In the civilian world, credentials may be required for a job, or can make you much more likely to be hired for a job. Credentials can be earned through career and technical training.

For a Marine, civilian credentials are important for two main reasons: career advancement and smoother transitions.

There are several career and technical training programs designed to help you, as a Marine or a Marine spouse, earn credentials through career and technical training.

Marine Corps COOL

Marine Corps COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) helps Marine Corps Service members find information on certifications and licenses related to their jobs. Use COOL to get background information on credentialing and find detailed information on:

• Credentials related to a Marine Corps Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
• Credential requirements and potential gaps between Marine Corps training and civilian workforce credentialing requirements
• Resources available to fill gaps between military training and civilian credentialing requirements
• How to get a COOL funded voucher to pay for credential exam and maintenance fees

SkillBridge

The DoD SkillBridge Program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

Find Marine Corps guidance in MARADMIN 350/18.

USMAP

The United States Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while on active duty. If you think you might be interested, Check Out an Apprenticeship Through USMAP

Other Relevant Career & Technical Training Resources

The Department of Labor has an apprenticeship webpage for Service Members and Veterans and a credentialing website for a wider audience.

Spouse Credentialing

Spouse Licensure Reimbursement

The Marine Corps may reimburse Marines for qualified State relicensing and/or recertification costs incurred by their spouse arising from permanent change of station (PCS) to another State. If you think you might be interested, review MARADMIN 091/20 and UPDATE: Marine Corps Spouse Professional Relicensing Reimbursement Rises to $1000.

My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance for licenses, certifications, or Associate’s degrees to pursue an occupation or career field.

Learn more about credentialing for spouses from through the Family Member Employment Assistance Program

Policy/Guidance for Career & Technical Training

• DoDI 1322.29 Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships (JTEST-AI) for Eligible Service Members
• MCO 1560.25, Chapter 7 USMAP
• MARADMIN 350/18 Marine Corps SkillBridge Employment Training Program
• MARADMIN 518/14 Announcement of Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL)
• MARADMIN 583/15 Funding for Enlisted Marine Exams Under Marine Corps Credential Opportunities Online (COOL)