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Voucher
Credentials
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Voucher
Credentials
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Report Your Results
Upon completion of the credential exam, you must provide the results to:
- Credentials Program Office (pass or failure) (within 30 calendar days of taking exam).Please include score when possible. Email (pass or fail) results to: navycool@navy.mil.
- Your supervisor (pass or fail)
- Your local Approving Official (pass or fail)
- Enlisted– please visit your local PSD for pg-4 entry (pass only) and your local Navy College office for SMART/ETJ entry (pass only)
- Officer– please ensure entry into OSR/ODC (pass only)
- DON Civilians– please ensure copy of certification is provided to your local Human Resources/N1 (pass only)
In most cases, the member must schedule and take the credential exams within 60 calendar days from receipt of your voucher (date the exam was funded). If the member's certification exam process takes longer than 60 days he/she must call or email the Navy's Credentials Program Office (navycool@navy.mil) [(850) 452-6683/6664] in order to request a time waiver for going beyond the 60 calendar day limit. Vouchers not used in the approved timeframe will be recalled and the member will no longer be authorized to use the voucher.
The exam voucher/funding is non-transferable and may only be used by the individual specifically issued, towards the specific exam in which it was funded for. The member may be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action if he/she attempts unauthorized use of the voucher.
Apply for the Credential and Take the Exam
It is important to note that Navy COOL is not a credentialing organization– you do not sign up for or take exams from Navy COOL. Once you have an approved exam voucher, you are responsible for contacting a credential exam test center (i.e. Pearson VUE, ProMetric, New Horizons, LaserGrade, etc…) to schedule the exam. You must schedule and take your exam within 60 days of issue of the Navy-funded voucher or the voucher expires (unless specifically coordinated with the Navy's Credentials Program Office). The following is a list of test vendors. Navy COOL does not endorse any of the following vendors, but lists them here for your convenience.
Test Vendors
- CATS
- Certiport
- Comira
- KRYTERION
- LaserGrade
- Pearson Vue (off-base testing)
- Pearson Vue (military on-base testing)
- Pearson Vue (map of on-base testing locations)
- Prometric
See the Credential Exams Frequently Asked Questions for anwers to many questions related to credential exams.
Once you have taken the exam and received your results, see step 4 above, "Report Results to Navy COOL" for information about reporting your results.
Voucher
Navy-Funded Exam Voucher Requests
After you have chosen a credential, you will need to request an exam voucher. The Navy's Credentials Program Office has a limited amount of certification/license exam voucher funds each year. These vouchers will be issued on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
To receive a certification or license exam voucher:
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Make sure you are familiar with the detailed Navy-funded Exam Voucher Program information.
- Apply for a voucher, using the Voucher Eligibility tool below.
- Read the items, and check each box to confirm that you meet each criteria.
- Click Get Form to download the Voucher Request Form Word document.
- Open the form in Microsoft Word, fill it out, and save your changes.
- Request that your Commanding Officer or designated E7 or above Command Representative email the completed form to the Credentials Program Office (navycool@navy.mil), or fax it to the Credentials Program Office - (850) 452-6897.
For further explanation of eligibility rules and the Navy-funded Exam Voucher Program, see the Costs and Resources page.
Once you have an approved exam voucher, go to step 3 above, "Apply for Credential and Take Exam" for instructions on applying to take the exam with the credentialing agency or testing service.
Pre-Approved Reimbursement Requests
For information on obtaining reimbursements for exam fees, see Exam Reimbursement Program information, or refer to the Costs and Resources page.
Navy COOL Voucher Eligibility Tool
You must receive approval for a voucher from the Navy Credentials Program Office BEFORE registering for, scheduling or taking an exam, or taking any other action that requires payment. Failure to receive voucher approval in advance may mean that you have to pay for an exam yourself, without reimbursement from the Navy.
Check off each item below to affirm you are eligible to request a voucher, then click Get Form.
Most certifications and licenses have fees associated with them that are charged by the credentialing board or agency. The most common fees are application fees, exam fees and renewal fees. In addition, you may need to pay for additional training or education if you do not meet the requirements set by a credentialing board or certification agency.
There are resources available, however, to help service members cover some of the costs associated with credentialing. The topics below offer an overview of those costs and resources and help direct you to the right resources. For detailed information on costs associated with a specific credential, go to the credentialing agency web site.
To learn more about the topics below, click on a box. Information for that topic will display below the boxes.
Navy-Funded Exam Voucher Program
Learn about the Navy-Funded exam voucher program
Navy-Funded Exam Reimbursement Program
Learn about the Navy-Funded exam reimbursement program
Credentialing Costs
Learn more about the costs associated with credentials
Credentialing Resources
Learn about the financial help available for credentialing costs
Training and Education Resources
Learn about the financial help available for education and training needed for credentials
The Credentials Program Office administers a voucher program that will pay for eligible credentialing exams, recertification fees, and maintenance fees. The Navy's Credentials Program Office does NOT fund for training, study materials, or exam preparation materials.
The Navy's Credentials Program Office has a limited amount of certification/license exam voucher funds that may be used by enlisted personnel towards specifically-identified certifications and licenses. These vouchers will be issued on a "first-come, first-served" basis. In general, the Navy will pay for credentialing exam fees under the following circumstances:
- The credential has been approved for Navy funding;
- The Sailor meets eligibility requirements including that the credential is appropriate to their rating or collateral duty/out of rate assignment and is validated by their Commanding Officer; and
- The Sailor has a minimum 1 year remaining on his/her enlistment at the time the credential is awarded.
The resource icon identifies a credential that has been approved for Navy funding via a pre-paid voucher or pre-approved reimbursement. The voucher covers the cost of the examination, re-certification, or maintenance fee. To find funded credentials, click on Find & Select Related Credentials at the top of any page, search for your rating, designator, or collateral duty/out of rate assignment and look for the Funded Certifications or Funded Licenses sections. All credentials shown in those sections are funded. A Voucher Eligibility Tool and Frequently Asked Questions can be found near the top of any page by clicking on Step 2 "Apply for an Exam Voucher."
Voucher Eligibility
To be eligible for a certification or license voucher:
- Enlisted shall meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Be in the appropriate rating or collateral duty/out of rate assignment to which the credential is mapped.
- Be currently working in, or have been assigned to a position to which the credential is mapped.
- Have prior documented experience in a position to which the credential is mapped for credentials outside of their specific rating, and the credential has relevance or applicability to the current or future needs of the command or the Navy.
- Eligibility for Sailor credentials must be validated and approved by their Commanding Officer or command-designated approving official (E-7 or above). Additionally, before authorizing the request, commands must also certify that Sailors:
- Have passed their most recent advancement exam.
- Have passed, or been medically waived from, their most recent physical fitness assessment.
- Have not received a judicial or courts martial punishment within the past 6 months.
- Have been recommended for promotion or advancement on their most recent performance evaluation.
Time of Service. Sailors shall have, at a minimum, one year remaining on their enlistment or military service obligation at the time they receive the certification for which they receive funding. Waivers will be considered by the Navy Credentials Program Office (EXCEPT FOR INFORMATION ASSURANCE WORKFORCE) under the following circumstances for Sailors who:
- Are being discharged or released from service due to a combat-related injury.
- Have less than one year remaining in service, but have completed a minimum of 20 years Navy service. Member must be able to complete all certification requirements 60 calendar days prior to separation from Navy.
- Intend to reenlist or extend, but are awaiting execution of reenlistment or extension (i.e. pending service reenlistment bonus timeframes). Waiver package must include Navy Credentialing Program Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request and a command endorsed and executed NAVPERS 1070/613 Administrative Remarks noting Sailor’s intention to extend or reenlist.
Note: Information Assurance Workforce (IAWF) must have a minimum of 1 year remaining on their enlistment or military service obligation to receive credential funding. Waivers will not be considered.
Should funding become available, officers shall also meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold the appropriate designator, be in the collateral duty/out of rate assignment, or be working in a position to which the credential is mapped.
- Currently work in, have orders to, or be assigned to a position in which a subspecialty code or additional qualification designator (AQD) has the credential mapped.
- Have prior documented experience in a position to which the credential is mapped for credentials outside of their specific designator, and the credential has relevance or applicability to the current or future needs of the command or the Navy.
Note: The command's local approving official for VOLUNTARY credentialing exams is the Commanding Officer (but may be delegated to Dept Head, Division Officer, or Command-designated E7 and above). The command's local approving official for MANDATORY IAWF credentialing exams is the Command Information Assurance Manager (IAM). The approving official must locally validate that the member has documented competency or experience in the position to which the credential is tied (for example, Evaluation, Fitness Report, Personnel Qualification System (PQS), counseling sheet, formal course completion, etc.). Competency and experience documentation may need to be submitted if requested by the Navy's Credentials Program Office.
Important Note – If the Navy’s Credentials Program is expected to fund the credentialing exam – Under no circumstances shall the member (or member’s command/organization) obligate the member or Government to pay for a credentialing expense without first obtaining confirmation of approval for a voucher for funding from the Navy’s Credentials Program Office.
Timeline for Credential Funding
- The Navy’s Credentials Program Office must receive the voucher request, containing all the required information and endorsements, from the member or Command Approving Official - NO LESS THAN seven (7) business days PRIOR to the exam date.
- Voucher requests received less than seven (7) business days PRIOR to the exam date may risk not being approved for payment.
- Requests for a waiver of the seven (7) business day requirement will require documentation from the command that the member was prevented from requesting the voucher earlier due to operational requirements, illness or hospitalization, or other circumstances beyond the control of the member, will be subject to the availability of funding and to the processing times required by the credentialing agency.
- Voucher requests submitted greater than sixty (60) days PRIOR to the exam date will not be processed for approval until they are within the sixty (60) day window. Waivers will be considered only for those exams that require payment greater than sixty (60) days prior to the exam.
- Voucher requests submitted after starting, taking, participating in, or otherwise incurring the credentialing expense will be rejected, and the member will be personally liable for the expense.
The Navy's Credentials Program Office can reimburse credentialing exam fees for enlisted personnel only for expenses that are not eligible for a prepaid voucher, and only when specifically coordinated and authorized via the Navy's Credentials Program Office BEFORE you start, take, participate in, or otherwise obligate yourself or the Government in any Navy-funded credentialing program or exam.
Reimbursement Eligibility
To be eligible for a certification or license reimbursement:
- Submit a voucher request, containing all the required information and endorsements, to the Navy's Credentials Program Office following all guidance found in Navy-funded Exam Voucher Program section on this page—BEFORE you start, take, participate in, or otherwise obligate yourself or the Government in any Navy-funded credentialing program or exam. Pay particular attention to Timeline for Credential Funding section. You can find the Voucher Request form and Frequently Asked Questions near the top of any page by clicking on Step 2 "Apply for an Exam Voucher."
- In cases where the Credentials Program Office attempts to fund the credentialing exam, and the credentialing agency does not accept payment from the Government, the Credentials Program Office will notify the member that he/she is authorized to pay for the exam(s) out-of-pocket and submit an SF-1164 and receipts for reimbursement.
- Reimbursement will not be authorized if a Navy-funded pre-paid voucher is available.
Important Note - If the Navy's Credentials Program is expected to reimburse the credentialing exam - Under no circumstances shall the member (or member's command/organization) obligate the member or Government to pay for a credentialing expense without first obtaining approval for reimbursement from the Navy's Credentials Program Office.
Timeline for Reimbursement Funding
Timeline for Navy Credentials Program reimbursement of credentials:
- The Navy's Credentials Program Office must receive the SF-1164 form from the member or Command Approving Official - NO GREATER THAN thirty (30) calendar days AFTER the exam date.
- SF-1164 forms received greater than thirty (30) calendar days AFTER the exam date will not be approved for payment. Waivers to the thirty (30) day deadline will require documentation from the command that the member was prevented from filing the claim due to operational requirements, illness or hospitalization, or other circumstances that were beyond the control of the member, and will be subject to the availability of funding.
- The Navy's Credentials Program Office will forward properly submitted SF-1164's and exam receipt(s) for DFAS direct-deposit reimbursement within 3 business days of receipt.
Generally, there are two types of costs associated with obtaining a license or credential: 1) Credentialing board or agency fees and 2) Fees for additional education or training. Read the topics below for details.
Credentialing Board or Agency Fees
Although it varies by credential and by organization, credentialing agencies typically charge the followings fees:
- Application fee – from $20 to $200
- Exam fee – from $20 to $200
- Renewal fee – from $10 to $150 (typically due every 1-3 years depending on the agency's renewal policy)
Note that the examples above show the typical range of certification fees. Actual fees may be higher or lower depending on the credentialing agency or the type of credential. Credential fees for civilian occupations typically linked to officers (for example, physicians and lawyers) may be higher. The best source for finding the fees associated with a specific credential is the credentialing agency's website. Links to agency web sites can be found on the credential search page results and the credential snapshot pages.
Costs of Additional Education or Training
There are two types of additional education or training costs that may apply to Service members pursuing a credential: 1)Training or education needed to earn a credential, and 2) Training or education needed to keep a credential that you've already earned active.
- Earning a credential. Some credentials and licenses have training and experience requirements that must be met prior to earning a credential. Service members whose military training and experience do not meet a credentialing agency’s requirements may need additional training or education. The costs associated with training and education will vary depending on the type of education or training needed. For example, some credentials may require completion of a specific computer based training course while others may require an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a specific subject area.
- Keeping a credential active. Many professions require additional training or education, commonly called continuing education, to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge. Credentialing agencies also may require continuing education over a period of time (for example 1-3 years) to maintain a credential already earned. Continuing education requirements, and costs, will vary by credentialing agency.
There are a number of financial resources available to help Service members with credentialing costs including the Navy Credentials Program Office, the Navy Tuition Assistance Program, and the Montgomery GI Bill. Each is briefly described below with links for further information.
Navy Funded Exam Vouchers
The Credentials Program Office administers a voucher program that will pay for eligible credentialing exams, recertification fees, and maintenance fees. The Navy's Credentials Program Office does NOT fund for training, study materials, or exam preparation materials.
The Navy's Credentials Program Office has a limited amount of certification/license exam voucher funds that may be used by enlisted personnel towards specifically-identified certifications and licenses. These vouchers will be issued on a "first-come, first-served" basis. In general, the Navy will pay for credentialing exam fees under the following circumstances:
- The credential has been approved for Navy funding;
- The Sailor meets eligibility requirements including that the credential is appropriate to their rating or collateral duty/out of rate assignment and is validated by their Commanding Officer; and
- The Sailor has a minimum 1 year remaining on his/her enlistment at the time the credential is awarded.
For a full explanation of the Navy Voucher program, click on the "Navy-funded Exam Voucher Program" box above. A Voucher Eligibility Tool and Frequently Asked Questions can be found by clicking on "Apply for Exam Voucher" near the top of any page.
Navy Funded Exam Reimbursement
The Navy's Credentials Program Office can reimburse credentialing exam fees for enlisted personnel only for expenses that are not eligible for a prepaid voucher, and only when specifically coordinated and authorized via the Navy's Credentials Program Office BEFORE you start, take, participate in, or otherwise obligate yourself or the Government in any Navy-funded credentialing program or exam.
For a full explanation of the Navy Exam Reimbursement program, click on the "Navy-funded Exam Reimbursement Program" box above. A Voucher Eligibility Tool and Frequently Asked Questions can be found by clicking on "Apply for Exam Voucher" near the top of any page.
Montgomery GI Bill
Through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Montgomery GI Bill offers financial assistance with licensing and certification as well as supplemental education and training. Eligible service members and veterans can use the Montgomery GI Bill to pay for up to $2,000 in fees for civilian occupational licensing and certification exams. Fees for re-testing and renewing licenses or certifications are also covered. Registration fees, preparation guides and processing fees will not be reimbursed. Visit the VA’s GI Bill web site or see the Licensing and Certification Exams brochure for additional information. Information on approved programs may also be found through the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) web site.
If you are a member of the National Guard or Reserves, you may also be able to receive GI Bill reimbursement for licensing and certifications test fees. Qualifying members of the Guard and Reserve can now receive reimbursement of up to $2,000 per test. For more information and to find out whether you qualify for this benefit, please see the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Licensing and Certification Brochure or contact a VA representative.
The GI Bill also provides benefits for costs associated with an undergraduate degree at a college or university, a certificate or diploma from a business, technical or vocational school, training programs, apprenticeships, and others. Visit the VA’s Education Benefits web site or read about tuition benefits on COOL in the Training and Education Resources topic for more information.
Navy Tuition Assistance Program (TA)
Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) Traditional
Tuition Assistance is the Navy's educational financial assistance program. It provides active duty personnel funding for tuition costs for courses taken in an off-duty status at a college, university or vocational/technical institution, whose regional or national accreditation is recognized by the Department of Education. With regard to use of tuition assistance for credentialing purposes, TA can only be used for courses leading to a credential if they are part of an approved education plan. TA will no longer be authorized for use with continuing education units for credentials already earned (See NAVADMIN 161_07). For additional information, visit the Navy Tuition Assistance web site.
Tuition Assistance (TA) Clock Hour
Restoration of Tuition Assistance (TA) funding for Clock Hour Programs.
Individuals may participate in a Clock Hour Program provided they meet all TA eligibility requirements. Establish an approved education plan with their Navy College or Virtual Education Center Counselor, and have received and electronic TA voucher prior to enrolling in or attending the first Clock Hour session. Sailors must meet these provisions in order to avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses.
Credentialing following Clock Hour programs. Sailors are strongly encouraged to pursue Clock Hour programs that prepare them for Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) funded certification or license Examinations. Certifications and licenses can be researched by clicking "Find & Select Related Credentials" at the top of any page.
TA funding levels. 100 percent tuition and authorized fees, up to $16.67 per Clock Hour. TA will be limited to 240 Clock Hours per fiscal year. Clock Hours can be funded by TA; however, the combined total cost for an individual Sailor cannot exceed the maximum allowable annual TA caps.
Limit to number of TA funded Clock Hour programs. In keeping with current TA policy each Sailor may only use TA to fund one Vocational/Technical program during a career that awards credit in Clock Hours. Sailors are required to discuss their educational goals with a Navy College Counselor prior to enrolling in any Program funded by TA.
What is Clock Hour? Non-College Degree (NCD) Schools offer a variety of certificate and diploma programs on a Clock Hour basis rather than through award semester or quarter hour credits.
For additional information, see CNO WASHINGTON DC/231503ZMAR10 message.
How to search for a VA-approved Clock Hour Program
For further assistance on Navy Tuition Assistance opportunities:
Navy College Office
The Virtual Education Center
1-877-838-16590
There are a number of educational resources available for Service members that provide tuition assistance, educational access, and/or guidance. These resources are listed below, some in more than one category. Expand the subtopics and text areas below that interest you to learn more about these topics.
Navy Tuition Assistance Program (TA)
Navy Tuition Assistance Traditional
Tuition Assistance (TA) is the Navy's educational financial assistance program. It provides active duty personnel funding for tuition costs for courses taken in an off-duty status at a college, university or vocational/technical institution, whose regional or national accreditation is recognized by the Department of Education.
Navy TA pays for both classroom and independent study/distance learning courses, regardless of course length. Courses must be offered in Semester Hours or Quarter Hours. The credit earned must show on the institution's transcript.
Navy Tuition Assistance pays, up-front, the tuition and fees charged by educational institutions for course enrollments. Navy TA pays 100% of tuition costs for courses applicable to the completion of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. For other education levels, there is a fiscal year credit limit of 16 Semester Hours or 24 Quarter Hours per individual. (Waiver requests cannot exceed the FY $4500 DoD program limit.)
Payment for tuition and fees will not exceed the following caps:
- $250.00 per semester hour
- $166.67 per quarter hour
For additional information, go to the Navy Tuition Assistance web site.
Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) Clock Hour
Restoration of Tuition Assistance (TA) funding for Clock Hour Programs.
Individuals may participate in a Clock Hour Program provided they meet all TA eligibility requirements. Establish an approved education plan with their Navy College or Virtual Education Center Counselor, and have received and electronic TA voucher prior to enrolling in or attending the first Clock Hour session. Sailors must meet these provisions in order to avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses.
Credentialing following Clock Hour programs. Sailors are strongly encouraged to pursue Clock Hour programs that prepare them for Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) funded certification or license Examinations. Certifications and licenses can be researched by clicking "Find & Select Related Credentials" at the top of any page.
TA funding levels. 100 percent tuition and authorized fees, up to $16.67 per Clock Hour. TA will be limited to 240 Clock Hours per fiscal year. Clock Hours can be funded by TA; however, the combined total cost for an individual Sailor cannot exceed the maximum allowable annual TA caps.
Limit to number of TA funded Clock Hour programs. In keeping with current TA policy each Sailor may only use TA to fund one Vocational/Technical program during a career that awards credit in Clock Hours. Sailors are required to discuss their educational goals with a Navy College Counselor prior to enrolling in any Program funded by TA.
What is Clock Hour? Non-College Degree (NCD) Schools offer a variety of certificate and diploma programs on a Clock Hour basis rather than through award semester or quarter hour credits.
For additional information, see CNO WASHINGTON DC/231503ZMAR10 message.
How to search for a VA-approved Clock Hour Program
For further assistance on Navy Tuition Assistance opportunities:
Navy College Office
The Virtual Education Center
1-877-838-16590
Montgomery GI Bill
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs. One example is the GI Bill. The GI Bill provides benefits for costs associated with the following education and training paths:
- An undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university
- Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical, or vocational schools
- Cooperative training programs
- Accredited independent study programs leading to a standard college degree
- Apprenticeship or job training programs offered by a company or union
- Correspondence courses
For details on funding levels, eligibility, and procedures, visit the VA’s Education Benefits web site. For additional information, use the following links:
Navy College Program
The Navy College Program provides options for service members who need to take courses for certification, such as an associate of science degree in general studies with an emphasis on management.
Each major shore installation has a Navy College Office (NCO) which forms the backbone of the Navy College Program organization. Find a Navy College Office staffed with a network of professional Education Services Specialists, Education Technicians, and Guidance Counselors who counsel and advise Navy members on all matters relating to academic programs, authorize tuition assistance, and administer all on-base education programs.
Visit an NCO and find out how to:
- Complete a high school diploma
- Work on a technical or occupational certificate
- Improve your academic skills in reading, math, and English
- Earn a college degree
Distance Learning Partnership Schools:
In responding to service members' need for greater access to higher education, Navy College Program (NCP) has developed partnerships with colleges and universities to offer rating relevant degrees via distance learning to service members everywhere. These new education partnerships provide associates and bachelors degree programs relevant to each rating, and make maximum use of military professional training and experience to fulfill degree requirements. The program also provides opportunities to take courses through distance learning so that service members anywhere will be able to pursue a degree. The goal of the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP) Schools is to support both the service member's mobile lifestyle and educational goals with relevant degree programs. Courses are offered in a variety of formats, such as CD-ROM, videotape, paper, or over the Internet. Contact your Navy College Office or the Navy College Center about degree programs available from your partnership schools.
Navy College Program
The Navy College Program provides options for service members who need to take courses for certification, such as an associate of science degree in general studies with an emphasis on management.
Each major shore installation has a Navy College Office (NCO) which forms the backbone of the Navy College Program organization. Find a Navy College Office staffed with a network of professional Education Services Specialists, Education Technicians, and Guidance Counselors who counsel and advise Navy members on all matters relating to academic programs, authorize tuition assistance, and administer all on-base education programs.
Visit an NCO and find out how to:
- Complete a high school diploma
- Work on a technical or occupational certificate
- Improve your academic skills in reading, math, and English
- Earn a college degree
Distance Learning Partnership Schools:
In responding to service members' need for greater access to higher education, Navy College Program (NCP) has developed partnerships with colleges and universities to offer rating relevant degrees via distance learning to service members everywhere. These new education partnerships provide associates and bachelors degree programs relevant to each rating, and make maximum use of military professional training and experience to fulfill degree requirements. The program also provides opportunities to take courses through distance learning so that service members anywhere will be able to pursue a degree. The goal of the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP) Schools is to support both the service member's mobile lifestyle and educational goals with relevant degree programs. Courses are offered in a variety of formats, such as CD-ROM, videotape, paper, or over the Internet. Contact your Navy College Office or the Navy College Center about degree programs available from your partnership schools.
Navy Postgraduate School Distributed Learning
The Naval Postgraduate School is dedicated to providing relevant, high quality education, anytime and anywhere. A variety of delivery methods are utilized that expand learning beyond the traditional classroom: online web-based technologies, short courses, outreach programs and video-tele-education.
Distributed Learning (DL) programs are available to active and reserve duty military and government DoD employees. Applicants must possess a BA or BS degree and obtain command sponsorship demonstrated through the funding of tuition. Click on the appropriate topic below for additional information regarding DL programming.
For information, see the NPS Distributed Learning web site.
Navy E-Learning
Service members pursuing certification can use the Navy E-Learning program to complete training and examination requirements. The Navy is working with outside entities to provide computer-based training in information technology and telecommunications-related subjects to active duty military, Navy Reserve, and authorized civilian personnel.
After logging on the Navy E-Learning web site through NKO, users may access and use the courseware from any Windows PC with Internet access. Authorized individuals may use the CBT courseware at no charge. Navy E-Learning does not cover certification exam costs.
For additional information, visit the Navy E-Learning web site. You can also view an NKO Course List Excel spreadsheet with tabs (at the bottom) sorted by catalog number, course listing and course name.
Servicemembers Opportunity College - Navy Degrees (SOCNAV)
The Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) system helps service members obtain associate or baccalaureate degrees. Their Navy Degree Program (SOCNAV) includes a consortium of more than 100 higher education institutions that agree to accept credit transfer in over 300 subject matter areas and set limited academic residency requirements for service members. If the credentials you are seeking require a college degree, these programs may be of help.
For detailed information, visit the SOCNAV web site, or Navy Center for Information Dominance.
Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC)
The Navy Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC) is an online training system accessible to members of the Navy/U.S.M.C. & U.S.Coast Guard with the status of Active Duty, Reserves, or Retired. Authorized users can access many on-line tools, enroll in courses, check course load, submit assignments, make personal data corrections, view grades, or view retirement points all on-line.
U.S. Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a training system by which active duty service members can earn certification for skills learned through documented work experience (On-The-Job-Training) and related technical instruction.
The USMAP allows for registered certification of the service member's military training and work experience to achieve recognition equal to his / her civilian counterpart. An individual enrolled in the USMAP documents work experience accomplished while performing regular military duties. The USMAP work is performed in unison with the individual's military job and is NOT a program to be worked after hours.
The USMAP objective is to document service members' training and skills learned while performing their regular military jobs, and upon completion of military service, qualify them for employment in a recognized civilian trade. Involvement in this apprenticeship program also reinforces values leading to military career advancement. USMAP's success promotes wide recognition of United States Armed Forces training and experience.
Currently there are 124 USMAP apprenticeable trades available to qualifying members enlisted in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
College at Sea
The Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) is a part of the Navy College Program. Both academic skills and college (undergraduate and graduate) courses are available through NCPACE. NCPACE college courses are provided by regionally accredited colleges and universities. NCPACE gives service members the opportunity to experience challenging education while on sea duty assignments preparing them for personal and professional growth.
The Navy has contracted with Central Texas College (CTC) of Killeen, TX, to administer NCPACE. Through CTC, colleges and universities around the country offer courses in a variety of delivery methods.
Courses are taught via technology and by traditional classroom instruction. All undergraduate courses are from institutions with Servicemembers Opportunity College - Navy (SOCNAV) affiliation insuring service members the opportunity to transfer credits and complete degrees.
NCPACE courses are provided to service members tuition-free. However, personnel must pay the costs associated with their college textbooks. Instructional materials for academic skills courses are provided at no cost. A variety of NCPACEinstruction is available at different levels with different delivery methods:
- Academic Skills - Instructor delivered
- College – undergraduate – Computer CD ROM Internet Print (traditional correspondence)
- College – graduate – Internet Video TeleConference CD ROM
Department of Defense Voluntary Education Program
The DoD Voluntary Education Program (VolEd) supports numerous educational opportunities and resources coordinated by the Department of Defense. The VolEd website provides information and links to many of the programs listed in this section (Navy College Program, SOCNAV, SMARTS, DANTES) as well as additional programs such as the Troops to Teachers program.
Advanced Education Voucher (AEV) Program
The AEV program provides financial assistance to senior enlisted personnel (E7-E9) to complete post-secondary, Navy-relevant degrees. To apply for the AEV Program you must first submit your application package to the Center for Personal and Professional Development, Voluntary Education Detachment (CPPD, VOLED), AEV Program Office via your chain of command.
Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES)
DANTES mission is to support the off-duty, voluntary education programs of the Department of Defense and to conduct special projects and development activities in support of education-related functions of the Department.
Also, Naval reservists can attend a variety of military schools and courses on their annual training, complete a diversified amount of correspondence courses, and enroll in a number of education programs.
Check out the following web sites for additional information on Navy Education Services:
Sailor/Marine American Council On Education Registry Transcript (SMART)
Also available to all enlisted Navy service members is the SMART program. SMART is a computerized transcript system that produces official transcripts for eligible service members upon request by combining military education, training and experience with descriptions and credit recommendations developed by the American Council on Education (ACE).
The SMART transcript is designed to:
- Help college officials award credit for learning experiences the service member gained while in the military
- Provide the service member/veteran a supplement to his/her resume
- Provide employers with a better understanding of the scope of responsibilities and skills acquired in the military
For more information, visit the SMART web site.
To contact your nearest Navy College Office, go to either the Navy College Virtual Education Center or Navy College Offices web pages on the Navy College Program web site and refer to the listings.
For additional USNR education information email Mr. Paul Dowd, Naval Reserve Force Command Career Counselor and Benefits Program Manager, at paul.dowd@navy.mil.
Navy E-Learning
Service members pursuing certification can use the Navy E-Learning program to complete training and examination requirements. The Navy is working with outside entities to provide computer-based training in information technology and telecommunications-related subjects to active duty military, Navy Reserve, and authorized civilian personnel.
After logging on the Navy E-Learning web site through NKO, users may access and use the courseware from any Windows PC with Internet access. Authorized individuals may use the CBT courseware at no charge. Navy E-Learning does not cover certification exam costs.
For additional information, visit the Navy E-Learning web site. You can also view an NKO Course List Excel spreadsheet with tabs (at the bottom) sorted by catalog number, course listing and course name.
Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC)
The Navy Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC) is an online training system accessible to members of the Navy/U.S.M.C. & U.S.Coast Guard with the status of Active Duty, Reserves, or Retired. Authorized users can access many on-line tools, enroll in courses, check course load, submit assignments, make personal data corrections, view grades, or view retirement points all on-line.