Earn Top IT Certifications at No Cost with Coast Guard COOL Programs
Coast Guardsmen, you can advance your IT capabilities through Coast Guard Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) education benefits. Find the benefit-eligible IT training program that matches your personal and professional goals through QuickStart.
Through the Coast Guard COOL program, you can use up to $4,500 per year towards eligible education and training expenses that support your military rating or prepare you to enter the civilian workforce.
Course Certifications & Exams Approved for Coast Guard COOL
Sharpen your skills and make your resume more competitive with a QuickStart IT training program.
Advance your career and plan for your future, while you serve.
Certifications through QuickStart will help you advance your career and plan for your future while you serve. Our training will prepare you for real-world application of the materials learned and the examination of industry-leading credentials that will last from active-duty service to follow on civilian careers.
To best prepare you for the evolving field of IT, we work with technology partners including Microsoft, CompTIA, EC-Council, Project Management Institute, and more to design industry-aligned training that emphasizes the latest tools.
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Explore the Application Process for U.S. Coast Guard Service Members
If you are an active-duty Coast Guardsman, you may be eligible for up to $4,500 of Coast Guard COOL education funding toward your IT training. Here's how you can apply today:
What Is Coast Guard COOL?
Designed to help active-duty Guardsmen achieve industry-relevant certifications, the Coast Guard Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL) program covers the cost of IT pathway training for eligible individuals.
Use the "Explore Military Occupations" menu or the "Get Certified > Full Credential Search" menu item to see how your Coast Guard training and experience match with civilian credentials. Learn about selected credential requirements and contact QuickStart Military Admission Specialist to validate that you meet their eligibility criteria.
We recommend meeting with your Education Services Officer (ESO) during this preliminary step.
2
Request Approval via MyCG Ed Portal
Apply for credentialing assistance (CA) via the MyCG Ed portal. Applications for CA must be submitted 14 calendar days prior to exam date.
3
Submit Payment for Your Approved Course
Upon receipt of authorization from ETQC, proceed to pay for approved training fees. Once you submit your payment, upload an itemized receipt with an electronically endorsed Request for Miscellaneous Reimbursement (OF-1164) to MyCG Ed within 30 calendar days of payment.
4
Earn Your Credential
Upon credentialing assistance approval and payment of all course fees, complete your credentialing training or requirements (including all relevant exams) through QuickStart. Provide ETQC with course results within 90 days of course completion.
5
Report Your Course Results
Upload a legible copy of your completed QuickStart training program to MyCG Ed portal within 30 calendar days of completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the credential need to be related to my rating?
You do not have to seek a certification within your rating. You can earn a certification in any technical specialty you desire, so long as it is available in the CG COOL listing.
What if I need to make a change to the exam date or amount on the approved CA request?
Before command approval, you can make changes in MyCG Ed portal under Review Applications.After command approval, send an email to ETQC-SMBCGCOOL@USCG.MIL to request changes or cancellations.
Does the service member receive reimbursement or will COOL handle submit payment to QuickStart directly?
After receiving approval/authorization in MyCG Ed portal, the member must first pay the associated training cost, then submit a receipt and OF-1164 to be reimbursed.
When should ESOs approve the members request in MyCG Ed?
All application requests must be approved by the ESO in MyCG ED prior to 14 days from the
exam date. It is recommended that member submit their request at least 30 days in advance.
Where can I find more information on Coast Guard COOL?
Ready to Reach Your Next Professional Goal? Contact Us.
Whether you plan to promote within your rating or pivot into a civilian role, an IT training course from QuickStart can help you reach your goals. Contact a member of our team today to find the right program for your career and learn more about the Coast Guard COOL program.
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Eligibility Requirements
To receive funding authorization for education costs, Service members must be on active duty or reservist on long-term orders greater than 180 days to qualify for Credentialing Assistance.
Coast Guardsmen must also meet the following requirements:
Service members must be in compliance with weight standards in accordance with Coast Guard Weight and Body Fat Standards Program Manual, COMDTINST M1020.8 (series).
Service members must be marked as "Ready" (R) or "Not Ready" (X) for advancement on their most recent Enlisted Employee Review (EER). Service members marked as "Not Recommended" (N) are ineligible for CA.
Service members must have at least 6 months remaining on their service obligation.
The service member's Command will play a critical role in screening for CA. A Credentialing Assistance Request must be reviewed and approved by the Education Service Officer (ESO) and then forwarded to Education and Training Quota Management Command (ETQC) for final authorization.
Minimum 6 months of remaining service obligation.
Approval from Command, Education Service Officer, and ETQC.
Service members must meet weight standards, COMDTINST M1020.8
For more information on getting approved, please contact your Education Service Officer to learn about the steps and requirements for Coast Guard COOL, or visit the COOL webpage https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg/
