COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) helps Marine Corps service members find information on certifications and licenses related to their military occupation and civilian careers to further their personal and professional development. Take advantage of this great opportunity!
COVERED COSTS
The Credentialing Assistance (CA) program will pay for
- credential examinations,
- renewals,
- maintenance fees, and
- other mandatory examination administrative fees
STUDY MATERIALS
Study materials and training courses are NOT covered by the Marine Corps’ Credentials Program. Below is a short list of trainings and courses available.
There are two comprehensive options to prepare for the certification exam:
- An in-person skill training course for units (Vendor: Pose Tech Corp. Contact your unit leader to schedule via our military liaison)
- An online master course for individuals
The online master course is also approved for 20 Continuing Education hours for Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers.
Credential Funding In-Service Requirement Changed
Marine Corps COOL has suspended the 6-months remaining in-Service requirement for credential funding. You may receive credential funding support up to 60 days prior to separation. All exam requirements and reporting of results to Marine Corps COOL must be completed not later than 60 days prior to end of Service obligation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there a service obligation?
Credential Funding In-Service Requirement Changed
Marine Corps COOL has suspended the 6-months remaining in-Service requirement for credential funding. You may receive credential funding support up to 60 days prior to separation. All exam requirements and reporting of results to Marine Corps COOL must be completed not later than 60 days prior to end of Service obligation.
Is This Exam Approved for Credentialing Assistance?
Yes, this credential – Certified Running Technique Specialist (Pose Method) is approved for Marine Corps COOL funding.
Marine Corps’ Credentials Program Office does not reimburse credentialing exam fees. Make sure that you receive an approved funding request from the Marine Corps’ Credentials Program Office BEFORE you start, take, participate in, or otherwise obligate yourself or the Government in any Marine Corps-funded credentialing program or exam.
Who is the Funding approved for?
COOL Voluntary Program only supports enlisted Marines on active duty.
COOL Cyber supports Government civilians and Cyber Coded Marine Corps Officers to obtain mandatory credentials for their billet.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Enlisted Marines must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be in the appropriate MOS or occupation 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 MOS, and the credential has relevance or applicability to the current or future needs of the command or the Marine Corps.
- A Marine’s eligibility for 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 Marines:
- Have passed, or been medically waived from, their most recent physical fitness assessment.
- Have not received a judicial or court-martial punishment within the past 6 months.
- Have been recommended for promotion or advancement on their most recent performance evaluation of pro’s and con’s or fitness reports.
- Marines must have, at a minimum, 6 months 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 Marine Corps Credentials Program Office under the following circumstances for Marines 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 Marine Corps service. Marine must be able to complete all certification requirements 60 calendar days prior to separation from Marine Corps.
- Intend to reenlist or extend, but are awaiting execution of reenlistment or extension (i.e. pending service reenlistment bonus timeframes). Waiver package must include an OPNAV 1500/57 Marine Corps Credentialing Program Professional Certification and Licensing Funding Request and a Command Endorsement with intent to reenlist/extend.
How Do I schedule the Certification Exam?
We developed an automated process to accommodate scheduling and access. The most important part is for you to receive the funding. After that our system will guide you.
To begin the process please follow these steps:
- Request the Quote
- Get approved for funding
- Receive access to the Exam
Once the Credentials Program has fully approved funding for your credentialing exam, you will be notified (via email) that the exam is paid for and that you may now proceed to schedule/take your exam.
How Do I Study for the Certification Exam?
The most comprehensive way to study and prepare for the Certification Exam:
- Study with the related POSE METHOD® OF RUNNING Training Course Online (Vendor: Pose Tech Corp)
The Marine Corps’ Credentials Program Office cannot fund for training, study, or exam preparation materials.
What Fees Are Associated with this Credential?
Certification Exam: $890
Recertification: $295
Recertification Cycle: Every 5 years starting from the date of the original certification
Pro Membership: $95/year (1st year free)
Does the credential need to be related to the service member‘current or prior duties?
Yes, payment of professional credentialing expenses will be authorized if the service members’ current or prior duties are covered by the credential.
FFI – Force Fitness Instructor
Collateral Duty/Assignment Description
Who Do I Contact About the Marine Corps-Funding Request Program?
If you wish to contact the Credentials Program Office:
usmccool@us.navy.mil
(850) 452-4724/6583/6337
DSN: 459-4724/6583/6337