Education Programs
Every program listed here is approved under the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) benefit — meaning eligible soldiers can pursue these certifications at no out-of-pocket cost.
Invest in Your Future. The Army Invests Too.
Army Credentialing Assistance covers tuition costs up to the maximum benefit amount for approved certification programs. These credentials are recognized across government, defense contracting, and private-sector employers — giving you a competitive edge whether you stay in uniform or transition to civilian life.
Environmental & Trades
ARMYEPA Section 608 Technician Certification
The EPA Section 608 certification is a federally mandated credential required for any technician who purchases, handles, or services refrigerants used in stationary HVAC and refrigeration equipment. Issued under the Clean Air Act, it demonstrates your knowledge of refrigerant safety, environmental regulations, and proper handling procedures. This certification is non-expiring and recognized nationwide.
With HVAC systems in every commercial building, military installation, and residential complex, certified technicians are in constant demand. Holding an EPA 608 credential signals compliance readiness and professional credibility to employers in construction, facilities management, and government contracting.
- HVAC Technician
- Refrigeration Mechanic
- Facilities Maintenance Technician
- Building Systems Engineer
- Government Facilities Contractor
Included: Full Interplay Learning Library
Enrolling in EPA 608 also unlocks the complete Interplay Learning training library — hundreds of skilled trades courses available at your own pace. Short videos paired with interactive 3D simulations let you practice real equipment and real troubleshooting without needing a shop. Courses range from 15-minute intros to multi-hour advanced labs, and each learning path ends with a shareable certificate.
HVAC
Fundamentals through advanced troubleshooting for heat pumps, A/C, furnaces, boilers, and mini splits. Full prep paths for NATE Ready-to-Work, NATE CHP-5, NATE Core, and HVAC Excellence.
Commercial HVAC & Data Centers
Chillers, rooftop units, VRF, walk-in freezers, commercial refrigeration, and data center power and cooling.
Electrical
Circuits, motors, controls, and code with hands-on labs. Includes NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 110, and a 47-course Electrical Level 1 path.
Plumbing & Appliances
Pipe joining, fixtures, water heaters, drains, plus diagnostic simulations for washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
Facilities & Apartment Maintenance
Building systems, make-ready, pools (Certified Pool Operator content), and NSPIRE inspections.
Industrial & Warehouse
Hydraulics, pneumatics, motors, VFDs, PLCs, conveyors, and forklift operator certification training.
Crane & Rigging
Prep for NCCCO rigger, signalperson, and mobile crane operator exams, plus overhead crane inspector training.
Solar, Construction, Automotive & Safety
Solar installation and troubleshooting, carpentry and finishing, basic vehicle maintenance, and OSHA 10 and OSHA 30.
Professional Skills
Communication, customer service, teamwork, and job site supervision.
Not sure which trade fits you?
Not sure which trade fits you? Start with Career Exploration — short, hands-on previews of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, construction, building maintenance, appliance service, solar, and clean energy. Try a few and see what clicks.
Your access covers the training library and its exam prep. Certification exams such as NATE, NCCCO, or OSHA cards may have their own requirements or fees — check with us before you schedule one.
Foundational IT & Core Skills
ARMYAIR FORCECompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level certification for IT professionals, covering PC hardware, software, mobile devices, operating systems, and foundational troubleshooting. It validates the hands-on skills needed to support today's core technologies — from desktops and laptops to cloud environments and virtualization. A+ is vendor-neutral and recognized by major employers worldwide.
CompTIA A+ is often the first credential required for IT support roles in both the federal government and private sector. It establishes a proven baseline of technical competency and opens the door to a wide range of entry-level positions, making it the ideal starting point for soldiers transitioning into technology careers.
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Analyst
- Field Service Technician
- Systems Administrator (entry-level)
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ validates the skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot both wired and wireless networks. It covers essential networking concepts including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, and network security fundamentals. Network+ is vendor-neutral and widely accepted as a benchmark for networking competency across the IT industry.
Every organization — from small businesses to federal agencies — depends on reliable network infrastructure. Network+ certified professionals are equipped to maintain that infrastructure, making this credential highly valuable for soldiers who have worked in communications, signal, or IT-related military occupational specialties.
- Network Administrator
- Network Technician
- Systems Administrator
- IT Infrastructure Analyst
- NOC Technician
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely adopted entry-level cybersecurity certification in the world, validating core skills in threat management, cryptography, identity management, and network security. It is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under Directive 8570/8140, making it a baseline requirement for many government and defense contractor cybersecurity roles.
Security+ is the gold standard for proving foundational cybersecurity competency. For soldiers pursuing careers in government IT, defense contracting, or federal law enforcement, Security+ is often a mandatory requirement — not just a preference. It directly maps to real-world job responsibilities and compliance frameworks.
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
- Security Administrator
- IT Auditor
- DoD Contractor (IAT Level II)
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIA Linux+ certifies foundational skills in Linux system administration, including installation, configuration, management, security, and troubleshooting of enterprise Linux environments. It is the only performance-based Linux certification that covers both major distributions — Red Hat and Ubuntu — making it broadly applicable across industries.
Linux powers the majority of the world's servers, cloud infrastructure, and government systems. As organizations continue to migrate to cloud and open-source platforms, Linux expertise is increasingly essential. Linux+ gives soldiers a credential that translates directly into high-demand roles in cloud computing, DevOps, and federal IT.
- Linux System Administrator
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Site Reliability Engineer
- Federal IT Specialist
CompTIA Server+
CompTIA Server+ validates expertise in server architecture, storage technologies, security, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting in both physical and virtual environments. It is designed for IT professionals who work directly with server hardware and software, and is vendor-neutral — applicable across all major server platforms.
Servers are the backbone of every enterprise IT environment. Server+ certified professionals are trusted to maintain uptime, protect data, and recover systems when failures occur. For soldiers with experience managing communications or IT infrastructure, this credential formalizes and validates those skills for civilian employers.
- Server Administrator
- Data Center Technician
- Systems Engineer
- IT Infrastructure Specialist
- Virtualization Administrator
Advanced & Specialized Career Paths
ARMYAIR FORCECompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
CompTIA CySA+ is an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification focused on behavioral analytics, threat detection, and incident response. It covers security monitoring, vulnerability management, and the use of threat intelligence to proactively identify and neutralize attacks before they cause damage. CySA+ is approved under DoD 8570/8140 for CSSP Analyst roles.
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations need analysts who can move beyond reactive defense and actively hunt for threats. CySA+ bridges the gap between entry-level security skills and advanced security operations, making it a critical credential for soldiers pursuing careers in cybersecurity operations centers (SOCs) or federal agencies.
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- SOC Analyst (Tier II/III)
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIA PenTest+ certifies hands-on skills in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, including planning, scoping, executing, and reporting on ethical hacking engagements. It covers the full attack lifecycle — from reconnaissance and exploitation to post-exploitation and remediation — while emphasizing legal compliance and professional ethics.
Organizations must test their own defenses before adversaries do. PenTest+ certified professionals are equipped to simulate real-world attacks, identify weaknesses, and provide actionable remediation guidance. This credential is especially valuable for soldiers with intelligence, cyber, or special operations backgrounds who are transitioning into offensive security roles.
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
- Red Team Operator
- Vulnerability Assessment Specialist
- Cybersecurity Consultant
CompTIA Cloud+
CompTIA Cloud+ validates the skills needed to deploy, secure, and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It covers cloud architecture, virtualization, storage, networking, security, and automation — providing a vendor-neutral foundation applicable to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms.
Cloud adoption has become the default for both private enterprises and federal agencies. Cloud+ certified professionals are equipped to manage the infrastructure that modern organizations depend on, making this credential highly relevant for soldiers pursuing careers in IT operations, cloud engineering, or government technology modernization initiatives.
- Cloud Administrator
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Security Specialist
- DevOps Engineer
- Federal Cloud Infrastructure Analyst
CompTIA SecAI+ (Security Artificial Intelligence)
CompTIA SecAI+ is a forward-looking certification that addresses the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. It covers secure AI system design, threat modeling for AI-driven environments, regulatory compliance, and the ethical use of AI in security operations. As one of the newest credentials in the CompTIA portfolio, SecAI+ positions professionals at the cutting edge of the field.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming both offensive and defensive cybersecurity. Organizations need professionals who understand how to secure AI systems, detect AI-driven attacks, and implement AI responsibly within compliance frameworks. SecAI+ is a first-mover credential that signals forward-thinking expertise to employers in defense, intelligence, and technology sectors.
- AI Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Engineer (AI/ML)
- Security Architect
- AI Governance Specialist
- Emerging Technology Consultant
Supply Chain & Logistics
ARMYCertified Logistics Associate (CLA)
The Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is an entry-level credential issued by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) that validates foundational knowledge of supply chain and logistics operations. It covers core concepts including inventory management, warehousing, transportation, distribution, and the role of logistics within the broader supply chain. The CLA is recognized by employers across manufacturing, distribution, and government contracting sectors.
Logistics is the backbone of military and civilian operations alike. Soldiers with supply, transportation, or quartermaster backgrounds already possess the real-world experience that the CLA formalizes into a recognized civilian credential. It bridges the gap between military occupational expertise and private-sector hiring requirements — making it one of the most direct credential pathways for transitioning soldiers.
- Logistics Coordinator
- Warehouse Associate
- Inventory Control Specialist
- Distribution Center Technician
- Supply Chain Support Specialist
Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
The Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is an advanced credential issued by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) that builds on the CLA foundation. It validates deeper competency in logistics operations including transportation management, supply chain optimization, regulatory compliance, and the use of logistics technology systems. The CLT is designed for professionals who manage or oversee logistics functions within complex supply chain environments.
As supply chains grow more complex and technology-driven, employers need logistics professionals who can manage operations at a higher level. The CLT signals to employers that a candidate can handle the full scope of logistics management — from compliance and documentation to systems coordination and team oversight. For soldiers with supervisory or senior logistics experience, the CLT directly validates the skills they already use.
- Logistics Technician
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Transportation Coordinator
- Warehouse Operations Supervisor
- Government Logistics Contractor
Healthcare
ARMYAIR FORCECertified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a nationally recognized credential issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) that validates competency in both clinical and administrative medical office functions. It covers patient intake, vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, medication administration, medical terminology, electronic health records, and front-office operations. The CCMA is one of the most in-demand entry-level healthcare credentials in the United States.
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy, and medical assistants are needed in virtually every clinical setting — from private practices and urgent care centers to VA facilities and military treatment facilities. For soldiers with medical MOS backgrounds (68W, 68C, 68D, and others), the CCMA formalizes existing clinical skills into a portable, civilian-recognized credential that opens doors immediately upon transition.
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Office Specialist
- VA Healthcare Technician
- Urgent Care Assistant
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)
The Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) is a nationally recognized credential issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) that validates competency in direct patient care across a range of clinical settings. It covers patient safety, vital signs, specimen collection, EKG monitoring, phlebotomy, and basic nursing assistant skills. The CPCT/A is designed for professionals who work at the bedside and serve as a critical link between patients and the broader care team.
Patient care technicians are among the most in-demand healthcare workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and VA medical centers. For soldiers with combat medic, healthcare specialist, or patient administration backgrounds, the CPCT/A translates hands-on military medical experience into a civilian credential that employers recognize and trust — often enabling immediate employment upon transition.
- Patient Care Technician
- Nursing Assistant
- Phlebotomy Technician
- EKG Technician
- VA Patient Care Aide
- Hospital Technician
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a nationally recognized credential issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) that validates competency in pharmacy operations, medication dispensing, inventory management, and patient safety protocols. It covers pharmacology fundamentals, prescription processing, compounding, controlled substance handling, and pharmacy law and regulations. The CPhT is required or preferred by employers across retail, hospital, and federal pharmacy settings.
Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in medication safety and patient care, and demand for certified professionals continues to grow across civilian and federal healthcare systems. For soldiers with medical logistics, pharmacy specialist (68Q), or healthcare support backgrounds, the CPhT provides a direct pathway into a stable, in-demand healthcare career that leverages existing military training and experience.
- Pharmacy Technician
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician
- Retail Pharmacy Technician
- Compounding Technician
- VA Pharmacy Technician
- Medication Management Specialist
Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC)
The Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC) is a nationally recognized credential that validates competency in supporting licensed physical therapists with patient care, therapeutic exercise instruction, equipment operation, and rehabilitation program implementation. It covers musculoskeletal anatomy, therapeutic modalities, patient mobility and transfer techniques, documentation, and safety protocols in clinical rehabilitation settings.
Physical therapy is one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields in the United States, driven by an aging population and increased focus on rehabilitation over surgery. For soldiers who have experienced or supported musculoskeletal injury recovery — or who have served in physical therapy specialist (68F) or medical support roles — the PTTC formalizes that hands-on experience into a credential that opens doors in hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports medicine facilities, and VA rehabilitation centers.
- Physical Therapy Technician
- Physical Therapy Aide
- Rehabilitation Technician
- Sports Medicine Technician
- VA Rehabilitation Aide
- Orthopedic Clinic Technician
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