New credential program available

  • Published
  • By Malmstrom Education and Training Center
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Have you ever thought about earning a license or certification related to your Air Force specialty code? If so, you are in luck.  AF Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, or AF COOL, is now available to Air Force enlisted members, replacing the one-time certification benefit which ended Oct. 31, 2014. Officers however, are not eligible for AF COOL.

Why get credentialed? Credentialing can professionalize a career by providing up-to-date, industry-recognized credentials in an individual's profession.  It also provides a way to prepare for civilian employment if a member chooses to continue in a field similar to their military occupation in the civilian sector. There are many aspects to credentialing, but the two basic types are certifications and licensure. In addition, there are a variety of agencies that provide credentialing. Some are at the national level, while others are state or industry driven.

Licensures are granted at federal, state or local governmental agencies to individuals to practice a specific occupation, such as healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors and physical therapy assistants; tradesmen, such as plumbers and electricians; engineers; and certain service industry workers such as bartenders, massage therapists and barbers. State laws, federal laws or regulations define the standards that individuals must meet to become licensed. Licenses are typically mandatory.

Certifications are usually granted by non-governmental agencies, associations and private sector companies to individuals who meet predetermined qualifications. These qualifications are generally set by professional associations such as the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators.  They can also be set by industry and product-related organizations such as Novell Certified Engineer. Certification is typically an optional credential, although some state licensure boards and some employers may require certification.  For many occupations, more than one organization may offer certifications.

Under AF COOL, enlisted members are eligible to earn one AFSC-related credential at Air Force expense. AF COOL will pay for the exam(s) necessary for that one credential up to $4,500, which is the maximum allowable lifetime benefit per Airman.  Senior non-commissioned officers qualify for one leadership credential in addition to their AFSC-related certification and any recertification(s) if applicable. The Professional Manager Certification that senior NCOs can earn through the Community College of the Air Force does not count as an AF COOL credential, so they are eligible to earn the PMC and still earn one leadership credential using AF COOL funds. 

Re-trainees who utilize AF COOL for a previous AFSC may be eligible for another credential in their newly awarded AFSC on a case-by-case basis.  Airmen who hold a special duty identifier or reporting identifier AFSC may choose one credential in their previously held AFSC or leader certification regardless of rank.  Some exams may be very expensive while others are relatively low cost.  Regardless of the cost, Airmen may only receive one AFSC-related credential and, if eligible, one leadership credential.

Since AF COOL funds are separate from military tuition assistance, previous AF certifications attained will not preclude the use of AF COOL. Also, if members used all of their fiscal year TA funds, they can still pursue AF COOL credential in the same FY.

To find out more information about this program, the approved credentials available related to each AFSC and how to apply, go to the Air Force Virtual Education Center website on the AF Portal and click on "Air Force COOL".  The AF COOL Public site can also be accessed at https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/Default.aspx.  To take a look at what this new benefit has to offer go to "How do I Apply" for step-by-step instructions.  Beginning Jan. 31, Airmen will be allowed to submit their goal and funding request.  The projected time to begin registering for a credential is March 15.  For questions, call the Education and Training Center at 731-3531.