to How are Credential Requirements Determined? You can find the eligibility requirements for the credential by clicking on the Credential Details page link once you have identified a credential on the credential summary page.