MOS 8999 Sergeant Major-First Sergeant

MOS 8999 Sergeant Major-First Sergeant

MOS Description

Assists the commander as Senior Enlisted Marine in the unit. Acts as principal enlisted assistant to the commander. Keeps apprised of all policies of the commander. Disseminates information to the unit's enlisted personnel regarding such policies. Reports to the commander on the status of matters pertaining to the efficient operation of the command. Counsels’ subordinate unit Noncommissioned Officers as required to improve the general effectiveness of the command. Interviews and counsels enlisted personnel on pertinent professional and personal matters that may affect the efficiency of the command. Assists the commander in the conduct of office hours, requests mast, and meritorious mast. Participates in ceremonies, briefings, confer commander. Assists in supervision of clerical and administrative matters; training functions and the employment of the command in garrison and in the field; logistic functions such as billeting, transportation, and messing; inspections and investigations; personnel management; and daily routine. Assumes other duties designated by the commander.

National Certifications

You selected Early Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply.

You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E4-E5. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You selected Late Career-- this applies to Marines in paygrades E6-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Marines who are not reenlisting and are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining a credential can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.

As a transitioning Marine, you may also want to visit the Marine Corps' Transition Readiness Program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.

You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Marines who plan to stay in the Corps and who are actively working on advancement. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you

The following civilian credentials are related to MOS 8999 Sergeant Major-First Sergeant. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.

For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the LEADER summary page.
Compare Credential Agency Related As Attainability COOL$ GI Bill® Accreditation ID
CompTIA Project+ In DemandIs In Demand Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) someSome highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) In DemandIs In Demand American Society for Quality (ASQ) someSome lowlow COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Is Not In Demand American Society for Quality (ASQ) someSome mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) In DemandIs In Demand Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) mostMost mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Is Not In Demand Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) mostMost mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Manager (CM) In DemandIs In Demand Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) someSome mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) In DemandIs In Demand Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) someSome mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) In DemandIs In Demand Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) mostMost mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
SHRM - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) In DemandIs In Demand Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) mostMost mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Is Not In Demand Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Resilience-Building Leadership Professional (RBLP) Is Not In Demand Resilience-Building Leader Program someSome mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Coach (RBLP-C) Is Not In Demand Resilience-Building Leader Program someSome lowlow COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer (RBLP-T) Is Not In Demand Resilience-Building Leader Program someSome lowlow COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor. For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the LEADER summary page.

Apprenticeship

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.

USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships.

The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to MOS 8999 Sergeant Major-First Sergeant:

Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.

Related Civilian Occupations

The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by MOS 8999 Sergeant Major-First Sergeant. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the LEADER summary page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Administrative Services Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
General and Operations Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Human Resources Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Quality Control Systems Managers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary

Continuing Education

In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.

For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see:

This is an official U.S. Marine Corps websiteUpdated: March 31, 2021
Top
Click here to go to CompTIA Project+ COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), Project+ is a certification for individuals who have fundamental project management skills. Project+ covers the entire project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support and closure. Project+ demonstrates project managers have the skills necessary to complete projects on time and within budget, and create a common project management language among project team members. Project+ is appropriate for any managerial position across occupations. Although there are no experience or education requirements that must be met prior to taking the exam, one year of managing, directing or participating in small- to medium-scale projects is recommended.
Click here to go to Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Quality (ASQ), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional who leads and champions process-improvement initiatives everywhere from small businesses to multinational corporations that can have regional or global focus in a variety of service and industrial settings. A CMQ/OE facilitates and leads team efforts to establish and monitor customer/supplier relations, supports strategic planning and deployment initiatives, and helps develop measurement systems to determine organizational improvement. The CMQ/OE should be able to motivate and evaluate staff, manage projects and human resources, analyze financial situations, determine and evaluate risk and employ knowledge management tools and techniques in resolving organizational challenges. Candidates must have ten years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the CMQ/OE Body of Knowledge.  A minimum of five years of this experience must be in a decision-making position. Candidates who have completed a degree from a college, university or technical school with accreditation accepted by ASQ will have part of the ten year experience requirement waived. Candidates must pass a written examination.
Click here to go to Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Quality (ASQ), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional who can explain Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. Certified Six Sigma Black Belts demonstrate team leadership, understand team dynamics and assign team member roles and responsibilities. CSSBB candidates have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) model in accordance with Six Sigma principles. Candidates have a basic knowledge of lean enterprise concepts, are able to identify non-value-added elements and activities and are able to use specific tools. CSSBB candidates must have two completed projects with signed affidavits or one completed project with signed affidavit and three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. Candidates do not need to be a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt to qualify for the CSSBB. Candidates must pass a written examination.
Click here to go to Professional in Human Resources (PHR) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is designed for the HR professional who focuses on program implementation, has a tactical/logistical orientation, is accountable to another HR professional within the organization and has responsibilities that focus on the HR department rather than the whole organization. PHRs demonstrate knowledge in Business Management, Talent Planning and Acquisition, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations, and Learning and Development. Candidates must meet experience and/or education requirements and pass a written examination.
Click here to go to Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification is designed for big-picture thinkers responsible for planning rather than implementing HR policy. SPHR candidates possess mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management as practiced in the U.S., such as accountability for HR department goals, breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines, and understanding business issues beyond the HR function. Candidates must meet a combination of experience and education requirements and pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified Manager (CM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), Certified Manager (CM) is a general management certification that validates a professional's ability to manage and lead with a level of competency. While it is appropriate for supervisors, managers, and leaders at all levels, in any industry, it is not necessary to hold a management title to earn the certification and can be used by employers to make advancement decisions. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience requirements. Candidates must pass the following three certification exams: Management Essentials, Planning and Organizing, and Leading and Controlling.

Click here to go to Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level certification for project practitioners and project team members who wish to demonstrate the knowledge of project management. Designed for those with less project experience, the CAPM demonstrates an understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management such as initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, closing, and professional and social responsibility. Candidates must meet educational requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of an HR professional who operates in a global marketplace. GPHR candidates must possess expertise of multinational HR responsibilities, including strategies of globalization development of HR policies and initiatives that support organizational global growth. Candidates must meet a combination of experience and education requirements. Candidates must also pass a written exam.
Click here to go to SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification is designed for Human Resources (HR) practitioners who are engaged primarily in an operational role implementing policies, serving as the HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders, and/or performing day-to-day HR functions. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass a written exam.
Click here to go to SHRM - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification is designed for HR professionals at a senior level who operate primarily in a strategic role developing policies and strategies, overseeing the execution of HR operations, analyzing performance metrics, and/or contributing to the alignment of HR strategies to organizational goals. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is an entry-level HR credential. Candidates should have foundational knowledge of HR operations, recruitment and selection, benefits and compensation, human resource development and retention, employee relations, and health, safety and security. Candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Candidates must take a written examination.
Click here to go to Resilience-Building Leadership Professional (RBLP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Resilience-Building Leader Program, Resilience-Building Leadership Professional (RBLP) certification is for front-line supervisors who can demonstrate their competence for building resilient teams. The RBLP certification is the first of three progressive levels of certification in the Resilience-Building Leadership Program. RBLP candidates are required to meet an education and/or experience eligibility requirement. Candidates must pass an oral exam.
Click here to go to Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Coach (RBLP-C) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Resilience-Building Leader Program, Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Coach (RBLP-C) certification is an intermediate-level certification for middle managers that have experience in building resilient teams and facilitating team learning. RBLP-C candidates are required to meet one of several education and/or experience requirements. Candidates must pass an oral exam.
Click here to go to Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer (RBLP-T) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Resilience-Building Leader Program, Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer (RBLP-T) certification is an advanced-level certification for senior leaders that have experience in building resilient teams, facilitating team learning, and supporting organizational learning. RBLP-T candidates are required to meet one of several education and/or experience requirements. Candidates must pass an oral exam.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

High

Highly attainable: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Low

May be difficult to attain: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Administrative Services Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Administrative Services Managers

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Administrative Services Managers

Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - General and Operations Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for General and Operations Managers

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for General and Operations Managers

Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Human Resources Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Human Resources Managers

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Human Resources Managers

Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Quality Control Systems Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Quality Control Systems Managers

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Quality Control Systems Managers

This credential has been accredited by: