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Leaving with a certification gives civilian employers something concrete to check on your resume. Training Camp runs short, exam-focused boot camps in IT, cybersecurity and project management, live online or in person, so you can finish one during your last year in uniform.
Pre-separation counseling has to begin no later than 365 days before you separate, or up to two years out if you’re retiring. Use it to pick a target career field early.
Match the field to an entry credential. Security+ is a common first step for cyber jobs, Network+ for networking and PMP for people who led projects in uniform.
While you’re still serving, COOL or Army Credentialing Assistance may cover the course or exam. After you separate, the GI Bill®® can pay for approved training.
Take the boot camp and sit the exam before your end date, so the certification is on your resume when you start applying.
DoD SkillBridge lets you spend up to your last 180 days of service in civilian training, an apprenticeship or an internship while you keep your military pay. Your unit commander has to approve it, and the time is permissive duty.
SkillBridge programs are run by authorized industry partners listed on the official SkillBridge site. If you want certification training to be part of a SkillBridge plan, check that site and talk to your installation SkillBridge contact first. You can also book a boot camp on leave or after hours without SkillBridge.
Rules and caps vary by branch and program, so check with your education office before you enroll.
Pays for approved training if you have eligible service. VA facility code 25835438.
GI Bill®® details →Soldiers can request funding for courses and exams through ArmyIgnitED.
Army CA →Air Force and Space Force members can get credentials funded through Air Force COOL.
AF COOL →Sailors can use Navy COOL to fund certifications tied to their rating or career path.
Navy COOL →| Certification | Good fit for | Course |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | A first step into cybersecurity jobs, contractor roles included | Security+ boot camp |
| CompTIA Network+ | Comms and network experience moving to civilian IT | Network+ boot camp |
| CompTIA A+ | Help desk and support roles | A+ boot camp |
| CISSP | Senior members with years of security experience | CISSP boot camp |
| PMP | Leaders who ran projects, operations or logistics | PMP boot camp |
Every course comes with exam prep, practice tests and our free retake guarantee. See the full catalog.
As early as you can in your last year. TAP counseling starts no later than 365 days before separation, which gives you time to pick a field, sort out funding and test before your end date.
SkillBridge runs through authorized partners listed on the official DoD SkillBridge site, so check there for current partners. Our advisors can still help you plan training on leave, after hours or after you separate.
Yes, for approved training. Our VA facility code is 25835438. See how GI Bill®® funding works.
Often, yes. Each branch sets its own eligibility rules, and some require time left in service after the course. Check with your education office before you enroll.
For most people heading into cyber or IT, Security+ or Network+. Tell us your job in the military and the job you want next and an advisor will suggest a starting point.
Tell us your branch, your separation date and the field you’re aiming for. An advisor will help you pick a course and sort out funding.
25835438
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