Community College of the Air forCe

2023

Air forCe CreDentiAling oPPortunitieS on-line (AfCool)

hAnDbook

VerSion 1.5

Forward

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is a dynamic organization serving more than 295,000

registered students. As the DoD leader in voluntary education, the college is your greatest resource

towards fulfilling your professional development goals. Additionally, you have many other resources,

such as career counselors, education counselors, and mentors in and outside of your Air Force Specialty.

They can help you develop an individualized career pathway that aligns with your personal values,

benefits your career, and prepares you for an exciting occupation when you separate from the Service.

The Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL) program has been designed to be an

integral part of that pathway.

Consider that a welder is not work ready until they have passed an AWS certification, a person with a

Bachelor of Science in Nursing is not a Registered Nurse until they pass their NCLEX exam, and a person

with a Juris Doctorate is not a lawyer until they have passed their state’s bar exam. The concept of

certification and licensure is not new and has been an essential part of work readiness for centuries.

When you develop your career pathway you can blend both academic and professional industry

recognized credentials into a tailored workforce solution. AFCOOL is your source for obtaining and

funding voluntary industry recognized credentials, certifications, and licensures.

This handbook is written to provide clear guidance on how to access and use your AFCOOL benefits, in

compliance with DODI 1322.33, DOD CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS (published 13 Oct ’21), and DODI

1322.33_DAFI 36-2683, DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS

(published 1 Nov ’22), while serving in the Armed Forces. It also outlines the roles played by various

entities as well as clearly defining the roles of unit leadership, individual supervisors, and you as the

member.

The AFCOOL staff continues to work very hard to respond to member’s concerns and to remain engaged

in continuous process improvement to increase program efficacy and customer service.

This iteration of the AFCOOL Handbook, version 1.5, is an intermediate volume to update policy and

procedure and keep you, the member, updated. Version 2.0 is projected to be published later this

calendar year to reflect significant improvements to policy implemented by Headquarters Air Force on

the member’s behalf.

This handbook is meant to be an essential guide in assisting you to fulfill your professional development

goals. Best of luck in this worthy endeavor!

JASON M. SMITH, EdS, GS-13, DAF

Associate Dean, Workforce Development Division

Community College of the Air Force

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback! ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page i

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Summary of Changes

The following substantive changes were implemented for this interim version (v1.5, published 4

August 2023) to the original AFCOOL Handbook (v1, published 28 September 2022).

1. Added end notes to give members paragraph references in DODI 1322.33_DAFI 36-

2683, DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING

PROGRAMS (published 1 Nov ’22).

2. Clarified language in Section B2: Roles and Responsibilities: Member.

3. Specified that members must attain the credential they are pursuing or reimburse all

AFCOOL funds expended for the education goal.

4. Added the new Exception to Policy request process.

5. Updated Section D: Glossary of Terms.

6. Removed the attachment regarding CISSP questions.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback! ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page ii

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Table of Contents

Section A: Introduction………………………………………………………………………….1

Section B1: Roles and Responsibilities: Supervisors…………………..………………….4

Section B2: Roles and Responsibilities: Members……………….…………...…………….6

Section B3: Roles and Responsibilities: Base Education Office…………………………15

Section C: Frequently Asked Questions……………………..………….…………………..17

Section D: Glossary of Terms……………..……………………………….…………………19

Section E: References………………….…………………….……………………………….23

Attachment 1: 180-Day Program…….……...…………………………………………….…24

Attachment 2: CAPM PMP Process…………………..……………...……………….……..25

Attachment 3: NCLEX Questions………………………………………………………….…27

Attachment 4: Documents Required for Frequently Used Education Goals…………….28

Attachment 5: Department of Defense (DOD) Credentialing Standards Attestation…...33

Attachment 6: Vendor Memorandum of Understanding………....………………………..52

Attachment 7: Developing Individualized Career Pathways……………………….………62

Attachment 8: How to Create an Education Goal…………………..………………………64

Attachment 9: How to Create a Funding Request…………..….…..……………….……..69

Attachment 10: How to Submit an Exception to Policy..…………………………..………74

Attachment 11: End Notes..………………………………………………...………..………76

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 1 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Section A:

Introduction

Program Description and Purpose. The Air Force Voluntary Credentialing Program enables

eligible and authorized Air Force and Space Force Professionals to obtain and maintain

professional certifications that will enhance their career opportunities while serving in the

military as well as increasing their competitiveness in advancing their post-military civilian

careers. Participation in a voluntary credentialing program improves force readiness and

provides members with expanded professional skills and competencies.

Participation in the voluntary credentialing program is self-initiated. Participation is reviewed

and authorized by an approval authority designated by the member’s chain of command (i.e.,

Service-level reviewing official).

The Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line Credentialing Program Office (CPO)

provides information and management of the Air Force Voluntary Credentialing Program. The

term “certification” refers to a formal indication of an individual’s ability to perform a task to

required standards.

End Notes. Throughout this handbook you will notice an occasional Roman numeral, in

superscript, right at the end of a sentence. This is a link to a corresponding end note in

Attachment 11 giving you a paragraph reference to DODI 1322.33_DAFI 36-2683,

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS. We

encourage you to gain a better understanding of the program if your goal is to know the

sources in DAF policy for the process in this handbook.

Rules of Engagement. We recommend that members who are interested in pursuing in an

AFCOOL funded certification thoroughly read Section B2, “Process Guidance for Members”.

To accelerate their learning curve, we are providing some rules of engagement on the basics

of the AFCOOL program.

1. The only approved policy instructions governing the AFCOOL program are DODI 1322.33,

DOD CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS and DODI 1322.33_DAFI 36-2683, DEPARTMENT

OF THE AIR FORCE VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS. Additionally, DAFI

36-2683, Para. 2.5.c.(1) states that members are to “Follow procedures outlined in the

AFCOOL Handbook”. Members submitting Exception to Policy (ETP) requests and citing

any source other than the three just mentioned will likely have their ETP returned to them

due to insufficient support. For guidance on submitting ETPs please read the “Exceptions

to Policy” overview and Attachment 10.

2. Members are responsible for completing their certification. Completed means the member

has submitted successful exam results within 120 days of the start date on their funding

request(s) and the results are updated in AFAEMS. Members who fail to report their

completion results by the end of their 120-day funding request window will reimburse the

AFCOOL program. This includes all funds issued for the exam(s) to include all expenses

related to a preparatory course, study materials, and fees related to the education goal.

Submitting documentation showing preparatory course completion does not meet this

criterion.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 2 of 77

3. Member’s must keep their AFCOOL Virtual Benefits training current. If a year has elapsed

since the last time the member has accomplished this training, they need to reaccomplish

it to allow the education goal process to be enabled (see Attachment 8).

4. Members may only pursue one certification at a time. Members who fail their certification

exam will reimburse the government for the total amount funded for the education goal to

include funds issued for the exam(s) as well as all expenses related to a preparatory

course, study materials, and fees.

Once they have completed a certification, they may

pursue additional certifications up to their $4,500 lifetime cap.

5. Members may pursue one certification unrelated to their Primary AFSC (PAFSC), with

supervisor’s approval, in their career. Members who fail the certification exam will

reimburse the government for the total amount funded for the education goal to include

funds issued for the exam(s) as well as all expenses related to a preparatory course, study

materials, and fees.

iii

6. Members may pursue one certification related to any awarded academic degree

(bachelors or higher), with supervisor’s approval, in their career. Members who fail the

certification exam will reimburse the government for the total amount funded for the

education goal to include funds issued for the exam(s) as well as all expenses related to a

preparatory course, study materials, and fees.

7. Senior noncommissioned officers (E-7 through E-9) are eligible for additional funded

leadership credentials. Members with a specialty for which there is no civilian credential

match on the AFCOOL Program website may be eligible for a funded leadership

credential, regardless of rank.

8. Members may not begin a preparatory course and/or exam without a funding request(s)

approved by the AFCOOL CPO. It’s important to remember that AFCOOL must approve

and pay the funding request(s) prior to the start of the member’s preparatory course and/or

exam. Members will be liable for all expenses incurred prior to AFCOOL approval.

9. Members must submit funding requests no later than 30 days and no earlier than 60 days

from the start of the preparatory course and/or exam.

vii

Note: The orange area denotes the 30-day date range where the estimated start date

must fall. This means that you must submit your supervisor-approved funding requests at

least 30 days prior to the estimated start date but no longer than 60 days prior.

10. Members should communicate with the AFCOOL Program Office concerning any change

in their program parameters ASAP using the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC)

Messenger system. Messages and Exceptions to Policy (ETP) requests (such as exam

grade due date extensions, reimbursement suspensions, and debt forgiveness) are

worked on a first come, first served basis by the CPO. Multiple messages concerning the

same subject will not improve response time for your query. For guidance on submitting

ETPs please read the “Exceptions to Policy” overview and Attachment 10.

viii

11. Members must understand the training vendor’s policies prior to requesting funds.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 3 of 77

12. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve are encouraged to take advantage of their

AFCOOL benefit. To do so, the member’s AFVEC (AFAEMS) record will need to have a

Date of Separation (DOS) in the future, an activated end date in the future, and be

assigned to an active-duty major command for the duration of their active orders. The

member must be on active orders for the entire duration of the training. The AFCOOL

Program Office does not have the ability to update this information. The member will need

to provide a copy of their orders to their servicing Military Personnel Flight or Base

Education Office for assistance. Once the areas are updated, the member should refer to

Attachment 8: How to Create an Education Goal and Attachment 9: How to Create a

Funding Request to have their education goal funded/vendors paid.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 4 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Section B1:

Roles and Responsibilities: Supervisors

Supervisor Responsibilities. Supervisors are key to the success of the AFCOOL program.

Their involvement is critical to the development of their subordinates. By focusing on the

following areas, they increase the potential for subordinate success in the program.

1. Approve or disapprove all credentialing requests after reviewing AFCOOL Handbook,

specific credential information on AFCOOL webpage, and ensuring member can complete

the education goal within the 120-day funding request window.

2. Become knowledgeable about academic and professional certifications that apply to your

career field (https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/search)

(https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/).

3. Work with your subordinates to develop a career pathway plan (see Attachment 7).

4. Encourage subordinates to pursue their developmental goals.

5. Advise and counsel subordinates on the impact of professional certifications on job

performance, career enhancement, and post-service employment opportunities via

individual feedback and mentoring, roll calls, unit training, and/or other venues the unit

leadership deems appropriate.

xii

6. Ensure subordinates requesting funding for certification exams and other certification

expenses follow the authorities outlined in DoDI 1322.33, DoD Credentialing Programs,

DoDI 1322.33_DAFI36-2683, Department of the Air Force Voluntary Credentialing

Programs, and this handbook. Caution your subordinates against registering, taking,

participating in, scheduling, or otherwise obligating the government to pay for a

certification expense without first obtaining approval for funding from the AFCOOL

CPO.

7. Ensure subordinates meet all eligibility requirements of the program prior to approval of an

education goal and the associated funding request(s) IAW DODI 1322.33_DAFI 36-2683,

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS,

Para 4.1.c

A. Active duty enlisted members are eligible to receive AFCOOL funding along with

activated Reserve Component enlisted members on orders under Title 10 United

States Code Sections 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 or Title 32

United States Code Section 502(f) for the duration of the credential. For Reserve

Component members, a copy of the orders must be loaded to the member’s Student

Documents folder in the Air Force Automated Education Management System.

Reserve Component members must be on active-duty orders when their funding

requests are approved and funded by the AFCOOL Program Office. Grades must be

submitted to the AFCOOL Program Office within 60 days of termination of orders to

active duty.

B. DAF enlisted members must not have an Unfavorable Information File, a failed or

overdue physical fitness assessment (must be current on physical fitness

assessment), a referral Enlisted Performance Report, or be on a control roster at the

time of application for an AFCOOL Program.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 5 of 77

C. DAF enlisted members must have a record in the Air Force Automated Education

Management System with an approved credential goal.

D. DAF enlisted members who have separated, retired, or commissioned are ineligible for

AFCOOL. If DAF members are enrolled in credentialing programs at the time any of

these events occur, their AFCOOL funding will immediately cease, remaining funding

cap will be deleted, and they must reimburse any AFCOOL funds paid on their behalf.

xiii

8. Encourage your subordinate(s) to participate in voluntary education programs.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 6 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Section B2:

Roles and Responsibilities: Members

How AFCOOL works.

AFCOOL Step-By-Step

1. The member reviews https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/how-to-apply prior to applying

for funding.

xiv

2. Research available certifications on https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/search, select

an approved AFCOOL certification, and then submit the Education Goal for approval

by the supervisor.

Note: Filter the AFCOOL website certifications by AFSC, credential name, or AFCOOL

approved certifications.

3. Review this handbook to ensure you use the resources the DAF has made available to

you.

4. Select the desired training vendor and upload the required supporting documents in

AFVEC under the Education Goal.

Note: The supporting documents assist the CPO in verifying your eligibility and they

are necessary for the Purchasing Agent to make the payment on your behalf.

Note: Attachment 4 is provided to assist with some of the frequently pursued

certifications. However, with over 1,700 available certifications, that list is not all

inclusive. Please consider what you would need if you were making a payment on

behalf of another individual.

A. Username and password should be uploaded on a word document.

B. Do not pay the invoice; submit to AFCOOL for payment!

C. Upload all the required documents to AFVEC under the Education Goal,

Supporting Documentation.

Note: The AFCOOL CPO does not endorse any vendor or assist members with

selecting a vendor.

5. Apply for funding (preparatory course, study materials, exam fees, taxes,

administrative or processing fees) then click "Issue Funding". It is possible to have up

to three different types of funding requests.

Note: The exam, preparatory course, and study materials cannot be bundled into one

type of funding request. Each education goal must have an exam funding request.

6. The supervisor reviews and signs the funding request(s), if approved by the supervisor

the request will go to the AFCOOL CPO for review and processing. If the supervisor

rejects the funding request, it is automatically canceled. Also, if the supervisor does

not sign all applicable funding requests within 7-days of creation, the system will auto-

delete the requests.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 7 of 77

7. The CPO reviews the funding request(s) and, if approved, the request(s) moves to the

AFCOOL Purchasing Agent for payment on the member’s behalf. Once the payment is

made on the approved request, the member will receive a notification in AFVEC. At

that point, the member needs to contact the vendor or access their account (if

applicable) to begin the requested course work or schedule the exam. The Purchasing

Agent will provide exam voucher information (if applicable) via email and AFVEC

messaging. (e.g., voucher code, or how to schedule the course or exam).

8. If the CPO defers the request, additional information is required. The correspondence

will be sent through the AFVEC Messenger and is located in Student Messages.

9. If the CPO disapproves, the message will state the reason.

10. Provide exam result(s), license, or certification to the CPO by the end of the 120-day

funding request window. Failure to provide the required documentation to the CPO

within this timeframe or before separation/retirement (if applicable) will result in

recoupment actions for all expenses relating to the education goal.

xvi

Exam grade due

date extensions, through the Exception to Policy (ETP) program, are reviewed upon

request, with proper documentation from the certification agency showing they will

continue to work with the member should the ETP be approved. If approved, members

can be extended up to 120 days from the grade due date identified on the funding

request. For guidance on submitting ETPs please read the “Exceptions to Policy”

overview and Attachment 10.

How to Generate an Education Goal (for screenshots please see Attachment 8).

The member completes the following:

1. Virtual Benefits Training (“Virtual Benefits Training” is located in the menu on the right).

2. In AFVEC, select “Education Goals”.

3. Click “Create New Goal”.

4. Select the type of AFCOOL education goal.

A. AFCOOL – PAFSC Related: Credential is related to the student’s PAFSC

B. AFCOOL – Leadership: Student must be a SNCO (E-7 and up)

Note: SNCO selects cannot apply.

C. AFCOOL – Awarded Degree Related: Credential is related to an already obtained

academic degree.

Note: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) and must either be updated on the service

member's AFVEC record or the member may provide unofficial transcripts, via

AFVEC message, showing a conferred degree.

D. AFCOOL – Non AFSC Related: Credential is unrelated to the student’s Primary AF

Specialty Code

1) The credential must be approved in AFVEC as AFCOOL eligible for another

AFSC.

2) Members with special duty identifiers (i.e., 8F000, 8A100, 8B000) with no

matching civilian certifications in the AFCOOL Program, may be eligible to

pursue an Air Force-funded leadership and/or a previously held PAFSC

Related certification. Contact AFCOOL via AFVEC Messenger for additional

guidance.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 8 of 77

3) If the goal being pursued is marked as “N/A”, click on the title and it will state

the reason the member is unable to submit an Education Goal. Once complete

with the listed requirement(s), proceed with submitting the Education Goal.

5. Verify the supervisor’s information.

Note: If the information requires updating, click the pencil icon to edit the information.

6. Select desired certification. The member may use the keyword search to filter

certifications.

7. Upload the vendor’s bill/invoice/quote. The member should contact the vendor for

assistance. Screenshots pasted to a word document are acceptable.

8. Upload any additional supporting documentation (see Attachment 4).

9. Click “Submit Goal”.

10. The member’s supervisor then approves the education goal. This allows the member

to generate funding requests.

How to Generate a Funding Request (for screenshots please see Attachment 9).

1. Click “Education Goal” in AFVEC.

2. Select the approved AFCOOL certification.

Note: Review Attachment 8: Preferred Sources for AFCOOL Exam Preparatory

Courses of this handbook to ensure you use the resources the DAF has made

available to you.

3. Click “Apply for Funding” to generate funding requests.

4. Verify the supervisor’s information.

Note: If the information requires updating, click the pencil icon to edit the information.

5. Click “Verify and Proceed”.

6. Read and agree to the User Agreement.

7. Indicate if applying from a deployed location.

8. Under “Exam Center” enter the training vendor.

Note: The training vendor will be providing training services or will be the agency

proctoring the exam and this is who receives AFCOOL funding on your behalf.

Note: If the vendor’s name is not in the system send AFCOOL an AFVEC message

requesting vendor registration materials that you may pass on to the prospective

AFCOOL vendor allowing them to register in the AI Portal.

9. Under “Campus” select the training vendor’s name and “Main Campus”.

10. Use the calendar icon to select the anticipated start date of the certification,

preparatory course, or exam if he/she is only requesting funding for an exam.

Note: Ensure funding requests are submitted to the CPO not later than 30 days and

not earlier than 60 days prior to the anticipated exam or training start date. A funding

request has not been submitted to the CPO until it has been approved by the

member’s supervisor.

xvii

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 9 of 77

Note: The orange area denotes the 30-day date range where the estimated start date

must fall. This means that you must submit your supervisor-approved funding requests

at least 30 days prior to the estimated start date but no longer than 60 days prior.

11. Generate funding requests, in the following order, using the invoice as a source

document.

A. “Prep Course”

B. “Study Materials”

C. “Exam”

Note: Funding requests are processed based on training start date in order of

receipt.

12. The member’s supervisor approve/disapprove the funding request(s).

13. The CPO processes the funding request. The member must regularly check their

AFVEC messages to see if additional documentation or information is needed.

14. The Purchasing Agent pays for the training products.

Member Responsibilities.

1. Review DoD Credentialing Programs, DoDI 1322.33_DAFI36-2683, Department of the

Air Force Voluntary Credentialing Programs, and this handbook.

2. Follow the program procedures outlined in this handbook.

xviii

3. Update your personal email, contact number, and address as well as the supervisor’s

email and phone number prior to submitting an educational goal or funding request

within AFVEC.

4. Understand the vendor’s refund policy prior to submitting a funding request.

xix

5. Ensure funding is approved before taking any actions that would obligate the

expenditure of funds, to include registering for, scheduling or participating in an exam

or other certification expense. Failure to obtain advance approval will result in the

member being personally liable for all expenses.

6. Submit the completed AFCOOL Program funding request(s) ensuring all required

information and endorsements are submitted no later than 30 days and no earlier than

60 days from the start of the preparatory course and/or exam.

xxi

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 10 of 77

Note: The orange area denotes the 30-day date range where the estimated start date

must fall. This means that you must submit your supervisor-approved funding requests

at least 30 days prior to the estimated start date but no longer than 60 days prior.

A. Submission of requests greater than 60 days or less than 30 days prior to the

exam date will be denied and the member will be instructed to resubmit the request

within the timeframe described.

B. Requests submitted after registering, taking, participating in, scheduling, or

otherwise obligating the government to pay for a certification expense will be

rejected, and the member will be held personally liable for all expenses.

7. Failure to provide successful exam results, license, or certification by the exam

end date for the requested certification will result in recoupment action.

8. Members should communicate with the AFCOOL Program Office concerning any

change in their program parameters ASAP, using the AFVEC Messenger. Exceptions

to Policy (ETP) (such as exam grade due date extensions, reimbursement

suspensions, and debt forgiveness) are worked on a first come, first served basis by

the CPO. For guidance on submitting ETPs please read the “Exceptions to Policy”

overview and Attachment 10.

9. Provide exam result(s), license, or certification to the CPO by the end of the 120-day

funding request window.

xxii

A. Additionally, preparatory course completion must be submitted to the CPO upon

completion of the course.

xxiii

B. Members failing to meet this 30-day suspense will be ineligible to further participate

in any voluntary education program to include Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA),

AFCOOL, and SkillBridge.

xxiv

C. A member's failure to provide the required documentation to the CPO within 120-

day funding request window or before separation/retirement (if applicable) will

result in recoupment actions for all expenses relating to the education goal.

xxv

D. Members requesting an extension (through the Exception to Policy program) must

provide documentation from the certification agency showing they are in good

standing with that agency for the duration of the requested extension.

E. Members unable to enroll in or complete the credentialing exam must initiate a

refund of all funds expended for the education goal from the vendor. Failure to do

so will result in reimbursement of all AFCOOL funds expended for that education

goal.

xxvi

Note: If a member’s service obligation changes (e.g., due to separation,

retirement, or commissioning) they must close out their education goal or

reimburse all AFCOOL funds associated with the open AFCOOL education goal.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 11 of 77

These Are the Authorized Uses for AFCOOL Funds.

1. Funding requests will be processed and approved in the order of receipt or based on

the training start date. Funding requests will not be processed with higher priority to

satisfy requirements for senior rater endorsement, Enlisted Performance Reports,

award packages, etc.

xxvii

2. Members may choose to pursue multiple certifications from the approved list for their

PAFSC (“approved” certifications means those certifications identified in AFVEC

“AFCOOL Explore Credentials” as “AFCOOL Eligible” or “AFCOOL Leadership”).

Members may only pursue one Education Goal at a time.

xxviii

3. Funding includes the initial certification exam (or series of exams, if the selected

certification has more than one exam), preparatory courses that are not academic in

nature or related to a degree i.e., “boot camps,” other certification expenses, and

related exam fees.

xxix

4. Funding for study materials will be limited to a maximum of $500 per education goal,

provided the member maintains eligibility and does not exceed the $4,500 lifetime cap.

xxx

5. Members may receive funding for periodic recertification for previously funded

AFCOOL credentials if they maintain eligibility and have not reached the $4,500

lifetime cap. Recertification funding will not be approved to pay for additional courses

or late fees.

xxxi

6. Senior non-commissioned officers in the ranks of E-7 through E-9 are eligible for

additional funded leadership certifications.

xxxii

Note: AFSCs with no civilian certification match on the AFCOOL program website

may be eligible for a funded leadership certification, regardless of rank.

7. Members with special duty identifiers (i.e., 8F000, 8A100, 8B000) with no matching

civilian certifications in the AFCOOL Program, may be eligible for a DAF-funded

leadership and/or a previously held AFSC certification listed on the AFCOOL Program

website.

xxxiii

8. Non-PAFSC-related certifications.

A. Members may pursue only one certification unrelated to their PAFSC, with

supervisor’s approval, during their career.

xxxiv

B. Members may also pursue one additional non-PAFSC related certification that is

related to their awarded academic degree, Bachelor’s or higher.

xxxv

Note: This certification must be AFCOOL approved and align with the member's

degree as updated on their AFVEC record or proven through submission, via

AFVEC message, of nonofficial transcripts showing a conferred degree.

9. Members will be required to reimburse all funding associated with the credential in

case of non-completion and/or failure. Members are funded for one attempt at the

certification exam(s).

xxxvi

A. Members who fail an exam or fail to complete a voluntary certification exam will

not receive payments for subsequent attempts for the same certification exam

unless funds were reimbursed for the failed certification exam.

xxxvii

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 12 of 77

B. Failure of voluntary certification exams will not exclude members from receiving

funding for other approved voluntary certifications.

xxxviii

10. Certification agencies require payment upon application.

A. The DAF will pay on behalf of members.

xxxix

B. Members whose request for funding exceeds the amount on their cap will be held

responsible for paying the difference prior to AFCOOL Program paying the

remainder of the certification cost.

11. Combat-wounded, ill, or injured members awarded a 9W series reporting identifier for

combat-related injuries or illness as reflected in the Military Personnel Data System,

are eligible for certifications not related to their AFSC, as well as leadership

certifications, regardless of rank.

xli

A. Members must meet all certification agency qualifications in order to pursue the

requested certification.

xlii

B. If Wounded Warriors are discharged due to conditions related to their Wounded

Warrior designation prior to completing the certification, repayment will not be

required.

xliii

C. If a member’s status is changed from Wounded Warrior to a previous or new

PAFSC, the member may complete the certification enrolled in at the time the

designation is changed. Future education goal approval will be based on current

DAF eligibility criteria.

xliv

These Are the Unauthorized Uses for AFCOOL Funds.

1. Obtaining or renewing certifications that are prerequisite for appointment in the DAF or

required/mandatory to hold a military occupation, duty position, or a specialty-coded

billet will not be approved by CPO.

xlv

2. Hardware items such as laptops, tool kits, network server kits, equipment rental, fuel,

personal protective equipment, etc. Members will be responsible for funding those

items if required for certification completion.

xlvi

3. Academic degrees and fees for membership in professional societies or associations.

xlvii

4. Failed Exams. Members who fail an examination must seek other funding methods for

re-examination fees.

xlviii

5. Funding for the accumulation of continuing education units, professional education

units, and professional development units will not be approved.

xlix

6. Funding to attend conferences, workshops, etc., required to maintain a certification or

for the recertification/renewal of certifications will not be approved.

7. Funding for travel, hotel expenses, per diem, airfare, etc. will not be approved.

Pursuing a Certification within 180 Days of Your DOS/Retirement.

See Attachment 1

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 13 of 77

General Eligibility Requirements for Enlisted DAF (to include USAF,

USSF, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve) Members:

1. Possess at least a 5-skill level in their PAFSC to which the certification is mapped.

2. Must not have an Unfavorable Information File, a failed or overdue physical fitness

test, a Referral Enlisted Performance Report and/or be on a Control Roster at the time

of application for AFCOOL Program funding.

lii

3. Have a record in the Air Force Automated Education Management System

(AFAEMS)/Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) with an approved education

goal and updated personal information.

liii

4. Must be on active duty or on active-duty orders for the completion of the entire

certification.

liv

5. The AFCOOL Program will not fund enlisted members who have separated, retired, or

commissioned.

Note: For members enrolled in certification programs at the time any of the

aforementioned events occur, their funding will immediately cease, their remaining cap

will be deleted, and they will be liable for the reimbursement of any funds paid on their

behalf.

Additional Guidance for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve

Members.

1. Only activated Guard and Reserve members (unit guard or reserve, individual reserve)

on Title 10 orders §§ 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 or Title 32 §

502(f) orders are eligible to receive AFCOOL Program funding.

lvi

2. A copy of the orders must be loaded to the member’s Student Documents folder in the

AFAEMS and cover the duration of the certification.

lvii

3. Members must be on active-duty orders status assigned to an active-duty command

when their funding requests are approved and funded by the AFCOOL CPO.

lviii

4. Members must have a Date of Separation in the future and an activated end date in

the future.

lix

5. Grades must be submitted within 60 days of termination of orders to active duty.

6. Failure to provide grades will require the member to reimburse the government for all

funding associated with the education goal.

lxi

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 14 of 77

Supporting Documentation Further Guidance.

1. General Requirements. All education goals require supporting documentation, but the

type of certification and the vendor chosen will dictate which documentation will be

needed. Please consider what the Purchasing Agent will need to make the payment on

your behalf and provide either a detailed invoice that includes the vendor contact info

with payment instructions or a cart screenshot with your account login information. As

necessary, provide detailed instructions that will assist the Purchasing Agent with

navigating the website and making the payment.

2. Some certifications require additional documentation such as an approval to test or

medical clearance. Please see Attachment 4 for a list of frequently chosen education

goals.

Exception to Policy Requests.

Members, seeking relief from a recoupment or other policy or procedure action deemed

inappropriate for the member’s unique circumstances, need to utilize the AFCOOL Exception

to Policy process in AFVEC. The member should state the specific circumstances they feel

justifies the request and cite the policy from which they wishes to be exempted (i.e., DODI

1322.33,_DAFI 36-2683, and/or AFCOOL Handbook with specific paragraph). All attempts, by

the member, to obtain a vendor refund should have been exhausted. Also, include any

documents that support your ETP request (e.g., Commander’s memo, Doctor’s memo,

Vendor’s memo, credentialing agency documents, etc.). For guidance on submitting ETPs

please refer to Attachment 10.

Identifying Training Vendors Using Predatory or Indifferent Practices.

AFCOOL acts as a broker for paying training vendors. As such, we cannot recommend any

specific vendor to DAF members, nor can we intercede on the member’s behalf if he/she has

a grievance against a training vendor unless that vendor is not abiding by their Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU) with AFCOOL (see Attachment 6), or they are perpetrating some

form of fraud. It is incumbent on the member to research a vendor’s customer service, training

practices, and training products prior to requesting funds. Buyer’s remorse on the part of the

member is not grounds for AFCOOL to intercede on the member’s behalf or grant an

Exception to Policy (ETP) from recoupment action. The member is still required to submit

exam results, pass or fail.

lxii

Suggesting Improvements to the AFCOOL Program.

AFCOOL is a rapidly evolving program, and we welcome suggestions for improvements.

Please submit your suggestions through AFVEC Messenger, addressed to the Director of

AFCOOL, and we will give them due consideration.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 15 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Section B3:

Roles and Responsibilities: Base Education Office

Education Office Responsibilities

Read and understand the “Process Guidance for Members” section in this handbook and

familiarize yourself with the entire handbook.

Assist members with career planning to include professional certifications that will benefit

them in their current PAFSC and/or their chosen future occupation when they transition to

civilian life.

Help members understand which professional certification in AFVEC are AFCOOL funded for

their PAFSC, which are funded for other PAFSCs and can be pursued by them, which are

AFCOOL Leadership certifications, and how AFCOOL funded certifications can be pursued in

connection with their CCAF degree, awarded Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Upon issuance of a CCAF degree-applicable credential, submit a CCAF Student Action

Request to have credentialing credit applied to the member’s CCAF student record. Refer to

the CCAF Advisor Handbook for specific guidance.

Encourage members to generate their own Education Goal and Funding Request(s) using the

“Process Guidance for Members” section. Contact the Credentialing Program Office (CPO) in

the AFVEC message system with any issues or system errors.

Make every attempt to resolve the member’s issues utilizing this handbook. For those areas

not addressed in the handbook please message the CPO for their quick response.

Encourage the member to utilize Attachment 7, “Developing Individualized Career Pathways”

as they decide which academic and industry recognized credentials to pursue.

When to Defer to the AFCOOL Program Office (CPO). We ask that you

forward the following issues to the CPO when they occur.

The member has completed a prep course or exam. The member must submit a scanned

copy of the certificate, exam results, temp license, etc. to the CPO via the AFVEC messenger

system. The member’s messages are checked prior to any reimbursement action being taken

against them. It is therefore not required for you to input grades or expedite their receipt to the

CPO.

The system is blocking the member from generating an Education Goal or Funding Request.

The system parameters have been set to comply with DoD and DAF policies. If you feel the

block is in error, please send the CPO an AFAEMS message for their quick response.

An Education Goal or Funding Request is no longer required. Please do not delete these.

Forward your request to the CPO via an AFAEMS message and the CPO will see that they

are closed out properly.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 16 of 77

The dates in a funding request need to be modified. These dates relate to the member’s

financial responsibility and the CPO needs to closely monitor each member’s progress and

coordinate each member’s Exception to Policy request with the AFCOOL Director IAW the

DoDI, DAFI, and AFCOOL Handbook. Forward your request to the CPO via an AFAEMS

message and the CPO will see that it is addressed.

Base Out-Processing. The following criteria applies to each member as they

attempt to out-process your Education Office.

Members PCSing to another assignment are cleared to out-process their current assignment

with an open education goal and funding request(s).

Members separating from the DAF may have an open Education Goal and Funding

Request(s) if they are participating in the 180-day program. The Funding Request(s) will need

to remain deferred in case the member seeks reimbursement of a successful self-funded

certification pursuit.

Members who have an open Education Goal and Funding Request(s) that have been funded

by AFCOOL are required to resolve the education goal prior to final out-processing the base.

This means either submitting an exam grade, initiating reimbursement action to the

government, or receiving an approved Exception to Policy (ETP). For guidance on submitting

ETPs please read the “Exceptions to Policy” overview and Attachment 10.

Note: Education Offices must not close an AFCOOL education goal to allow a member to out-

process. Please message the AFCOOL Program Office for assistance.

Members who are participating in SkillBridge need treat their out-processing from the base to

participate in SkillBridge the same as base final out-processing with all the requirements that

entails.

Contacting AFCOOL.

When in doubt please send the CPO an AFAEMS message. We will address your question or

concern.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 17 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Section C:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to communicate with the AFCOOL Credentialing Program Office (CPO)?

The best way for the member to communicate with the CPO is through the AFVEC Messenger.

These messages are answered in date order so we request that you do not send multiple

messages as they may slow down the response time. Members can also visit the Base Education

Office for assist with AFCOOL program information and professional development guidance.

Am I eligible for another certification if I fail an exam for the AFSC-related certification?

The member is still eligible for funding of additional certifications up to the $4,500 cap. Member’s

must ensure all actions related to the prior exam are resolved before submitting a new FR for a

certification. In addition, the member is still eligible for a leadership certification (E-7 through E-9),

Degree-related, or Non AFSC-related certification.

Are there any prerequisites to obtaining funding for a certification?

The member must be in good standing at the time of applying for funding, have their 5-skill level,

and must not be affected by items such as UIF, Control Roster, or Referral EPR (most recent),

must have a passing PT score, and be on active duty or on active orders.

Can I apply for more than one certification?

Funding will be allowed for an unlimited number of certifications, up to the $4,500 life-time cap.

Funding includes the initial certification exam (or series of exams if the selected certification has

more than one exam), up to $500 for study materials per education goal, and recertification exam

fees, if needed. You may only pursue one certification at a time.

Do I have to submit my grade after testing?

Yes. It is the member’s responsibility to submit the grade or certificate of completion and it should

be sent via AFVEC Messenger as an attachment. Grades not provided within 60 days of the term

end date identified on the funding request will prevent members from submitting additional funding

requests and may result in full recoupment of all funds expended for the education goal.

I am trying to enroll in the AFCOOL program, but the website does not show any certification

associated with my AFSC. Am I still eligible for a certification?

The member must be logged in to the AFCOOL website with name showing on the top right-hand

corner of the page. The AFCOOL website is being updated continuously and not all AFSC data is

complete. For AFSCs that do not have any certifications associated, members will be eligible for a

Leadership, Degree-Related and Non-AFSC-Related certification, regardless of their rank.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 18 of 77

I just took my exam and paid for my certification myself. Is it possible to be reimbursed?

No. AFCOOL funding must be approved prior to the member registering for or incurring

certification expenses.

I was involuntarily retrained into a career field. Can I apply for a certification in my previous

career field?

Yes, if it is a non-PAFSC-related education goal. If a member was voluntarily or involuntarily

retrained, he/she will be eligible to apply for a certification applicable to the new AFSC once the 5-

skill level has been obtained. Members will also be eligible for certifications in their previous AFSC

if the 5-skill level has not been awarded in the new AFSC. Determinations will be made by the

AFCOOL Credentialing Program Office. If there are no certifications in that AFSC, the member

will be eligible for a Leadership certification.

One of the qualifications to obtain a certification is that the member must hold at least the 5-

skill level. My career field does not have a 5-skill level. How can I load my education goal?

In this situation, the member will need to contact the AFCOOL CPO via AFVEC Messenger or

visit the education office for assistance with manually uploading education goals

What are some issues that can prevent me from applying for an AFCOOL certification?

Record issues such as unsigned Tuition Assistance forms, missing email, and supervisor

information, or overdue Annual AFCOOL Virtual Benefits Training, or Military Tuition Assistance

Training will prevent members from applying for funding.

What happens if my supervisor does not approve my request?

The request for funding is disapproved at that point. Also, funding requests with a status of

“Pending Supervisor Review” will be auto disapproved at midnight of the course and/or exam start

date.

What does the AFCOOL Program pay for?

The AFCOOL Program pays for study materials (up to $500), preparatory course, exam(s), and

associated fees (taxes, administrative fees, and/or processing fees) up to the member’s lifetime

cap of $4,500.

I do not see my Exam Center; how do I add it?

Via AFVEC Messenger contact the CPO and we will send you a packet to forward to the

prospective training vendor.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 19 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Section D:

Glossary of Terms

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AF/A1D—Air Force/Directorate of Force Development

AFAEMS—Air Force Automated Education Management System

AFCOOL—Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line

AFSC—Air Force Specialty Code

ANG—Air National Guard

ARC—Air Reserve Component (Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve)

ARPC—Air Reserve Personnel Center

AFRC—Air Force Reserve Command

AFVEC—Air Force Virtual Education Center

AU—Air University

CCAF—Community College of the Air Force

CB—Credentialing Body

COOL—Credentialing Opportunities On-Line

DAF—Department of the Air Force

DAFI—Department of the Air Force Instruction

DOS—Date of Separation

DoD—Department of Defense

DoDI—Department of Defense Instruction

HAF—Headquarters Air Force

MilTA—Military Tuition Assistance

MOC—Military Occupational Code

PAFSC—Primary Air Force Specialty Code

SDI—Special Duty Identifier

SNCO—Senior Noncommissioned Officer

USAF—United States Air Force

USMAP—United States Military Apprenticeship Program

USSF—United States Space Force

VA WEAM—Veterans Affairs Web Enabled Approved Management System

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 20 of 77

Terms

Activated End Date—Is the last date that active-duty orders for AF Reserve or Air National Guard

members are in force.

Apprenticeship—Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers

can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience,

classroom instruction, and a portable credential.

Certificate—A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education

program. Certificates can be awarded at any level of postsecondary education and include awards

below the associate’s degree level.

Certification—A credential awarded by a certification body based on an individual demonstrating

through an examination process that he or she has acquired the designated knowledge, skills, and

abilities to perform a specific job. The examination can be either written, oral, or performance based.

Certification is a time-limited credential that is renewed through a recertification process.

Completing an AFCOOL Education Goal—The submission of successful exam results.

Credential—A piece of any record that details qualification, competence, or authority issued to an

individual by a third party with a relevant or de facto authority or assumed competence to do so.

Examples of credentials include, but are not limited to, certifications, licenses, degrees, and

certificates.

Credentialing—The process by which an entity, authorized and qualified to do so, grants formal

recognition to, or records the recognition status of individuals that meet predetermined and

standardized criteria.

Credentialing Agency—An agency that meets DoD credentialing standards for the award of civilian

industry-recognized professional certifications.

Credentialing Body—An association, agency, or organization that grants credential to a candidate.

Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL) Program—The Air Force Voluntary Credentialing

Program provides a vehicle for the award of civilian-recognized certification. The intent is to expand

the professionalism of Air Force and Space Force Professionals while serving and to prepare them

for entry into civilian jobs upon separation/retirement from the Service.

Credentialing Program Office—A department within the AFCOOL Program that handles members’

funding requests and ensures that all required documentation is present prior to approval of funding.

DAF Credentialing Program (DAF-CP)—Tracks and uses credentials to enable commanders at all

levels the ability to properly utilize their personal resources by knowing what their personnel know

and can do and enable leaders to make data-driven decisions.

Date of Separation (DOS)—Date established by law and/or policy for the termination of active or

reserve duty.

Digital Badge—A credential that is a portable, transferable, validated, graphical representation of

learning and/or experiential knowledge attainment with embedded metadata. They are built on an

open standard that provides a user with valuable information about the earning process. The badges

can be shared electronically and visually recognizes what Airmen know and can do.

Digital Credential—A digital record that details a qualification, competence, or authority issued to an

individual by a third party with a relevant or de facto authority or assumed competence to do so.

Education Goal—Is a declaration by a DAF member of their intention to pursue a credential (i.e.,

academic or civilian industry-recognized certification).

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 21 of 77

Educational Certificate—A credential awarded by an educational institution based on completion of

all requirements for a program of study, including coursework and test or other performance

evaluations. Certificates are typically awarded for life (like a degree). Certificates of attendance or

participation in a short-term training (e.g., 1 day) are not in the definitional scope for educational

certificates.

Exam—A formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a particular subject or skill.

Exam Grade Due Date—The AFAEMS automatically generates a 120-day suspense for any funding

request. This means that you have 120 days from the start of your funding request to submit

successful exam results to the CPO via AFVEC Messenger. Extensions to the 120-day exam grade

due date can be granted under certain conditions through the Exception to Policy program.

Executive Coordinator—For the purposes of this issuance indicates a delegation of authority by the

Under Secretary of Defense to a subordinate to act on behalf of the Under Secretary of Defense. Also

called EC.

Expenses—Expenses for classroom instruction, hands-on training (and associated materials),

manuals, study guides and materials, textbooks, processing fees, and test fees and related fees. Any

future changes to legislative language will be adopted accordingly.

Funding Request—Are submissions in the AFVEC/AFAEMS requesting funds for a preparatory

course, study materials, exam(s), and/or fees. These are processed and approved by the CPO and

paid for by the Purchasing department.

Invoice—a list of goods sent, or services provided, with a statement of the sum due for these, a bill.

License/Licensure—A credential awarded by a government agency that constitutes legal authority to

do a specific job. Licenses are based on some combination of degree or certificate attainment,

certifications, assessments, or work experience; are time-limited; and must be renewed periodically.

Military Learning Crosswalk—Evaluation of learning outcomes, knowledge, and experiential,

between military occupations and civilian occupations. Deriving credentials that are associated with

the occupation’s requirements to enter and sustain in that workforce.

Preparatory Couse—A training course meant to prepare the member for a certification exam(s).

Purchasing Agent—A department within the AFCOOL Program that handles purchasing of member-

requested training products from an AFCOOL approved training vendor.

Receipt—A legal document evidencing a buyer has purchased and taken possession of goods

and/or services.

Reimbursement/Recoupment—A recovery of expenses; a reduction or withholding for legitimate

reasons, of part or all of an owed amount. In the context of the AFCOOL program, the member will

successfully complete their Education Goal within 120 days of start date or be required to reimburse

all AFCOOL funds expended for said goal.

SkillBridge Program—DoD program directed by law to provide eligible members of the armed forces

with job training and employment skills training, including apprenticeships and internships, to help

prepare such members for employment in the civilian sector.

Special Duty Identifier—A four- or five-digit code and title used to identify manpower positions and

persons performing duties not clearly defined within a specific career field.

Study Materials—Books, electronic media, or interactive programs that prepare members for a

certification exam.

Training Vendor—An institution/business that specializes in offering training products leading to a

professional civilian industry-recognized certification.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 22 of 77

Wounded Warrior—Is a combat-wounded, ill, or injured Airman/Guardian awarded a 9W series

Reporting Identifier for combat-related injuries or illness as reflected in the Military Personnel Data

System.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 23 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Section E:

References

• DODI 1322.33, DoD Credentialing Programs

• DODI 1322.33_DAFI36-2683, Department of the Air Force Voluntary Credentialing Programs

• CCAF Advisor Handbook 2022-2024

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 24 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 1:

180 Day Program

When a member intends to participate in the AFCOOL program within 180 days from separation or

retirement, the member will need to self-fund the certification and will be reimbursed, if the following

conditions are met:

A. AFCOOL will verify the member has a supervisor-approved education goal.

B. The member must have a supervisor-approved funding request for all items (i.e., preparatory

course, study materials, and exams).

1) After supervisor approval of the funding request, AFCOOL will defer the funding request(s)

until the member completes the education goal.

2) If results and documentation (see Step C. below) are not received within 60 days after the

separation or retirement date, the funding request(s) will be deleted and funding for the

education goal will not be reimbursed.

lxiii

C. Upon completion of the certification, the member will submit the following to the AFCOOL

Reimbursements Org Box (CCAF.AFCOOL.Reim[email protected]il) no later than 60 days after the

separation or retirement date:

1) All paid receipts related to the certification.

2) Evidence of certification attainment [certification/license or passing score report(s)].

D. Upon approval of the submitted documents, AFCOOL will send the member an ACH/check

request form for completion.

1) Mailing address and bank information (routing number and account number) will be

required.

E. The member will sign and return the ACH/check request form.

F. AFCOOL will process the deferred funding request.

G. An AFCOOL Purchasing Agent will process the ACH/check request. Please allow up to 20

business days from the date of Purchasing Agent approval for payment by check; sooner if paid

by ACH.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 25 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 2:

CAPM PMP Process

Published 10 June 2021

A. Department of the Air Force members are required to submit the following

documents when pursuing the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

1) An itemized invoice for your prep course.

2) Your Project Management Institute (PMI) username and password for AFCOOL

Purchasing Agents to buy your training products.

3) Your PMI approval to test, which is the PMI Dashboard screenshot that must

include your name, eligibility dates, and the pay for exam button - application

approval.

B. Please review the criteria below to determine if the CAPM or PMP is the appropriate

certification for you.

The following graphic is taken from the PMI Content Outlines for CAPM and PMP

Educational

Background

Project Management

Experience

Project Management

Education

CAPM/PMP

Secondary diploma

(high school

diploma/global

equivalent)

None

23 contact hours of formal

education

CAPM

Secondary degree

(high school

diploma, associate’s

degree or global

equivalent)

Minimum five years/60

months unique non-

overlapping professional

project management

experience*

35 contact hours of formal

education unless you are an

active CAPM holder

PMP

Four-year degree

(bachelor’s degree

or global equivalent)

Minimum three years/36

months unique non-

overlapping professional

project management

experience*

35 contact hours of formal

education unless you are an

active CAPM holder

PMP

Bachelor's or post-

graduate degree

from a GAC

accredited program

(bachelor’s degree

or master's or global

equivalent)

Minimum two years/24

months unique non-

overlapping professional

project management

experience*

35 contact hours of formal

education unless you are an

active CAPM holder

PMP

*Leading and directing the project as identified with the tasks, knowledge, and

skills specific in the Project Management Professional Examination Content

Outline.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 26 of 77

C. If you want to pursue a PMP certification but cannot get the PMI approval to

test, we recommend that you do the following:

1) Generate an education goal for CAPM and have your supervisor approve

it.

2) Attach the following documents to your education goal supporting

documentation:

A) An itemized invoice for the preparatory course.

B) Your PMI username and password.

C) Your PMI approval to test for the CAPM Exam (screenshot of PMI

approval page).

3) Generate a preparatory course funding request and have your supervisor

approve it.

4) Once you have completed the preparatory course, you are required to

generate an exam funding request (failure to provide an exam grade will

result in the reimbursement of all AFCOOL funds associated with the

education goal). There are two (2) possible scenarios for doing this.

A) You took the CAPM prep course and are ready to take the CAPM

Exam. Submit a funding request for the CAPM exam that includes an

invoice.

B) You took the CAPM preparatory course but feel your mastery of the

material is enough to take the PMP exam. Submit a funding request

for the PMP exam that includes an invoice and the PMI approval to

test for the PMP exam.

5) Submit your exam results to AFCOOL by the estimated end date.

D. You can obtain your PMI approval to test using this link (PMI online

certification system).

E. Please review the CAPM (https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/credential/4005) and

PMP (https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/credential/2741) pages on AFVEC with

particular attention to the eligibility tab for each.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 27 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 3:

NCLEX Questions

All members pursuing an NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) certification

need to answer the following questions prior to approval of any funding requests by the

AFCOOL Credentialing Program Office. Responses can be uploaded to members supporting

documents in AFVEC, by the Ed Center or sent through AFVEC message to AFCOOL.

A. Are you seeking licensure/registration in the United States or United States territories?

B. Which licensure/registration are you seeking?

C. Have you ever taken the NCLEX exam before?

D. Have you ever taken an NCLEX exam to qualify for the same license?

E. Have you ever taken an NCLEX exam to qualify for a different license?

F. What is your program code?

G. When did you graduate from your Nursing Program (Month/Year)?

H. What is your ethnic group?

I. What Nursing Regulatory Body are you seeking licensure/registration from?

J. What is your PearsonVue login information: (i.e., username & password)?

K. Are you testing at home or at a testing facility?

L. What is the projected date and time of the exam?

M. What is the name of the testing facility (if not testing at home)?

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 4:

Documents Required for Frequently Used Education Goals

In addition to the documentation identified for each industry recognized credential below, many also require login information if the Purchasing

Agent is required to login to your account to pay for the item(s) in your cart.

Certification

Certification Agency

Invoice

Approval to Test

PearsonVue Login

Agency Login

Medical Clearance

Additional Questions

Associate Professional in Human

Resources (aPHR)

Human Resource Certification Institute

(HRCI)

X X

Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Board of Certified Safety Professionals

(BCSP)

X X

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Certified Associate in Project

Management (CAPM)

Project Management Institute (PMI)

X X X X

Certified Cloud Security Professional

(CCSP)

International Information Systems

Security Certification Consortium, Inc.

(ISC)131

X X

Certified Dental Technician- Ceramics

National Board for Certification in Dental

Laboratory Technology (NBC)

X X

Certified Dental Technician- Crown and

Bridge

National Board for Certification in Dental

Laboratory Technology (NBC)

X X

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

International Council of Electronic

Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)

Certified Federal Contract Manager

(CFCM)

National Contract Management

Association (NCMA)

Certified Information Security Manager

(CISM)

ISACA

Certification

Certification Agency

Invoice

Approval to Test

PearsonVue Login

Agency Login

Medical Clearance

Additional Questions

Certified Information Systems Security

Professional (CISSP)

International Information Systems

Security Certification Consortium, Inc.

(ISC)²

X X

Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB)

International Association for Six Sigma

Certification (IASSC)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Manufacturing Skill Standards Council

(MSSC)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Manufacturing Skill Standards Council

(MSSC)

Certified Manager (CM)

Institute of Certified Professional

Managers (ICPM)

Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (CPFT-

NESTA)

National Exercise and Sports Trainers

Association (NESTA)

X X

Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)

National Academy of Sports Medicine

(NASM)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Board of Certified Safety Professionals

(BCSP)

X X

Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Cisco Certified Network Professional

(CCNP) Security

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

United States Department of

Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Certification

Certification Agency

Invoice

Approval to Test

PearsonVue Login

Agency Login

Medical Clearance

Additional Questions

CompTIA A+

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA A+ ce

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner

(CASP+)

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA Network+

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA Network+ ce

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA PenTest+

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA Project+

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA Security+

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

CompTIA Security+ ce

Computing Technology Industry

Association (CompTIA)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

National Registry of Emergency Medical

Technicians (NREMT)

General Radiotelephone Operator

License (PG)

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC)

Certification

Certification Agency

Invoice

Approval to Test

PearsonVue Login

Agency

Medical Clearance

Additional Questions

GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN)

Global Information Assurance

Certification (GIAC)

X X

GIAC Information Security Fundamentals

(GISF)

Global Information Assurance

Certification (GIAC)

X X

GIAC Security Essentials Certification

(GSEC)

Global Information Assurance

Certification (GIAC)

X X

GIAC Security Essentials Certification

(GSEC)

Global Information Assurance

Certification (GIAC)

X X

GMDSS Radio Maintainer License (DM)

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC)

Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise

Administrator Expert

Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft 365 Certified: Security

Administrator Associate

Microsoft Corporation

National Certified Medical Assistant

(NCMA)

National Center for Competency Testing

(NCCT)

National Council Licensure Examination

for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-

PN)

National Council of State Boards of

Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) X X X

NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician

(AET)

ASTM International

Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC)

American Medical Certification

Association (AMCA)

X X X

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Project Management Institute (PMI)

Certification

Certification Agency

Invoice

Approval to Test

PearsonVue Login

Agency Login

Medical Clearance

Additional Questions

Private Pilot, Airplane Single Engine (ASE)

Rating

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

X X

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Human Resource Certification Institute

(HRCI)

X X

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institute (PMI)

Resilience-Building Leadership

Professional (RBLP)

Resilience-Building Leader Program

Resilience-Building Leadership

Professional Trainer (RBLP-T)

Resilience-Building Leader Program

Senior Professional in Human Resources

(SPHR)

Human Resource Certification Institute

(HRCI)

X X

SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Society for Human Resource

Management (SHRM)

X X X

SHRM - Senior Certified Professional

(SHRM-SCP)

Society for Human Resource

Management (SHRM)

X X X

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 33 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 5:

Department of Defense (DOD) Credentialing Standards Attestation

PURPOSE

The Military Services are required by statute to carry out a voluntary credentialing program to enable

Service members to obtain while serving in the armed forces, professional credentials that translate into

civilian occupations.

The statute also specifies the criteria the Services will use to ensure the quality of

these programs.

The DOD requests that you complete this DOD Credentialing Standards Attestation in order for the D OD

to assess whether your credentialing program meets the quality assurance criteria specified in the

statute so that it can be considered for possible inclusion in the Services’ credentialing program.

BACKGROUND ON CREDENTIALING IN THE MILITARY

Studies have shown that there are civilian occupational credentials (certifications and licenses) related to

most military occupational specialties. These credentials may be related to the military occupation

generally or related to a set of embedded skills attained by performing in a military specialty.

The Department of Defense recognizes that providing civilian credentialing opportunities to Service

members is an important means of professionalizing the Force. Providing these opportunities also serves

to enhance recruitment and retention and helps transitioning Service members make a more seamless

transition into the civilian workforce.

The Services’ Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs are designed to promote attainment

of civilian credentials for military personnel in compliance with the statutory requirements of 10 U.S.C. §

2015. Information linking hundreds of military occupations to civilian credentials is made available on the

10 U.S.C § 2015 (c)(2), QUALITY ASSURANCE OF CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

The requirements for a credentialing program specified in this paragraph are that the credentialing

program—

(A) is accredited by a nationally recognized, third-party personnel certification program accreditor;

(B) (i) is sought or accepted by employers within the industry or sector involved as a recognized,

preferred, or required credential for recruitment, screening, hiring, retention, or advancement

purposes; and

(ii) where appropriate, is endorsed by a nationally recognized trade association or organization

representing a significant part of the industry or sector;

(D) meets credential standards of a federal agency.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 34 of 77

COOL web sites:

10 USC § 2015: Program to Assist Members in Obtaining Professional Credentials

• Army COOL https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/index.htm

• Navy COOL https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/index.htm

• Marine Corps COOL https://www.cool.osd.mil/usmc/index.htm

• Air Force COOL https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/af-cool/welcome

• Coast Guard COOL https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg/index.htm

DOD CREDENTIALING STANDARDS OVERVIEW

The DOD Credentialing Standards have been developed to ensure that the credentials paid for through

the Services’ voluntary credentialing programs meet statutory requirements. The standards included

here were developed based on the statutory requirements as well as generally accepted accreditation

standards for personnel certification programs, including International Organization for Standardization

(ISO) Standard ISO/IEC 17024:2012: Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Bodies Operating

Certification of Persons and National Commission for Certifying Agency’s (NCCA) Standards for the

Accreditation of Certification Programs. [See Appendix A for additional references.]

For the purposes of the standards, the association, agency, or organization that grants the credential to

candidates will be referred to as the Credentialing Body (CB).

Please note that the intent of this document is NOT to change the business model of the CB, or for the CB

to create a credentialing program or standard that is tailored solely to the military. This is merely an

assessment tool to help the Military Services identify which credentials may meet their needs. This

document should not infer/imply that DOD or the Military Services are directing CBs to make changes to

their business models or practices.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 35 of 77

The posting of the CB's credential on the COOL websites:

• Does not imply an endorsement by the Department of Defense or any of the Military Services

• Does not ensure the Military Services will support funding toward the credential

• Does not guarantee the Military Services will continue to post the CB’s credential on COOL if

the Services’ needs change

• Does not imply that any of the CB’s other credentials (if applicable) can or will be

posted on COOL

• Does not imply that the CB’s acknowledgement or concurrence to the display of such

credential is required

• Does not imply that the CB’s acknowledgement or concurrence to the removal of

such credential is required

• Is based strictly on the needs of each individual Military Service and is subject to change

based on the needs of each Military Service

Department of Defense (DOD) CREDENTIALING STANDARDS ATTESTATION

CREDENTIAL BODY (CB):

EEElectronics Tecnicians Associon, International (ETA-I))

CREDENTIAL:

Smart Technology Systems (STS) - Security-Surveillance (SS) End)

Date: 00000000000000000000000000

INSTRUCTIONS: Completion of the required attestation entails completion of the following six parts:

• Part 1: Accreditation Status

• Part 2: Industry Recognition

• Part 3: DOD Credentialing Standards

• Part 4: Supplemental Questions

• Part 5: Self-Attestation

• Part 6: Contact Information

PART 1: ACCREDITATION STATUS

The DOD and the Military Services encourage CBs to attain accreditation of their credentialing programs

as it will help ensure that the credentialing programs utilized by Service members have met a baseline

industry recognized standard. Please check below the accreditation that applies to the credentialing

program. While accreditation is not a prerequisite, if the credentialing program is not accredited, please

use the space below to specify the reason(s) it is not accredited and if the CB intends to pursue

nationally recognized, third-party personnel credentialing program accreditation in the future.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 36 of 77

This credentialing program is accredited by (check all that apply):

☐ ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)

☐ International Accreditation Service (IAS)

☐ International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)

☐ National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

☐ Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC)

☐ Other (please specify): 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000

CB Explanation if not accredited:

PART 2: INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Being endorsed and recognized by the industry is not required for a credentialing program to be

approved for funding through the Services’ Voluntary Credentialing Programs, however, it does ensure

the credentialing program is mobile and useful to the credential holder. Please answer the questions

presented and provide the requested documentation.

QUESTION 1: IS THE CREDENTIALING PROGRAM RECOGNIZED AND IN USE BY

INDUSTRY/ORGANIZATIONS OTHER THAN THE CB?

Please describe how the credentialing program is sought or accepted by employers within the industry

or sector involved as a recognized, preferred, or required credential for recruitment, screening, hiring,

retention, or advancement purposes. If the credential is not recognized and in use by

industry/organizations other than the CB, please specify the reason(s) for this.

CB Response:

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 37 of 77

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating recognition by

industry/organizations other than the CB.

QUESTION 2: IS THE CREDENTIALING PROGRAM ENDORSED BY A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

TRADE ASSOCIATION OR ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE

INDUSTRY OR SECTOR?

Please describe the extent to which the credentialing program has been endorsed by a nationally

recognized trade association or organization representing a significant part of the industry or sector. If

the credential is not endorsed by a nationally recognized trade association or organization representing

a significant part of the industry or sector, please specify the reason(s) for this.

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating endorsement by a nationally

recognized trade association or organization representing a significant part of the industry or sector.

PART 3: DOD CREDENTIALING STANDARDS

The extent to which the credentialing program meets the following 14 standards will be considered in

determining whether the credentialing program is to be approved for funding through the Services’

Voluntary Credentialing Programs. Please read each standard carefully, enter a response and provide the

requested documentation.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 38 of 77

STANDARD 1: THE CREDENTIALING PROGRAM OFFERED MUST NOT BE TAILORED TOWARDS

OR CENTRIC TO MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS OR OCCUPATIONS. IT MUST FULFILL A NEED

IN THE CIVILIAN WORKFORCE.

Please describe, with examples, how the credential fulfills a need in the civilian workforce and list the

civilian occupations that are linked to this credentialing program. If the credential does not meet the

standard, please specify the reason(s).

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

STANDARD 2: THE CREDENTIALING PROGRAM MUST HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE OR

RECREDENTIALING REQUIREMENT WITH OPTIONS FOR RECREDENTIALING CLEARLY

OUTLINED. THE CB MUST BE ABLE TO DOCUMENT HOW THE RECREDENTIALING

REQUIREMENTS WERE IDENTIFIED AND HOW THEY CONFIRM CONTINUED COMPETENCE OF

THE CREDENTIAL HOLDERS.

The credential must not be valid for an indefinite time period. There must be a clear expiration date or

requirements for recredentialing. The justification for the recredentialing time period and the

requirements must have been developed by an expert panel of industry representatives, with

accompanying documentation of the process. Please describe how the credential meets this standard. If

there is no expiration date or recertification requirement, the CB must submit a detailed explanation as

to why.

CB Response:

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 39 of 77

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Types of documentation might include:

1. Link to web page with recredentialing requirements

2. “Instructions for Credential Candidates” (sometimes called “Candidate Handbook) or similar

document

3. Meeting minutes or approved process report addressing the development of the recredentialing

time period and requirements

Example of Recredentialing Requirement

STANDARD 3: MEMBERSHIP IN AN ASSOCIATION AFFILIATED WITH THE CB WILL NOT BE

REQUIRED FOR THE INITIAL CREDENTIAL OR RECREDENTIALING.

The CB should not require membership in its organization or affiliate organization to achieve

credentialing. Discounted application and exam fees for members are allowed. Please describe how the

credential meets this standard. If the credential does not meet the standard, please specify the

reason(s).

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Types of documentation might include:

1. Link to web page for credential where requirements are listed

2. Link to or upload of “Instructions for Credential Candidates”

Example of Eligibility Criteria

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 40 of 77

STANDARD 4: COMPLETION OF TRAINING OR EDUCATION PROVIDED BY THE CB IS NOT

REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE CREDENTIAL.

Although the CB may require a candidate to have met specific education and training requirements, the

CB should not require any of its own training, courses, or educational programs as a requirement of the

credentialing process. Please describe how the credential meets this standard. If the credential does not

meet the standard, please specify the reason(s).

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Types of documentation might include:

1. Link to web page with credentialing requirements listed

2. “Instructions for Credential Candidates” (sometimes called “Candidate Handbook”) or similar

document

STANDARD 5: IF THE CB PROVIDES AN EDUCATIONAL OR TRAINING PROGRAM, IT MUST

NOT IMPLY THAT COMPLETION OF THE TRAINING MAKES IT EASIER TO PASS THE

CREDENTIALING EXAM.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 41 of 77

The CB should not use language on its website or in any documentation stating that completion of its

courses or training/education programs will increase a candidate's exam score or chances of passing the

exam. Please describe how the credential meets this standard. If the credential does not meet the

standard, please specify the reason(s).

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Types of documentation might include:

1. Link to web page with course, training, or education program information

2. “Instructions for Credential Candidates” (sometimes called “Candidate Handbook”) or similar

document

STANDARD 6: IF THE CB DOES PROVIDE AN EDUCATIONAL OR TRAINING PROGRAM,

INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAINING (INCLUDING COURSE DEVELOPMENT AND

INSTRUCTION) MUST NOT BE AFFILIATED WITH OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CREDENTIALING

ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EXAM DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION PROCESSING, EXAM

IMPLEMENTATION, EXAM PROCTORING OR THE CREDENTIALING DECISION.

An organizational structure chart or table can clearly demonstrate the separation between personnel

responsible for credentialing and training activities. There should be no overlap, although the two

branches (credentialing and training) may be under the same Vice President or President. The direct

supervisor/manager/director for each activity should be distinct. Please describe how the credential

meets this standard. If the credential does not meet the standard, please specify the reason(s).

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 42 of 77

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Types of documentation might include:

1. PDF or Word document that depicts the organizational structure of the CB, including names of

individuals in key roles

STANDARD 7: THE CB MUST DOCUMENT HOW THE SPECIFIC TASKS, KNOWLEDGE, JOB

DUTIES, AND/OR SKILLS THAT ARE PURPORTEDLY BEING MEASURED BY THE ASSESSMENT

PROCESS (E.G., EXAM, PORTFOLIO REVIEW, REQUIREMENTS REVIEW) WERE IDENTIFIED.

The foundation of a credentialing program is based on the job or role that a certified person should be

competent to perform. The identification of the duties and tasks associated with this job or role should

be conducted by a panel of subject matter experts (SMEs). Please describe how the credential meets

this standard. If the credential does not meet the standard, please specify the reason(s).

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Types of documentation might include a SME Panel Report or Job Task Analysis (JTA) Report that

contains information regarding this process.

Example of Job Task Analysis Report

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 43 of 77

STANDARD 8: THE CONTENT AREAS OF THE ASSESSMENT OR EXAM MUST BE DIRECTLY

ALIGNED TO INFORMATION GATHERED DURING A JOB TASK ANALYSIS (JTA); ALSO

REFERRED TO AS A ROLE DELINEATION STUDY. THE PORTION OF THE EXAM OR

ASSESSMENT ALIGNED TO EACH AREA MUST BE ESTABLISHED AND VALIDATED ACCORDING

TO PSYCHOMETRIC PRACTICES.

Once the job description and duties/tasks associated with the job or role are identified, a JTA or role

delineation study must be conducted. This usually involves an incumbent survey but may also be the

result of extensive consultation with a SME panel. This process must be updated on justifiable intervals

based on industry trends. The result of the JTA process is a detailed exam blueprint, which contains

weights which demonstrate the portion of the job, and therefore the portion of the exam, which is

represented by the specific tasks and knowledge, skills, abilities, and other (KSAOs). Please describe how

the credential meets this standard. If the credential does not meet the standard, please specify the

reason(s).

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Types of documentation might include a SME Panel Report or Job Task Analysis (JTA) Report that

contains information regarding this process.

Example of Job Task Analysis

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 44 of 77

STANDARD 9: EVIDENCE REGARDING THE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE

ASSESSMENT/EXAM SCORES MUST BE DOCUMENTED, INCLUDING EVIDENCE REGARDING

HOW THE STANDARD SETTING PROCESS MEETS ACCEPTABLE PSYCHOMETRIC PRACTICE.

Validity and reliability refer to the psychometric properties of the exam that demonstrate the exam

exhibits consistent pass rates, reliability estimates, and overall performance. Descriptive statistics for

each form of the exam must be generated at least annually, as well as item-level statistics to identify

poorly performing items. The standard setting process implemented for the assessment must be

documented and justifiable. Please describe how the credential meets this standard. If the credential

does not meet the standard, please specify the reason(s).

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Documentation might include an exam analysis report.

Example of Exam Analysis Report

STANDARD 10: THE CB MUST ENSURE THAT ALL CREDENTIALING AND RECREDENTIALING

REQUIREMENTS, PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES (E.G., ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS,

ASSESSMENT PROCESS) ARE CONSISTENT FOR ALL CANDIDATES AND CREDENTIAL

HOLDERS. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, REQUIRING ALL CANDIDATES TO

COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS UNDER COMPARABLE AND CONSISTENT

CONDITIONS TO ACHIEVE THE INITIAL CREDENTIAL.

The requirements for credentialing must be the same for all candidates, which includes the assessment

process. The exam administration must be consistent for every candidate. Policies and procedures must

be in place to ensure that each candidate has the same amount of time and comparable testing

conditions. The exam must be proctored, and the proctor (whether in-person or remote) must be

trained to enforce said procedures. Please describe how the credential meets this standard. If the

credential does not meet the standard, please specify the reason(s) for this.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 45 of 77

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Documentation might include:

1. “Instructions for Credential Candidates” (sometimes called “Candidate Handbook”) or similar

document

2. Exam Administration Manual

3. Proctor Training/Instructions Manual or similar document

STANDARD 11: THERE MUST BE DOCUMENTED PROCEDURES TO SAFEGUARD AND ENSURE

THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY OF EXAMS AT EVERY STAGE OF THE PROCESS.

The security of exam materials, from storage of the item bank to prevention of exposure of test content

during exam administration, must be ensured by the implementation of documented procedures. Please

describe how the credential meets this standard. If the credential does not meet the standard, please

specify the reason(s) for this.

CB Response:

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 46 of 77

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Documentation might include:

1. “Instructions for Credential Candidates” (sometimes called “Candidate Handbook”) or similar

document

2. Exam administration manual or similar document

3. Security procedures manual or similar document

STANDARD 12: THE CB MUST MAKE PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE ALL ASSESSMENT/EXAM

PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES REQUIRED OF THE CANDIDATE.

These processes and procedures must include but are not necessarily limited to requirements for

credentialing, requirements for recredentialing, fees, appeals and complaints processes, the exam

blueprint or content outline, and contact information. Please describe how the credential meets this

standard. If the credential does not meet the standard, please specify the reason(s) for this.

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Documentation might include:

1. Link to web page with all credentialing program information

2. “Instructions for Credential Candidates” (sometimes called “Candidate Handbook”) or similar

document

Example of Candidate Handbook

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 47 of 77

STANDARD 13: THE CB MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE TO BOTH CANDIDATE AND

CREDENTIAL HOLDER (I.E., INTERNET, PHONE, E-MAIL).

The CB must have a documented appeals and complaints process concerning all credentialing activities

that articulates how the appeals and complaints are submitted, reviewed, and tracked. Please describe

how the credential meets this standard. If the credential does not meet the standard, please specify the

reason(s) for this.

CB Response:

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Documentation might include:

1. Link to contact information web page

2. Link to communication tracking mechanism

Example of Contact Us Page

STANDARD 14: THE EXAM FEE CANNOT BE DISCOUNTED WHEN OFFERED AS A BUNDLE

WITH MEMBERSHIP FEES OR COURSE/TRAINING MATERIALS OR PARTICIPATION.

Please describe how the credential meets this standard. If the credential does not meet the standard,

please specify the reason(s) for this.

CB Response:

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 48 of 77

Supporting Documentation: Please list below any supporting documentation (attach that

documentation to the e-mail response) and/or website links demonstrating adherence to this standard.

Documentation might include

1. Link to web page with exam fees

Example of Fee Structure

PART 4: SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

1. How long has the credential been offered to the civilian/industry marketplace?

☐ Less than 1 year

☐ 1 to 3 years

☐ 3 to 5 years

☐ More than 5 years

2. Is the credential listed on the Department of Labor (DOL)-sponsored Career One-stop,

Certification Finder website?

☐ Yes

☐

If yes, is the DOL listing correct (i.e., credential title matches the proper title found on

your website)?

☐ Yes

☐

3. Has the credential been approved for GI Bill payment by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

☐ Yes

☐ No

If yes, is it listed on the Veterans Affairs (VA) Web Enabled Approval Management

System (WEAMS): VA WEAMS website?

☐ Yes

☐ No

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 49 of 77

3.a. Is the VA WEAMS listing correct (i.e., credential title matches the proper title

found on your website)?

☐ Yes

☐ No

3.b. Is the VA WEAMS cost displayed only showing the exam cost (fee not be bundled

with non-examination-related costs (i.e., training materials, membership cards,

organizational magazines, etc.)?

☐ Yes

☐

3.c. Are the Military Services offered at an equal-to or lower exam cost than displayed

on VA WEAMS?

☐ Yes

☐

4. Does military training and/or experience apply towards the eligibility criteria for attaining

the credential?

☐ Yes

☐

5. Does training and/or experience apply towards recredentialing requirements?

☐ Yes

☐

6. Please provide any additional information you believe would be helpful.

PART 5: SELF-ATTESTATION

☐

By checking this box, I attest that the information provided within this form is true and

accurate to

the best of my knowledge and belief. Additionally, I acknowledge and

understand that checking this box will be enforceable as to the extent of a handwritten

signature for enforcement/enforceability on documents.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 50 of 77

PART 6: CONTACT INFORMATION

Please provide the name, position, address, phone number, and e-mail address of the person

responsible for completing this form:

Name: 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Address: 00000000000000000000000000000000 City: 0000000000000000000 State: 00000000

Postal Code: 00000000000000 Phone Number: 000000000000000000000000000

E-mail Address: 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Date of Completion: 000000000000000000000000000

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 51 of 77

Appendix: DOD Credentialing Standards Cross-Referenced to Legislative and Accreditation Criteria

DOD Credentialing Standard

10 U.S.C 2015,

(c)(2) Quality

Assurance of

Personnel

Certification

Programs

ISO/IEC

17024:2012

Conformity

Assessment -

General

Requirements for

Bodies Operating

Certification Of

Persons

National

Commission for

Certifying

Agencies (NCCA)

2016 Standards

for the

Accreditation of

Certification

Programs

Accreditation

Board for

Specialty Nursing

Certification

(ABSNC) Exam

Based Standards

(effective

January 2019)

GI Bill

Approval - 38

C.F.R § 21.4268

Approval of

licensing

and

certification

testing

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 52 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 6:

Vendor Memorandum of Understanding

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AND

NAME OF AFCOOL TRAINING AND CREDENTIALING PROVIDER

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is between the Department of the Air Force (DAF)

and (Name of AFCOOL Training and Credential Provider), hereinafter referred to as “Provider”.

1. PURPOSE:

The purpose of this agreement is to provide guidelines and procedures for the delivery of

credentialing services under the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Program which provides educational opportunities to the DAF Members. This MOU is not to be

construed in any way as giving rise to a contractual obligation of the DAF to provide funds to

XYZ that would be contrary to federal law and the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This MOU is

subject at all times to Federal law and the rules, guidelines, and regulations of the Department

of Defense (DoD). Any conflicts between this MOU and such Federal law, rules, guidelines, and

regulations will be resolved in favor of the Federal law, rules, guidelines, or regulations.

2. AUTHORITY:

2.1. 10 U.S. Code § 2015, Program to assist members in obtaining professional credentials.

2.2. DODI 1322.33, DOD CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS

2.3. DAFI 36-2683, DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING

PROGRAMS.

2.4. The AFCOOL Handbook (as stipulated in DAFI 36-2683, Para. 2.5.c.(1)).

3. PARTIES INVOLVED:

3.1. The AFCOOL Program is a congressionally mandated program, outlined in Title 10, Section

2015, to support Service members’ recruitment, retention, readiness, and transition. It provides

DAF Members and Guardians a vehicle for the award of civilian-recognized credentials related

to their Air Force Specialty Code, expands their professionalism, and prepares them for entry

into civilian jobs upon separation or retirement from the DAF.

3.2. XYZ, hereafter known as the Provider, is a Department of Labor approved or

State/Industry-certified provider of [certified credentials or licensures] which provides the

knowledge and skills necessary to help military members prepare for civilian industry

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 53 of 77

credentialing and licensures. This course/training program specifically prepares participants to

attempt civilian industry certifications using skillsets obtained while on active duty and pairing

them with industry standards.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. The AFCOOL Program Director will:

4.1.1. Establish and maintain liaison with the designated representative of the Provider.

4.1.2. Ensure members participating in Provider training have adequate funding remaining in

their credentialing cap allotment to participate with said Provider.

4.1.3. Pre-screen members prior to establishing payment to the Provider to ensure they meet all

pre-requisites for participation and have received approval from their unit supervision.

4.2. The Provider will:

4.2.1. Appoint a representative to maintain continuing liaison with the AFCOOL Program

Director or designated DAF representative.

4.2.2. Provide members information on Provider policies including, but not limited to, course

withdrawal dates and penalties, course cancellation procedures, course grade, and policy

regarding incompletion of a course. This information shall be made available before course start

date.

4.2.3. Register and use the Academic Institution (AI) Portal

(https://aiportal.us.af.mil/aiportal/Account/Login) to input Provider basic information, course

offerings, and itemized costs for tuition, fees, and materials.

4.2.4. Submit course grades via the AI Portal for each course in which members are enrolled

using AFCOOL Program funding. Submission will be made no later than five (5) days after

course completion.

4.2.5. Adopt the AI Portal procedures for all payment processing. Providers with a current

waiver may continue to participate at the discretion of the AFCOOL Program Office.

4.2.6. Submit payment receipt via the AI Portal for each course in which members are enrolled

using AFCOOL Program funding. Submission will be made no later than five (5) calendar days

after receipt of payment.

4.2.7. Not enroll members in courses without receiving verification from an AFCOOL Purchasing

Agent that payment for all training products is complete.

4.2.8. Maintain communication with AFCOOL Program participants on a routine basis. Notify the

AFCOOL liaison immediately upon learning of any attendance issues, disciplinary concerns,

class changes, or injuries related to an AFCOOL participant.

4.2.9. Comply with provisions of DODI1344.07_DAFI36-2925, Personal Commercial Solicitation

on DoD Installations, 4 December 2018, and Attachment 1.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 54 of 77

4.2.10. Not suggest official DoD or DAF sanction or endorsement of its products or services

(including through any use of print, media or website advertising) because of participation in the

AFCOOL Program or otherwise.

4.2.11. Comply with AFCOOL Provider policies regarding Prohibited Practices (Attachment 1)

and Required Provider Actions (Attachment 2).

4.2.12. Comply with AFCOOL Provider policies regarding Financial Transactions (Attachment

3).

5. FUNDS AND MANPOWER:

This MOU does not document nor provide for the exchange of funds or manpower between the

two Parties, nor does it make any commitment of funds or resources. Each Party is responsible

for all costs of its personnel including pay and benefits, support, and travel. Each Party is

responsible for the supervision and management of its own personnel.

6. GENERAL PROVISIONS:

6.1. POINTS OF CONTACT: The following points of contact (POCs) will be used by the Parties

to communicate the implementation of this MOU. Each Party may change its POC upon

reasonable notice to the other Party.

6.1.1. DAF:

Name: Director, AFCOOL Program

Email: CCAF.AFCOOL.Reimb@us.af.mil

Mailing Address: 100 South Turner Blvd, Suite 100

Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex AL 36114

6.1.2. Provider:

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Mailing Address:

6.2. Either Party may release a member from a course if, in the opinion of either Party, the

member is not actively and satisfactorily participating with the provided training or is not being

utilized consistent with the goals of this program. Prior to releasing the member, the Parties

shall confer and try to resolve the issue(s). However, for the avoidance of doubt, each Party

retains the ultimate right to end the member’s participation at will after consultation with the

other Party. The DAF also reserves the right to release the member from a course due to

military necessity.

7. REVIEW AND MODIFICATION OF MOU:

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 55 of 77

This MOU will be reviewed annually and may only be modified by the written agreement of the

Parties, duly signed by their representatives.

10. TERMINATION:

10.1. This MOU may be terminated by either Party with 30 days written notice to the other Party.

10.2. The Director, AFCOOL Program, may terminate this MOU without written notice if he/she

determines, at his/her sole discretion, that the DAF is no longer able to meet the terms of this

MOU based on military operational requirements or national emergency.

11. NONENDORSEMENT:

In accordance with the Joint Ethics Regulation (DoD 5500.07-R), the DAF is prohibited from

endorsing or implying endorsement of any non-federal entity, event, product, service or

enterprise. The DAF and Provider recognize that this MOU does not represent DAF

endorsement of the Provider or its credentialing program.

12. INTEGRATED AGREEMENT/MODIFICATION:

This MOU, upon execution, contains the entire agreement of the Parties. No prior agreement,

written or oral, can alter these provisions, and any changes to this MOU must be made in writing

and agreed to by both Parties.

13. EFFECTIVE DATE:

This Memorandum of Understanding is effective upon the date of the last signature of the

undersigned and will remain in effect until amended, revised, superseded, or terminated by

mutual consent.

14. AGREED:

FOR Provider FOR DAF

(sign/date)

Director, AFCOOL Program

(sign/date)

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 56 of 77

ATTACHMENT 1: Prohibited Practices

A1.1. Prohibited Practices. The Provider will understand and agree to comply with provisions of,

DODI 1344.07_DAFI 36-2925, Personal Commercial Solicitation on DoD Installations (as

inserted below). Prohibited Practices. The following commercial solicitation practices shall be

prohibited on all DoD installations:

A1.1.1. Solicitation of recruits, trainees, and transient personnel in a group setting or "mass"

audience and solicitation of any DoD personnel in a "captive" audience where attendance is not

voluntary or could be perceived by attendees as not voluntary.

A1.2. Making appointments with or soliciting military or DoD civilian personnel during their

normally scheduled duty hours.

A1.2.2. Commercial solicitation of individuals without an appointment, even in areas approved

by appointments by the installation commander or designated representative, is prohibited.

A1.3. Soliciting in barracks, day rooms, unit areas, transient personnel housing, or other areas

where the installation commander has prohibited solicitation.

A1.4. Use of official military identification cards by active duty, retired, or reserve members of

the Military Services to gain access to DoD installations for the purpose of soliciting. When

entering the installation for the purpose of solicitation, solicitors with military identification cards

must present documentation issued by the installation authorizing solicitation.

A1.5. Procuring, attempting to procure, supplying, or attempting to supply non-public listings of

DoD personnel for purposes of commercial solicitation, except for releases made in accordance

with DoD Directive 5400.07, DoD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program.

A1.6. Offering unfair, improper, or deceptive inducements to purchase or trade.

A1.7. Using promotional incentives to facilitate transactions or to eliminate competition.

A1.8. Using manipulative, deceptive, or fraudulent devices, schemes, or artifices, including

misleading advertising and sales literature. All financial products, which contain insurance

features, must clearly explain the insurance features of those products.

A1.9. Using oral or written representations to suggest or give the appearance that the

Department of Defense sponsors or endorses any particular company, its agents, or the goods,

services, and commodities it sells.

A1.10. DoD personnel making personal commercial solicitations or sales to DoD personnel who

are junior in rank or grade, or to the family members of such personnel, except as authorized in

Section 2-205 and 5-409 of the Joint Ethics Regulation, DoD 5500.07-R.

A1.11. Entering into any unauthorized or restricted area.

A1.12. Using any portion of installation facilities, including quarters, as a showroom or store for

the sale of goods or services, except as specifically authorized by DoD Directive 1330.17, DoD

Commissary Program and DoD Instructions 1015.10, Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation

(MWR) Programs, 1000.15, Procedures and Support for Non-Federal Entities Authorized to

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 57 of 77

Operate on DoD Installations, and 1330.21, Armed Services Exchange Regulations. This does

not apply to normal home enterprises that comply with applicable State and local laws and

installation rules.

A1.12.1. Normal home businesses on AF installations are authorized to use their residence as

an office facility for internet-based sales, including use of government-provided internet and

U.S. Postal Service mail service, for in-person sales and services of household and personal

products to family, friends and acquaintances.

A1.13. Soliciting door to door or without an appointment.

A1.14. Unauthorized advertising of addresses or telephone numbers used in personal

commercial solicitation activities conducted on the installation, or the use of official positions,

titles, or organization names, for the purpose of personal commercial solicitation, except as

authorized in the [Joint Ethics Regulation]. Military grade and military service as part of an

individual's name (e.g., Captain Smith, U.S. Marine Corps) may be used in the same manner as

conventional titles, such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Honorable.”

A1.15. Contacting DoD personnel by calling a government telephone, faxing to a government

fax machine, or by sending e-mail to a government computer, unless a pre-existing relationship

(i.e., the DoD member is a current client or requested to be contacted) exists between the

Parties and the DoD member has not asked for contact to be terminated.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 58 of 77

ATTACHMENT 2: Required Provider ACTIONS

A2.1. Required Provider Actions:

A2.2. The Provider will certify its institution has been in business two years or more and will

provide a copy of its State and local business licenses to verify this information.

A2.3. The Provider will certify an official authorized to submit an AFCOOL Training Provider

Eligibility Application and will submit a separate application for each location of the institution.

Once the main campus/training site has received approval, that person may submit applications

for campuses or additional locations. It is understood if the main campus/training site is locked,

all institution accounts will be locked as well.

A2.4. The Provider will ensure its institution maintains at least one active authorized point-of-

contact in the AI Portal. In addition, the Provider will maintain the Directory for AFCOOL Staff

and potential AFCOOL participants to contact the institution.

A2.5. The Provider will upload only AFCOOL-approved credentialing programs and courses into

the AI Portal.

A2.6. The Provider will submit a certificate of completion and/or grade, if available, for

preparatory courses within five (5) calendar days of completion.

A2.7. The Provider agrees to refrain from unfair, deceptive, and abusive marketing practices

that include, but are not limited to:

2.7.1. Refrain from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly

or indirectly on securing enrollments for AFCOOL funds to any persons or entities engaged in

any recruiting and/or admission activities. This includes making decisions regarding the award

of AFCOOL funding.

2.7.2. Refrain from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited

contacts (three or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, and engaging in

same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing enrollments.

A2.8. The Provider will communicate on a routine basis with AFCOOL Program participants and

notify the AFCOOL Program staff immediately upon learning of any attendance issues,

disciplinary concerns, class changes, or illness/injuries related to an AFCOOL participant.

A2.9. The Provider will reaffirm this agreement with the AFCOOL Program annually

(accomplished in December of each year to take effect in January).

A2.10. The Provider will disclose information about the institution’s programs and costs to

AFCOOL participants. This information will be made readily accessible without requiring the

AFCOOL participant to disclose any personal or contact information.

A2.11. The Provider will, before AFCOOL participant enrollment or payment, provide the

AFCOOL participant with information on “add/drop” policy, withdrawal and readmission policies,

refund policy, military duty (grievance) policy, proportional refund policy, and procedures to

include information on the potential impact of military duties (e.g. unanticipated deployments or

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 59 of 77

mobilizations, activation, or temporary duty assignment on the AFCOOL participant’s training

status, or financial responsibilities).

A2.12. The Provider will comply with the AFCOOL Installation Access Policy as well as local

installation policies regarding installation access.

A2.13. The Provider will keep the AFCOOL participant’s personal information private (IAW Title

20, U.S. Code, Section 1232g) and only release personally identifiable non-directory information

to a third Party with the full consent of the AFCOOL participant. The Provider will also agree to

share this same information with AFCOOL Program staff upon request in a timely fashion.

Questions concerning the release of data should be directed to the AFCOOL Program Office.

A2.14. The Provider will refrain from recruiting on the installation with the exception of providing

and placing brochures at the education office or without first making an appointment with the

education office staff.

A2.15. The Provider will comply with the following review, modifications, signatures, effective

date, expiration date, and cancellation provision:

A2.15.1. Review: The signatories (or their successors) will review this MOU periodically in

coordination with the AFCOOL program office, but no less than annually, to consider items such

as current accreditation status, updated program offerings, and program delivery services.

A2.15.2. Modifications: Modifications to this MOU will be in writing and except for those required

due to a change in state or federal law, will be subject to approval by both of the signatories

below or their successors.

A2.15.3. Signatures: The authorized signatory for AFCOOL will be the Director of AFCOOL. The

authorized signatory for the credential training provider will be determined by the credential

training provider.

A2.15.4. Effective Date: This MOU is effective on the date of the AFCOOL Program Director’s

signature.

A2.15.5. Expiration Date: This MOU will expire five (5) years from the effective date unless

terminated or updated prior to that date in writing by the Director of AFCOOL or the Provider.

A2.16. The Provider will understand that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may

result in a suspension of its account.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 60 of 77

ATTACHMENT 3: Financial Transactions

A3.1. Financial Transactions. The following financial transaction processes and protocols will be

adhered to by AFCOOL Program Officials, Purchasing Agents, and Providers:

A3.2. The Provider will ensure its institution can accept the AFCOOL Program payment

methods (e.g., credit card, PayPal, Automated Clearing House wire transfers) as payment for

invoices.

A3.3. The Provider’s billing department will maintain the capability to open, read, and upload

Adobe pdf documents.

A3.4. The Provider will ensure its institution submits an invoice to remain on file and in force for

future AFCOOL Program participants to use until it is revised and that the revision will be

accomplished at least annually (accomplished in December of each year to take effect in

January or as stipulated by the AFCOOL Provider).

A3.5. The Provider will submit a payment receipt(s) no later than three (3) business days after

receipt of payment via the AI Portal for each course in which the AFCOOL Program participant

is enrolled using AFCOOL Program funding.

A3.6. The Provider will refrain from automatic renewals (i.e., a membership fee or renewal,

subscription renewal to education software/test bank) and bundling multiple credentials.

A3.7. The Provider will ensure the training costs charged to AFCOOL Program participants will

not exceed the rate charged to nonmilitary participants, unless agreed upon in writing by both

the credential training provider and the Director of AFCOOL.

A3.8. The Provider will not encourage AFCOOL Program participants to purchase course

materials prior to payment by the AFCOOL Purchasing Agent.

A3.9. The Provider will notify AFCOOL Program participants of course cancellations

immediately (within 24 hours of decision to cancel) and will refund the government 100 percent

of the cost.

A3.10. The Provider will submit a reimbursement receipt to the AFCOOL Purchasing Agent no

later than five (5) business days after reimbursement has taken place.

A3.11. The Provider will return any unused AFCOOL funds to the AFCOOL Program Office and

not to the AFCOOL participant.

A3.12. The Provider will provide AFCOOL Purchasing Agents with a pay link for each member’s

training products as often as is feasible (a payment link is any link or button a person can click

within an internet browser, text message, email, app, or social media platform in order to pay a

specified amount of money online to a specified receiver. AKA pay by link, pay link, pay button,

or payment button).

A3.13. Cash or check payments will be authorized by the AFCOOL Program Director only when

no other method of payment will suffice.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 61 of 77

A3.14. The Provider will identify cash transfer fees on the invoice or pay those fees themselves.

These fees cannot be added at the point of payment and will not be paid by the member.

A3.15. The Provider will include sales tax on the invoice to allow for AFCOOL Purchase Agents

to pay for it. Otherwise, it is understood the Provider is paying the sales tax, not the member.

A3.16. The Provider will include any shipping costs on the invoice unless the Provider decides

to pay these themselves.

A3.17. The Provider will utilize the AI Portal and all its functionality to the maximum extent

possible and adhere to all policies regarding AI Portal usage.

A3.18. The Provider will submit reimbursements back to the AFCOOL Program Office that are

30 days or less from purchase via credit card reimbursement. After 30 days the Provider will

send a check to the AFCOOL Program Office to include the member’s name and affected

Funding Request ID#(s) in the memo line. Checks should be made payable to “department of

treasury” and mailed to the following address:

CCAF/AFCOOL

100 S. Turner Blvd

Maxwell-Gunter Annex, AL 36114

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 62 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 7:

Developing Individualized Career Pathways

The military has often led the way when it comes to training and education. The foundations of

modern-day adult education and technical training were laid during World War II to efficiently

take a young man from his hometown to a military assignment where he would maintain and

use complex weapon and support systems. These principles came into common use at local

trade schools, technical colleges, and universities soon after the war.

The Air Force developed the Career Field and Education and Training Plan as a comprehensive

education and training document to identify life-cycle education/training requirements, training

support resources, and minimum core task requirements for the AFS covered by that CFETP.

This was long before career pathways became so important in the civilian training and

education field. Again, the military took the lead in education and training, but you will need

more than just your CFETP to build a successful military career while also planning your

transition to a fulfilling civilian occupation.

An Individualized Career Pathway is a workforce development strategy used in the United

States to support workers’ transitions from education into and through the workforce. This

strategy has been adopted at the federal, state, and local levels to increase education, training,

and learning opportunities for America’s current and emerging workforce. Career pathways are

an integrated collection of programs and services intended to develop students’ and worker’s

core academic, technical, and employability skills; provide them with continuous education,

training; and place them in high-demand, high-opportunity jobs. We will be utilizing an

Individualized Career Pathway model to help each DAF enlisted professional clarify what will

make you a better technician, supervisor, manager, and leader while in service and upon entry

into the civilian workforce.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is, “What are my values?” The DAF has given you their

core values and your career field leaders have helped to define the culture of your specialty, but

what are your values? These questions are critical as you choose the academic and

professional credentials that will benefit both your military career while also preparing you for

transition to a civilian one.

One effective method for helping you determine your values is to use the Kuder Career Interests

Assessment®, Kuder Skills Confidence Assessment®, and Super’s Work Value Inventory-

revised. All three of these assessment tools are available at https://dantes.kuder.com/landing-

page. Once you have completed these three assessments, you will have a wealth of suggested

occupations and other helpful tools to assist in determining the best occupation for you to

pursue to maximize your opportunities for future employment in a fulfilling profession.

A powerful tool for determining occupations that will fit your values is the O*NET OnLine Interest

Profiler (https://www.onetcenter.org/IP.html#overview) this is a family of self-assessment, career

exploration tools that can help you discover the type of work activities and occupations that you

would like and find exciting. You can identify and learn about broad interest areas most relevant

to you and you can use your interest results to explore the world of work.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 63 of 77

Another tool that can support career decision making is Career Path DECIDE

https://careerpathdecide.org/career-planning/quick-match. This tool will assist Service members

with identifying potential best fit careers based on their military occupation, education level and

prior civilian work experience. It can help members find the right Credential and/or Degree

programs needed to fill identified experience and education gaps.

Next, you should also utilize the O*NET OnLine Military Crosswalk Search

(https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/). This tool will give you Department of Labor

Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) codes that align with your AFSC. You may be one of

the fortunate ones that have a SOC that fits your values and current AFSC!

Finally, with a list of interesting occupations, your next step will be to utilize O*NET OnLine

(https://www.onetonline.org/) and research each SOC code. Each page dedicated to a SOC

includes a great deal of information. Carefully read through each SOC summary.

After much reading, online research, reflection, and discussion with mentors, you should have a

short list of SOC codes to work with. Determine the education, training, and professional

industry-recognized certifications that will benefit you in that occupation and compare that with

the education and professional credentials that will benefit your career in your AFSC. With this

information, you can develop your own career pathway that benefits the DAF, your career in the

service, and your future occupation in the civilian sector.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 64 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 8:

How to Create an Education Goal

How to Generate an Education Goal.

The member completes the following:

1. Virtual Benefits Training (“Virtual Benefits Training” is located in the menu on the

right).

2. In AFVEC, select “Education Goals”.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 65 of 77

3. Click “Create New Goal”.

4. Select the type of AFCOOL education goal.

A. AFCOOL – PAFSC Related: Credential is related to the student’s PAFSC

B. AFCOOL – Leadership: Student must be a SNCO (E-7 and up)

Note: SNCO selects cannot apply.

C. AFCOOL – Awarded Degree Related: Credential is related to an already

obtained academic degree

Note: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) and must either be updated on the service

member's AFVEC record or the member may provide unofficial transcripts, via

AFVEC message, showing a conferred degree.

D. AFCOOL – Non AFSC Related: Credential is unrelated to the student’s Primary

AF Specialty Code

1) The credential must be approved in AFVEC as AFCOOL eligible for another

AFSC

2) Members with special duty identifiers (i.e., 8F000, 8A100, 8B000) with no

matching civilian certifications in the AFCOOL Program, may be eligible to

pursue an Air Force-funded leadership and/or a previously held PAFSC

Related certification. Contact AFCOOL via AFVEC Messenger for additional

guidance.

3) If the goal being pursued is marked as “N/A”, click on the title and it will state

the reason the member is unable to submit an Education Goal. Once

complete with the listed requirement(s), proceed with submitting the

Education Goal.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 66 of 77

5. Verify the supervisor’s information.

Note: If the information requires updating, click the pencil icon to edit the information.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 67 of 77

6. Select desired certification. The member may use the keyword search to filter

certifications.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 68 of 77

7. Upload the vendor’s bill/invoice/quote. The member should contact the vendor for

assistance. Screenshots pasted to a word document are acceptable.

8. Upload any additional supporting documentation (see Attachment 5).

9. Click “Submit Goal”.

10. The member’s supervisor then approves the education goal. This allows the member

to generate funding requests.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 69 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 9:

How to Create a Funding Request

How to Generate a Funding Request.

1. Click “Education Goal” in AFVEC.

2. Select the approved AFCOOL certification.

Note: Review Attachment 8: Preferred Sources for AFCOOL EXAM Preparatory

Courses of this handbook to ensure you use the resources the DAF has made available

to you.

3. Click “Apply for Funding” to generate funding requests.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 70 of 77

4. Verify the supervisor’s information.

Note: If the information requires updating, click the pencil icon to edit the information.

5. Click “Verify and Proceed”.

6. Read and agree to the User Agreement.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 71 of 77

7. Indicate if applying from a deployed location.

8. Under “Exam Center” enter the training vendor.

Note: The training vendor will be providing training services or will be the agency

proctoring the exam and this is who receives AFCOOL funding on your behalf.

Note: If the vendor’s name is not in the system send AFCOOL an AFVEC message

requesting vendor registration materials that you may pass on to the prospective

AFCOOL vendor allowing them to register in the AI Portal.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 72 of 77

9. Under “Campus” select the training vendor’s name and “Main Campus”.

10. Use the calendar icon to select the anticipated start date of the certification,

preparatory course, or exam if he/she is only requesting funding for an exam.

Note: Ensure funding requests are submitted to the CPO not later than 30 days and

not earlier than 60 days prior to the anticipated exam or training start date. A funding

request has not been submitted to the CPO until it has been approved by the

member’s supervisor.

lxiv

Note: The orange area denotes the 30-day date range where the estimated start date

must fall. This means that you must submit your supervisor-approved funding requests

at least 30 days prior to the estimated start date but no longer than 60 days prior.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 73 of 77

11. Generate funding requests, in the following order, using the invoice as a source

document.

A. “Study Materials”

B. “Prep Course”

C. “Exam”

Note: Funding requests are processed based on training start date in order of

receipt.

12. The member’s supervisor approve/disapprove the funding request(s).

13. The CPO processes the funding request. The member is encouraged to regularly

check their AFVEC messages to see if additional documentation or information is

needed.

14. The Purchasing Agent pays for the training products.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 74 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 10:

How to Submit an Exception to Policy

1. This process allows AFVEC users to create and submit their Exception to Policy (ETP)

request. These are done when a member is requesting special permission based on

specific circumstances. The member will need to contact their Base Education Office,

first, so they can make them eligible to submit (in AFVEC).

Note: Before each request is made, the Education Office must make the member

eligible. They should discuss the member’s intentions and make them eligible as

applicable. This is needed for each request.

2. The member, via AFVEC, once made eligible by the AFAEMS user, will select “ETP

Request” from AFVEC’s left side menu.

3. The member clicks and fills out the form.

Note: The request and justification are limited to 1000 characters (every keystroke

count).

Note: Recommend typing these areas in Microsoft Word, then paste in here, so no work

is lost due to timing out.

4. Once the request is complete the member hits “submit”.

5. The request will be routed to the member’s supervisor, as listed in their AFVEC account.

This is informational only. Once the supervisor completes the review it is sent to the

AFCOOL Program Office.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 75 of 77

6. You may monitor the progress by selecting “ETP Process” from the left-side menu.

7. The AFCOOL Program Office reviews the ETP request, determines if the request

is sufficiently supported, and submits it to HAF/A1DLV with a recommendation.

8. HAF/A1DLV reviews the request, considers AFCOOL’s recommendation, and

makes the final decision.

9. A system message (notification) will be sent to the member for the following

reasons:

i. The request needs additional information, prior to processing, or prior to

making a final decision.

ii. Approved.

iii. Denied. Comments will be included justifying the decision.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 76 of 77

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AFCOOL)

Attachment 11:

Endnotes

All endnotes are refences to DODI 1322.33_DAFI 36-2683, DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR

FORCE VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAMS (published 1 Nov ’22)

Para. 4.2.e.(1)(b)

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)3.

iii

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)3.

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)2.

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)4.

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)3.

vii

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(i)

viii

Para. 2.5.c.(4)

Para. 2.5.c.(3)

Para. 4.1.c.(1)

Para. 2.5.b.(4)

xii

Para. 2.5.b.(1)

xiii

Para. 2.5.b.(3)

xiv

Para. 2.5.c.(1)

Para. 2.5.c.(2)

xvi

Para. 4.2.e.(1)(b)

xvii

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(i)

xviii

Para. 2.5.c.(1)

xix

Para. 2.5.c.(3)

Para. 2.5.c.(2)

xxi

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(i)

xxii

Para. 2.5.c.(6)

xxiii

Para. 2.5.c.(6)(a)

xxiv

Para. 2.5.c.(6)(b)

xxv

Para. 4.2.e.(1)(b)

xxvi

Para. 2.5.c.(5)

xxvii

Para. 4.2.d(2)(l)

xxviii

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)1.

xxix

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(a)

xxx

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(b)

xxxi

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(c)

xxxii

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)4.

xxxiii

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)4.

xxxiv

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)3.

xxxv

Para. 4.2.d.(1)(a)2.

File Name: 230804 AFCOOL HDBK Last Modified 4 August 2023

Please give us feedback!

ccaf.afcool.rei[email protected].mil Page 77 of 77

xxxvi

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(c)

xxxvii

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(d)

xxxviii

Para. 4.2.d(2)(e)

xxxix

Para. 4.2.d(2)(f)

xli

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(m)

xlii

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(m)

xliii

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(m)1.

xliv

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(m)2.

xlv

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(a)

xlvi

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(b)

xlvii

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(c)

xlviii

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(d)

xlix

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(e)

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(f)

Para. 4.2.d.(3)(g)

lii

Para. 4.1.c.(2)

liii

Para. 4.1.c.(3)

liv

Para. 4.1.c.(1)

Paras. 4.1.c.(4) and 4.2.e.(1)(a)

lvi

Para. 4.1.c.(1)

lvii

Para. 4.1.c.(1)

lviii

Para. 4.1.c.(1)

lix

Para. 4.1.c.(1)

lxi

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(c)

lxii

Para. 4.3.a.

lxiii

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(k)

lxiii

Para. 4.2.d.(2)(i)