Click to read the new CA policy here
CA provides up to $4,000/per FY to complete as many credentials as desired.
Soldiers may use both Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Credentialing Assistance (CA); however, the combined usage shall not exceed $4,000 per FY.
CA can be used for any credential listed on Army COOL: https://www.cool.osd.mil/.
CA will pay expenses for classroom, hands-on, online/blended training and associated materials to include: manuals, study guides, textbooks, processing fees, test fees, related fees for continuing education requirements, and recertification of credentials.
Soldiers may request reimbursement from VA using their GI Bill benefits to pay for exams only. o Important! Soldiers may only request reimbursement from VA if CA is not used to pay for the exam. The combined use of CA and VA benefits to pay for an exam is a duplication of benefits and is subject to recoupment.
Credentialing Assistance provides funding for courses, training and/or exams leading to an industry-recognized academic or vocational credential.
- Soldiers may combine Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Army Credentialing Assistance (CA); however, the combined usage shall not exceed $4000 per Fiscal Year (FY).
- Credentialing Assistance is not authorized for mandated MOS related credentials.
- Credentialing Assistance will pay for credentialing (certification and recertification) related expense such as:
- Manuals
- Study guides
- Textbooks
- Processing Fees
- Exam fees
- Training
Army eLearning: Use Army eLearning and Save Money
Army eLearning offers over 3,500 web-based courses in Information Technology, Business, Leadership and Personal Development to include many of the credentials offered for the Limited User Test (LUT). Visit Army eLearning and download your study guide at no charge then use Credentialing Assistance to pay for your exam! Army eLearning Courses:
- Six Sigma Green, Black, and Yellow Certification
- Project Management (CAPM and PMP)
- Human Resource Certifications (PHR, SPHR, SHRM)
- COMP TIA, ADOBE, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Cisco
- Free Test Prep
- and More!
Download Army eLearning Instructions
Q: When can I start applying for the Credentialing Assistance Program?
A: TXARNG Soldiers may begin submitting CA applications in October 2018.
Q: Will I incur an Active Duty or Reserve Duty Service Obligation (ADSO/RDS)?
A: Officers will incur 2/4 year service obligation (SO) depending on status; will not incur SO for testing/ recertification
Q: I am currently using Federal TA (FTA). May I combine Federal TA and CA?
A: Yes. Soldiers are authorized to combine FTA and CA not to exceed $4000/FY for combined use.
Q: Does Federal TA pay for books and fees since Credentialing Assistance pays for books and fees?
A: No. Under current policy, Federal TA may only be used toward tuition (no fees/books). Credentialing Assistance may be used toward the cost of the credentialing courses, exams, and credentialing related books, fees, study guides, etc.