Certifications & Learning
Military credentialing programs, certification guides, free learning resources, and professional development opportunities for service members and veterans.
Getting Started
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Learning Resources | Free courses, platforms, and educational programs |
| Certifications Guide | Certification pathways by domain |
| Funding Certifications | Military funding options |
Military Funding Programs
Credentialing Assistance (CA)
- Amount: $4,000/year
- Purpose: Professional certifications aligned with career goals
- Portal: ArmyIgnitED
- Guide: Credentialing Assistance
SOF Education Program (SEP)
- Amount: Up to $10,000/year
- Purpose: Individual knowledge gaps in special operations roles
- Separate from: TA and CA (additional funding)
- Requirements: SF-182, no planned separation within 18 months
- Guide: SEP Funds Guide
Tuition Assistance (TA)
- Amount: Varies by service
- Purpose: Degree programs and education
- Note: Separate from CA funding
Discounted Certifications
Pearson VUE Government Store
Pearson VUE Government Store - Discounted certification exams
| Vendor | Link |
|---|---|
| AWS | AWS Certification |
| CompTIA | CompTIA Certification |
| Microsoft | Microsoft Certification |
| Cisco | Cisco Certification |
Certifications by Domain
Cybersecurity
SANS/GIAC
- Credentialing Assistance for SANS - Use CA for $4k SANS training
- SANS Roadmap - Career progression
- Recommended: SEC504 GCIH
Offensive Security
GIAC Certifications
CompTIA
- CASP+ (CAS-004) - Advanced Security Practitioner
Free
- ISC2 CC - Free entry-level certification
Network
- CNO - Computer Network Operations
- CCNA Ninja - Free NetAcad training with voucher opportunity
RF/EW
- HAM Radio - Amateur radio licensing
- IEEE Continuing Education
Free Learning Resources
Military-Specific Platforms
| Platform | Access | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Udemy for Military | .mil email | Free courses |
| O'Reilly | MWR Libraries | Technical books and videos |
| DC3 Cyber Training | DoD | Forensics and cyber fundamentals |
| Army eLearning | Army | CompTIA prep and more |
University Programs
| Institution | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard | Free Courses | Tech, policy, AI/ML, business |
| MIT | OpenCourseWare | Full course materials |
| Coursera | Military Program | Free certifications |
Other Resources
| Resource | Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft ESI | Enterprise Skills | Microsoft training |
| PACKT | Free Learning | Daily free tech books |
| Tutor.com | Military | Free tutoring for families |
| AI Tutor | LlamaTutor | AI-powered learning |
Defense Acquisition University (DAU)
DAU provides courses counting as military education with professional certifications.
Notable Courses
- ACQ101 - Acquisitions 101: Foundational acquisition knowledge
- Source Selection - Ethics and evaluation techniques
- ETM 3150 - Introduction to Emerging Technology
DAU Credentials
- Small Business Program Credential
- Fulfills continuing education for PMP and other certifications
Cheat Sheets & Study Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| OWASP Cheat Sheets | cheatsheetseries.owasp.org |
| Bug Bounty Writeups | GitHub Collection |
| OSCP Resources | GitHub Collection |
CompTIA Token Process
- Complete training on Army eLearning
- Navigate to ACTMS website
- Upload cyber awareness certificates
- Submit token request (bottom of page)
- Receive voucher code for exam
Note: Processing can take up to 6 months - plan accordingly.
Community Resources
- Tech Signal Group - Certification discussions
- Learning Discussions - Community posts
Related Pages
- Military & Career - Transition and career resources
- Cybersecurity - Security guides and tools
- AI & Autonomy - AI/ML learning resources