Welcome to ONLC Training Centers

Army COOL Approved Training

ONLC: Army CA Funding Accepted*

Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is a U.S. Army initiative that helps active-duty Soldiers (enlisted, warrant officer, or officer) enhance their professional skills through credentialing and certification. The Army CA Program can cover the cost of training and exams for approved, industry-recognized credentials listed in the Army COOL database.

ONLC is proud to be an approved training provider under the Army COOL program. We offer live, authorized, instructor-led training courses that align with many of the credentials listed in the Army COOL catalog. Our nationwide network of training centers and our online capabilities make it easy for Soldiers to attend training from anywhere.

IT Training for Success

Army COOL helps fund training that leads to vendor-authorized credentials. When you train with ONLC you get many advantages:



  TRAIN FROM ANYWHERE

  CERTIFICATION DRIVEN

  HANDS-ON LEARNING


  EXPERT INSTRUCTION

  FREE CLASS RETAKE

  EXAM PASS GUARANTEE

 

Personal Guidance. Targeted Success.

Schedule an appointment with ONLC's COOL Coordinator for help selecting
CA-approved courses to build a training plan for success.

 

Elevate Your Status: Professional Certification

IT certifications demonstrate proficiency and expertise in specific areas of technology. You can be assured that as a CompTIA Authorized Partner and a Microsoft Solutions Provider, ONLC's CA-approved courses are led and supported by a professional trainer well-versed in the topic and using vendor-authorized materials. Prep with ONLC for any of these CA-approved certifications:

Looking for something else? Email ONLC’s Army COOL Program Coordinator with the topic of interest. We may be able to get approval. Note, only courses that directly support a credential listed on Army COOL are approved for CA funding.

Steps to Use CA with ONLC

  1. Search Army COOL for an approved credential—go to ArmyIgnitED go to link.
    Not sure what certification aligns with your goals? Our Army COOL Program Coordinator can provide personal guidance.
  2. Confirm ONLC offers the required training for that credential.
  3. Contact ONLC’s Army COOL Program Coordinator for a price quote.
  4. Submit a CA Request via ArmyIgnitED at www.armyignited.army.mil go to link.

 

FAQs: Army COOL Training

What is Army COOL?

Army COOL stands for Credentialing Opportunities On-Line. It’s a program that helps Army Soldiers earn civilian-recognized credentials that enhance their skills and career opportunities, both within the Army and after service. Funding is provided through the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program.

What is Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program?

Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program provides Soldiers the opportunity to pay for credentials that can enhance their skills and qualifications. The CA Program can pay for courses and exams leading to industry-recognized academic or occupational credentials listed in Army COOL (www.cool.army.mil). ONLC has many programs approved on the list. If you don't see the topic you need, please reach out to us. If the training leads to a credential, we may be able to add it.

NOTE: Army COOL only includes national certifications and licenses. It does not include state licenses, training courses, or programs that only receive a certificate. Additionally, recommended credentials must be relevant to a military occupation and meet DOD credential standards prior to being included on COOL.

Who is eligible for Credentialing Assistance (CA) funding?

All Regular Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers (active duty, drilling, or AGR) in good standing are eligible for CA funding of up to $2,000 per fiscal year.

CA is authorized for the payment of expenses for classroom, hands-on, or online/blended training and courses, materials, manuals, study guides, textbooks, test fees, and other expenses related to the attainment or recertification of credentials.

Is ONLC an Army CA / COOL approved training provider?

Yes, ONLC is an approved Army CA / COOL training provider. Our courses are live, instructor-led training you can attend from:

No matter what class location you choose, training is fully interactive and supported by the online instructor to ensure learning.

What kinds of certifications can I earn through ONLC using CA funding?

ONLC is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and a CompTIA Authorized Partner. We provide the highest level of vendor-approved training for their products and certifications.

Only courses that directly support a credential listed on Army COOL are eligible for CA funding. Be sure to review the Army COOL portal and confirm your desired certification path.

How do I apply for CA funding to train with ONLC?

  1. Log in to ArmyIgnitED go to link to search for your chosen credential in the Army COOL database.
    Not sure what certification aligns with your goals? Contact ONLC’s Army COOL Program Coordinator for personal guidance.
  2. Confirm ONLC offers training aligned with that credential.
  3. Contact ONLC’s Army COOL Program Coordinator for a price quote.
  4. Submit a CA Request via ArmyIgnitED at www.armyignited.army.mil go to link.

Does completion of training guarantee certification?

Completion of training helps prepare you for the certification exam, but you must pass the authorized certification exam to earn the certification credential.

ONLC’s training and value-adds of an exam prep and free class retake are designed to help you succeed on your first attempt!

After passing the authorized exam you will need to upload your certificate of completion and exam results to your ArmyIgnitED account.

Am I required to take the certification exam?

Yes. The intent of the CA program is to earn the credential which requires passing the authorized certification exam.
Note: Recertifications do not count toward CA lifetime limits, however, they do subtract from the FY funding limit.

Do Microsoft and CompTIA certifications have a recertification requirement?

Yes...

Microsoft: Technical-level IT certifications, with the exception of Fundamentals credentials, need to be renewed annually by passing Microsoft's online assessments which are free. Microsoft will contact those certified six months prior to expiration of their certification with details.

CompTIA: A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, CySA+, PenTest+ and SecurityX have a recertification requirement. Professionals with those credentials have three years from the date of certification earned or renewed to complete the CE Program requirement for your certification. Failure to renew your certification within 3 years results in expiration of your certification. You will need to pass the current version of the authorized certification exam to regain certification.
Review CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) Program go to link

Does CA cover recertification?

Yes. CA is authorized for the payment of expenses for classroom, hands-on, or online/blended training and courses, materials, manuals, study guides, textbooks, test fees, and other expenses related to the attainment or recertification of credentials.

What are the most popular certifications on Army COOL?

What other computer training does ONLC offer?

ONLC library of classes includes hundreds of software and technology topics with class levels from beginners on up through expert.
Browse ONLC's complete course catalog.

 

ONLC Thanks You for Your Service!

Schedule an appointment now with ONLC's COOL Coordinator
for help selecting the right CA-approved courses for a successful training plan.

Photo: Army soldier saluting US Flag.

 


Need other information? You can reach us at:

1.800.288.8221   |   Email
(weekdays)

 

Disclaimer: The Department of Defense and the Department of the Army are neither affiliated with nor endorse ONLC Training Centers.

 

ONLC TRAINING CENTERS
800-288-8221
www.onlc.com