Hawai‘i Army National Guard

Important Announcements:

FY25 Credentialing Assistance Requests:

IAW our annual FY closeout requirements, guidance for FY25 CA requests follows:

1. Soldiers can continue to submit CA requests until 2000 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 6 August 2025 through ArmyIgnitED for courses or exams that have start dates up to 19 September 2025.
2. Soldiers will not have the ability to submit FY25 CA requests through ArmyIgnitED for start dates from 20-30 September 2025.
3. Soldiers must submit CA requests through ArmyIgnitED at least 45 days prior to the start date of the course or exam.

Guidance for FY26 CA Requests:

1. Soldiers may submit CA requests through ArmyIgnitED beginning 13 September 2025 for courses or exams that start on or after 27 October 2025 (not to exceed 90 days from submission).  However, FY26 requests are subject to the availability of funds.
2. For additional questions, please contact an Army CA Virtual Counselor: https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/costs_and_funding/index.html?credentialingassistance.

Overview: The Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program empowers Soldiers to develop valuable skills beyond their military roles, enhancing their employability in the civilian job market after service. Offering funding for over 1,800 credentials, the program supplements existing training opportunities provided by Army schools. While these credentials have a military connection, ensuring the Army benefits from the program during the Soldier’s service, they also equip Soldiers with marketable skills crucial for their future civilian careers. By participating in the CA Program, Soldiers can smoothly transition to civilian life, armed with in-demand skills.

How Do I Qualify?

• Soldiers cannot be flagged.
• Soldiers cannot be on hold in ArmyIgnitED except for: CivEd, Student Agreement, Tier and GPA.

What Do I Get?

• CA will provide Soldiers up to $2,000 each year to pay for an eligible credential.
  • Soldiers may use both Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Army Credentialing Assistance (CA); however, the combined usage shall not exceed $4,500 per FY.
  • Funding for pilot license is capped at $1,000.
  • 3 credentials every 10 years of service.
  • Must take exam within 180 days after completing training
• CA can be used for any credential listed on Army COOL but does not have to be related to the Soldier’s MOS.
• 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.

What Are Some Popular Certifications?

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Security+ CE
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
• Associate Professional in HR (APHR)
• Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
• Certified Welder (CW)
• Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Lean Six Sigma
• Private Pilot, Airplane Single Engine

How Do I Apply?

• Ensure your credential is listed on Army COOL.
• Soldiers who have never used CA in this system will be required to complete MILGEARS then CA 101 training with the CA Virtual Counseling Cell (VCC) prior to requesting CA goal.
• Must contact a CA counselor via the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program and click the “CONTACT AN ARMY CA COUNSELOR” button.
• CA requests must be submitted into ArmyIgnitED 90-45 days prior to class/exam start date.
• Funding will only be approved for CA request that include exam.
• Establish your ArmyIgnitED account at: ArmyIgnitED.
• If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact our Education and Incentives Office.
• Soldiers who receive CA for training must sit for the exam to obtain the credential, license, or certification within 180 days after completing course.

Quick Access Links

For questions regarding your incentive, please contact your Readiness NCO.