• Get background information about civilian licensure and certification.
• Identify licenses and certifications relevant to Navy ratings, jobs, and occupations.
• Learn how to fill gaps between Navy training and experience and civilian credentialing requirements.
• Learn about resources available to Sailors that can help them gain civilian job credentials.

Credentialing requirements information currently includes enlisted ratings only. Warrant Officers and Officers can obtain general information on credentialing from the following U.S. Department of Labor Web site:

• America’s CareerOneStop – Workforce Credentials Information Center

Funding Certifications through the COOL Program. 

On 06 Sep 2007, the Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) authorized the use of appropriated funds to pay for civilian license and certification exams, re-certifications, and maintenance fees for Navy and Naval Reserve service members, consistent with the Dept. of Defense (DOD) authority signed on 12 Feb 2007 and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) FY06.

With this authority, the Navy may now fund credentialing (certification/license) exam fees to support professionalization of the enlisted workforce.

The Navy's Credentials Program Office has a limited amount of certification/ license vouchers that may be used towards specifically-identified certification/license exams.

The NAVY resource icon identifies a credential that has been approved for Navy funding via a pre-paid voucher. Sailors must meet Navy AND credentialing agency eligibility/qualifications prior to submitting a Navy-funded credentialing exam voucher request. The voucher only covers the cost of the examination, re-certification, or maintenance fee. Registration fees, preparation guides, processing fees, etc., WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED.

Search the COOL web site, but here are some certifications of interest to Storekeepers:

International Society Logistics: offers Certified Professional Logistician.  This certification often ranked as equivalent of a Masters Degree for Logistics Managers & Practitioners.  Qualification earned through testing: twice a year; four 2-hour periods.  Qualifies for Montgomery GI Bill.

Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council: offers Certified Public Purchasing Buyer.  For the public purchasing profession; geared toward government procurement professionals.  There is an exam with certain eligibility requirements.

American Purchasing Society: offers two - Certified Professional Purchasing Manager & Certified Purchasing Professional.  A 100-point qualification evaluated from Written Exam, Education, Experience, and Academic Contributions.

American Society of Transportation & Logistics Inc.: offers Certified in Transportation & Logistics.  Requires 70% passing on series of Five Exams.  Some of the exams can be waived with certain number & types of college course subjects completed.  

Institute for Supply Management: offers two - Accredited Purchasing Practitioner and Certified Purchasing Manager.  APP accreditation through 2 Exams & 2 years experience or an Associate Degree.  CPM accreditation through 4 Exams & 5 years experience or a Bachelor Degree.  Both qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill.

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management: offers Certified Hazardous material Manager.  Available on Master or Senior Level.  Accreditation includes a 160-question Exam, a review of experience, and a college degree.

National Contract Management Association: offers three - Certified Associate Contracts Manager, Certified Federal Contracts Manager, and Certified Professional Contracts Manager.  Qualifications are combination of education, experience, and an exam.  CACM and CPCM qualify for Montgomery GI Bill; and both available through DANTES Testing.