AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic
Rating Information Card
AM LaDR/OARS
National Certifications and Federal Licenses
You selected Early Career—this applies to Sailors 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 LaDR-designated for your rating at the E1-E3 level. 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 credentials are considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time 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.
You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Sailors in paygrades E4-E6. To help you focus on the credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E4-E6 level. 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 holding credentials is considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time 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 Navy 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 Sailors in paygrades E7-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 LaDR-designated for your rating at the E7-E9 level. 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 are considered during promotion evaluations. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for 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 Navy 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 Sailors who will not be reenlisting and who are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered down 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.
Obtaining credentials can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Navy 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 Sailor, you may also want to visit the Navy's Transisition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS) program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.
You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Sailors who plan to stay in the Navy 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 rating. 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. It is recommended you also filter by LaDR paygrade so you can see which certifications the LaDR recommends for you.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and are considered during promotion evaluations. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for 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 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 AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.
You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn how your training and experience can meet certification requirements.
For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.
| Compare | Credential | Agency | Related As | Attainability | Navy$ | Gap Analysis | LaDR | GI Bill® | Accreditation | ID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
 Is In Demand
|
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) |  Other |
 GI Bill |
 Accreditation
|
|||||||
|
Certified Welder (CW)
Is In Demand
AT1
|
American Welding Society (AWS) |  Some |
 high |
 Navy Bucks |
 E4 |
GI Bill |
|||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Magnetic Particle Testing (ACCP-MT) Is Not In Demand AT1 | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
 E3 |
||||||
| Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) Is Not In Demand | Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) | Other |
|||||||||
| Flight Instructor Pilot Is Not In Demand | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Basic Ground Instructor Is Not In Demand | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
|||||||||
| Hydraulic Specialist (HS) Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) Is Not In Demand AT1 | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E3 |
GI Bill |
|||||
| Industrial Hydraulic Technician (IHT) Is Not In Demand AT1 | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E3 |
GI Bill |
|||||
| Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic (MHM) Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Mobile Hydraulic Technician (MHT) Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Pneumatic Mechanic (PM) Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Pneumatic Specialist (PS) Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Pneumatic Technician (PT) Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
|
Certified Control Systems Technician - Level I (CCST-I)
Is In Demand
|
International Society of Automation (ISA) | Other |
|||||||||
| Corrosion Technician Is Not In Demand AT4 | NACE International Institute | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
||||||
| Protective Coating Specialist (PCS) Is Not In Demand | NACE International Institute | Other |
|||||||||
| Mechanic (Airframe) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
GI Bill |
|||||
| Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Some |
 medium |
Navy Bucks |
 E7 |
GI Bill |
|||||
| Machining Level I - Measurement, Materials, and Safety Skills Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout Skills Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Machining Level I - Drill Press Skills I Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
|
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (CMRP)
Is In Demand
AT1
|
Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
 Gap Analysis |
E3 |
GI Bill |
Accreditation
|
|||
| Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Is Not In Demand AT1 | Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
Gap Analysis |
 E5 |
|||||
| Certified Aerospace Technician Core Is Not In Demand AT4 | SpaceTEC |  Most |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
GI Bill |
Accreditation
|
||||
| Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel - X-Ray (IRSSP-X-Ray) Is Not In Demand AT1 | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E5 |
GI Bill |
|||||
| Collision Repair and Refinish - Painting and Refinishing (B2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Collision Repair and Refinish - Non-structural Analysis and Damage Repair (B3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Collision Repair and Refinish - Structural Analysis and Damage Repair (B4) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Collision Repair and Refinish - Mechanical and Electrical Components (B5) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | Other |
GI Bill |
||||||||
| Damage Analysis and Estimating (B6) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | Other |
|||||||||
| NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE) Is Not In Demand AT1 | ASTM International | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E3 |
||||||
| Certified Vibration Analyst - Category I Is Not In Demand AT1 | Vibration Institute | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
|
Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
Is In Demand
|
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Liquid Penetrant Testing (ACCP-PT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Radiographic Testing (ACCP-RT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Ultrasonic Testing (ACCP-UT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Visual and Optical Testing (ACCP-VT) Is Not In Demand AT1 | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E5 |
||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Is Not In Demand AT4 | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Some |
medium |
Navy Bucks |
E5 |
||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Radiographic Testing (RT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Visual Testing (VT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Acoustic Emission Testing (AE) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Electromagnetic Testing (ET) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Infrared/Thermal Testing (IR) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Leak Testing (LT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
|||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Radiographic Testing (RT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Visual Testing (VT) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| Certified Control Systems Technician - Level II (CCST-II) Is Not In Demand | International Society of Automation (ISA) | Other |
|||||||||
| Certified Control Systems Technician - Level III (CCST-III) Is Not In Demand | International Society of Automation (ISA) | Other |
|||||||||
| Certified Vibration Analyst - Category III Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| Certified Vibration Analyst - Category II Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | Some |
medium |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Certified Vibration Analyst - Category IV Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| Aviation Mechanical Assembly Is Not In Demand AT1 | Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) | Most |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Fluid Power System Designer Is Not In Demand | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) | Other |
|||||||||
| Aviation Structures Is Not In Demand AT1 | Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Certified Aerospace Technician -Composites Is Not In Demand | SpaceTEC | Some |
medium |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Aerospace Manufacturing- Structure and Assembly Is Not In Demand | SpaceTEC | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| Aerospace Manufacturing- CNC Is Not In Demand | SpaceTEC | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| Aerospace Manufacturing- Manual Machining Is Not In Demand | SpaceTEC | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| Aerospace Manufacturing- Welding & Cutting Is Not In Demand | SpaceTEC | Other |
Accreditation
|
||||||||
| Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Is Not In Demand AT1 | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
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 (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
- General and Operations Managers
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Training and Development Specialists
COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:
- Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
- Service members may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if they are separating or retiring in the state in which they desire the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Service members should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
- For each of the above opportunities, the Service member must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.
As with any state license, you must meet all state eligibility criteria. Funding of a state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty (e.g. no real estate license, no beautician license, no private eye license, etc…). Contact Navy COOL for more information.
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.
Also, your DOL Certificates are part of your Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDR) 
— 
and these certificates will enhance your opportunity for advancement and retention.
The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to the AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic rating:
- Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic
- Automobile Mechanic
- Computer Operator
- Counselor (Professional & Kindred)
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
- Nondestructive Tester
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Welder, Combination
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.
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic. 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 (All enlisted E-4 and above) 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians |
Some
|
 Bright Outlook |
 Apprenticeship |
 find local salary |
|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians |
Most
|
Bright Outlook |
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
|
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers |
Most
|
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
||
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary |
Some
|
find local salary |
|||
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School |
Some
|
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
||
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers |
Some
|
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
||
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers |
Most
|
find local salary |
|||
| General and Operations Managers |
Some
|
Bright Outlook |
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
|
| Machinists |
Some
|
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
||
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery |
Most
|
Bright Outlook |
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
|
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists |
Some
|
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
||
| Sheet Metal Workers |
Some
|
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
||
| Training and Development Specialists |
Some
|
Bright Outlook |
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
|
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers |
Some
|
find local salary |
Related Federal Occupations
The following federal occupations are similar to AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.
Other Career Considerations
A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic can be found below.
Construction Team Opportunities
Bechtel, a world-wide employer in engineering, project management, and construction, has opportunities for veterans trained and experienced in skilled craft to join their construction team on their oil, gas, and chemicals; power generation; communications; and civil infrastructure projects across the United States. Bechtel values the strong qualities and attributes servicemembers have to offer. Bechtel recruits and retains top talent from all Service branches through a variety of programs like Bechtel Military Veterans' Employee Resource Group, Helmets to Hardhats, Military job fairs, and through other pipelines.
To learn more about Bechtel and the locations of their projects, or to complete a profile to indicate your interest, visit the Bechtel website.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Jobs
There are numerous opportunities available in the aviation industry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers a range of career opportunities to individuals with different skills within its organization. Their workforce includes:
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Aviation Safety Inspectors
- Airways Transportation Systems Specialists
- Community Planners
- Security Inspectors
- Engineers
- Program Managers
- Acquisition Specialists
- Contract Specialists
- Human Resources Professionals
- Technicians
Consult the FAA Jobs website for additional information on aviation related career opportunities and job openings.
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) is a non-profit society which represents all professionals in aviation maintenance and provides it's members information on aviation maintenance occupations.
Troops to Teachers
An additional resource for transitioning to a teaching career is the Troops to Teachers program. The Troops to Teachers program is a national program which provides support services to prepare military personnel for a career in teaching. Service members with a baccalaureate degree or higher are eligible to begin the traditional teaching certification process, however, Service members without a degree may also qualify to become a vocational/technical teacher. Click here for more information about the Troops to Teachers program.
COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:
- Enlisted Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
- Enlisted personnel may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if the Sailor is separating or retiring in the state in which he/she desires the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Enlisted Sailor should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
- For each of the above opportunities, the Sailor must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.
As with any state license, you must meet all state eligibility criteria. Funding of a state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty (e.g. no real estate license, no beautician license, no private eye license, etc…). Contact Navy COOL for more information.
Voluntary Education
Voluntary Education
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, voluntary education is another way to enhance job performance. Options for voluntary education include:
- Navy College Program
- VOLED Assistance Center
- VOLED Region Advisors
- Unofficial JST Transcript showing recommended American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations for this rating. For informational use only.
For help in making informed choices on schools, education programs, and using tuition assistance, see:
You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn about degree programs related to your training and experience and next steps towards pursuing a degree.
RECOMMENDED DEGREES
Navy Learning Center Recommended Degrees for AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic
The following occupational-related degrees are recommended by the Navy Learning Center and are listed in the Navy Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for AM.
You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn about degree programs related to your training and experience and next steps towards pursuing a degree.
Recommended Associate Degrees
- AA Associate of Arts (Criminal Justice)
- AAS Aviation Support
- AAS Business Administration (Management)
- AAS Justice Studies (Criminal Justice)
- AAS Technical Studies (Electromechanical Technologies)
- AS Professional Aeronautics
- AS Technical Studies (Electromechanical Technologies)
Recommended Bachelor/Master Degrees
- BA Organizational Development
- BBA Business Administration (General Business)
- BBA Business Administration (Management)
- BBA Business Administration (Marketing)
- BS Business Administration
- BS Justice Studies (Criminal Justice)
- BS Professional Aeronautics
- BS Technical Management
Additional information pertaining to AM-Aviation Structural Mechanic can be found below.
Collateral Duty / Out of Rate Assignments
Navy collateral duties/out of rate assignments play a vital role in the day-to-day operations and duties that Officers and Enlisted Sailors perform. Certifications and licenses are also available in these collateral duties/out of rate assignments, so please go to the Collateral Duty/Out of Rate Assignments search feature (under the Navigator) and explore more opportunities to get certified.
Opportunities Related to Academic Degrees
Out of rate or designator requests for exam funding for credentials related to an earned academic degree or a semester course may also be funded if it can be directly related to an industry certification or state license.
For example, if you have a degree in Human Resources but are serving as a Culinary Specialist, you can get funding for a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
If the completed degree is not in the Sailor's Joint Service Transcript (JST), the Sailor must provide proof of completion with the Voucher Request Form, OPNAV 1500/57 for funding approval. The requested credential must be included on the Navy COOL website, and the Sailor must meet all other eligibility requirements.
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Opportunities for Prior Rate or Designator Sailors
If you have cross-rated or redesignated, you now are eligible for certifications and licenses mapped to your prior rating or designator. The “Navy Bucks” icon on the Navy COOL page for your previous position/rate indicates which certifications and licenses may be funded.
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Opportunities Related to Off-Duty or Command-Sponsored Training
If you can document that you have completed an on- or off-duty training course that fully prepares you for a civilian certification or license, you may now be eligible to have the credential exam funded.
For example, if you took a Command-sponsored Emergency Medical Technician course, you may be eligible for funding for an EMT Basic credential.
The requested credential must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
College course completion must be annotated in your Joint Service Transcript. Formal off-duty or command-sponsored training should be visible in your Electronic Training Jacket (ETJ). In lieu of an ETJ entry (where training cannot be entered into the ETJ) you will need to submit some form of, proof of completion (a certificate of completion from the course/training is sufficient). If neither of the previously mentioned methods of validating proof of completion are available, then a command correspondence (such as a command letter, memo, or PG-13 form) describing the training along with the OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Opportunities for Navy Reservists
If you are a Navy Reservist, officer or enlisted, you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to your civilian occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
To validate your civilian occupation, you will need a screen shot from Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) showing the Civilian Occupational Code. Please send the NSIPS screenshot with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
In lieu of NSIPS documentation you may also submit a command endorsed and executed NAVPERS 1070/613 (PG-13) Administrative Remarks form noting your civilian occupation along with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form). You must sign the PG-13.
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Prior Other-Service Occupation
If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to prior other-Service (Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
To validate your prior other-Service occupation, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a document (e.g. DD-214; or Military Service School completion certificate; or other document) showing your other-Service occupation. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Credentials Earned & Maintained Prior to Joining the Navy
If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials that were earned, and maintained, prior to entering the Navy. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
To validate your earned & maintained credential, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a scanned or emailed document (e.g. credential certificate document, screenshot from your credential dashboard, digital badge, etc…) showing the credential earned and maintained. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
E4
AM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
AM • - SELRES
The September Active Duty E4 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
The March 2020 SELRES E4 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
E5
AM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
AM • - SELRES
The September Active Duty E5 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
The March 2020 SELRES E5 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
E6
AM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
AM • - SELRES
The September Active Duty E6 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
The March 2020 SELRES E6 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
E7
AM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
AM • - SELRES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A BIBLIOGRAPHY is provided by the Navy Advancement Center (NAC) to document the REFERENCES used by a subject matter expert (a Navy Chief in the rating) as the basis for writing the items on the Active Duty and Reserve Navy Advancement Exams. If a reference has been updated since the exam was created and differs from the reference listed here, the information in the updated reference will be used as the basis for scoring the exam.
INQUIRIES CONCERNING
Exam Development and Bibliographies
COM: (850) 473-6110
DSN: 753-6110
SFLY_EXAM_QUESTION@navy.mil
General Advancement Information
COM: (850) 473-6148
DSN: 753-6148
SFLY_NAVY_ADVANCEMEN@navy.mil
Low