Leadership is the act of accomplishing the Navy's mission through people. That quality applies to all people, even to those who have yet to be rated. Whether you are an apprentice, a Chief Petty Officer, a Division Officer or a Commanding Officer, you need the ability to assume responsibility and exercise authority within the chain of command. As you advance to higher ranks, you will be given more authority and responsibility as a leader.
Advanced Leaders are Sailors assigned the leadership roles and responsibilities for the planning and execution of divisional or departmental functions. They are responsible for the growth, development, administration, supervision and training of personnel. Provide daily direction of division or department personnel through communication of work requirements, coordinate departmental level work schedules and provide technical expertise. Monitor resources, policies, and programs; provide guidance; counsel subordinates; prioritize work efforts and assist the division officer in the development of policies.
LEADER - Command Leader
Command Leaders are Sailors assigned the roles and responsibilities for the safety, well-being, and mission accomplishment of their command or organization. They provide guidance to junior officers and senior enlisted in developing leadership skills. Advise the Chain of command on enlisted matters. Oversee implementation of policy statements, operation orders and directives. Monitor command programs, and communicate Navy and Command policies in the form of unit requirements.
LEADER - Executive Leader
Executive Leaders are Sailors assigned the roles and responsibilities for the safety, well-being, and mission accomplishment of their staff or fleet forces. They assist in the development and implementation of policies concerning morale, welfare, job satisfaction, discipline, utilization and training of enlisted personnel across the claimancy. Monitor Navy programs and communicate Navy policies in the form of claimancy requirements.
LEADER - First Line Leader
First Line Leaders are Sailors assigned to the first position of leadership within the Chain of Command. They are responsible for the growth, development, and daily direction of their subordinates through communication of specific tasks needed to fulfill work requirements and ensure procedures are followed. Determine availability of resources needed to accomplish mission and evaluate quality, completeness, and timeliness of work. Provide feedback to subordinates and supervisors.
LEADER - Foundational Leader
Foundational Leaders are all Sailors not currently assigned a leadership role within the Chain of Command. They are primarily responsible for their own actions.
LEADER - Primary Leader
Primary Leaders are Sailors assigned the leadership roles and responsibilities for the planning and execution of divisional functions. They are responsible for the growth, development, and daily direction of division personnel through communication of work center assignments. Coordinate resources and provide specific expertise to subordinates. Evaluate work efforts with regards to work center assignment status, subordinates qualifications and performance. Provide feedback to subordinates and supervisors, and recommend rewards or recognition of subordinates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above). 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 credentials specific to your primary duties, please refer to your Rating page.
Note: Some certifications have .
Navy Credential Requirements
In order to apply for the certifications with the icon, enlisted personnel MUST be at least paygrade E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class).
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 occupations specific to your primary duties, please refer to your Rating page.
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.
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above). These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.
For more occupations specific to your primary duties, please refer to your Rating page.
To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran's Employment Center.
A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) can be found below.
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.
Troops to Tech Careers is a program created by CompTIA to provide opportunities and resources for Veterans interested in a career in the information technology (IT) field. Troops to Tech Careers is a collaboration between CompTIA, educational institutions and training organizations, and corporate employers to provide Veterans with an opportunity to Learn-Certify-Work. Veterans can locate education and training centers nationwide that will help them plan an IT career pathway and identify training courses they may need to prepare for a related IT certification. On the employer side, Troops to Tech Careers maintains a corporate registry listing companies that have made a commitment to prioritize hiring IT certified Veterans. Additional information about the program can be found at the Troops to Tech Careers website.
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, voluntary education is another way to enhance job performance. Options for voluntary education include:
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.
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.
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: February 26, 2021
The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.
Related As
The credentials shown in this table are related to this military occupation in one of three ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for them. To ensure a complete understanding of the credential requirements, click on the credential name in the table and review the page that follows.
SOME
Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for them. To ensure a complete understanding of credential requirements, click on the credential name in the table and review the page that follows.
OTHER
Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience.
Attainability
This indicates ease of attainability in relationship to the experience and education requirements for this credential and the duties performed within the military occupation.
High
Highly attainable: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is HS or less and/or minimum experience is 2 years or less; no additional requirements.
Medium
Moderate ease of attainment: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is an Associate's degree (and prerequisites if any), and/or minimum experience of between 2 and 10 years.
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.
Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years.
Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year.
Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.
Navy$
Credentials listed in the Credentials table have been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. Note that
to be eligible for Navy funded credentials, you must have demonstrated competency and experience towards the credential being sought.
The credentials listed may require additional work to fully meet competency and experience requirements. To ensure a complete understanding of credential requirements, click on the credential name in the table and review the page that follows.
To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.
Gap Analysis
This indicates that a detailed analysis comparing the credential requirements to the military occupation has been completed. Click on either the credential name or the gap analysis icon to view the analysis page.
GI Bill®
Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill for the credentials with the GI Bill icon in this column.
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.
Accreditation
This icon indicates that the credential has been accredited by at least one of the following. Hover over the icon to see which ones it has. See below for more information on what is listed in the hover text.
ANAB (ANSI)
ANAB indicates that the credential has been accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Accreditation is the process by which a credentialing or educational program is evaluated against defined standards, and if it meets these standards, is awarded recognition by a third party. ANAB accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality.
Click here for the external link to the ANAB site for more information.
NCCA
NCCA indicates that the credential has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation is the process by which a credentialing or educational program is evaluated against defined standards, and if it meets these standards, is awarded recognition by a third party. NCCA accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality.
Click here for the external link to the NCCA site for more information.
ICAC
ICAC indicates that the credential has been accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC). ICAC accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality, which you can review on their web site.
Click here for the external link to the ICAC site for more information.
ABSNC
ABSNC indicates that the credential has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). ABSNC accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality, which you can review on their web site.
Click here for the external link to the ABSNC site for more information.
IAS
IAS indicates that the credential has been accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). IAS accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality, which you can review on their web site.
Click here for the external link to the IAS site for more information.
Table Legend
Civilian Occupations Table Legend
Duties Matched
The civilian and military jobs share either most job duties or some job duties.
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
The Bright Outlook icon indicates that new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job. Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move For Veterans State Map.
Registered Apprenticeship
The Registered Apprenticeship icon indicates that this job has an apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Click the links in this column to go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.
Local Salary Information
Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move for Veterans web site to view salary and employment information for the job.
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.
The American Society for Quality (ASQ), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional who understands the standards and principles of auditing and the auditing techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting to determine a quality system's adequacy and deficiencies. The Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) analyzes all elements of a quality system and judges its degree of adherence to the criteria of industrial management and quality evaluation and control systems. Candidates must have eight years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge. A minimum of three 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 eight-year experience requirement waived. Candidates must pass a written examination.
The American Society for Quality (ASQ), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential is for the professional who understands product quality evaluation and control. CQEs demonstrate an understanding of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures, how to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control methods, and quality cost concepts and techniques. In addition, CQEs know how to develop and administer management information systems and audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction and understand human factors and motivation. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
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.
The American Society for Quality (ASQ), Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is a professional who understands the principles of performance evaluation and can improve product/systems safety, reliability, and maintainability. The CRE body of knowledge includes, but is not limited to, design review and control, prediction, estimation, and apportionment methodology, failure mode, and effects analysis, human reliability factors in reliability, and the ability to develop and administer reliability information systems for failure analysis. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
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.
The Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), Certified Manager (CM) is a general management certification. 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. 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.
The Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) is an advanced skill level credential for professionals who lead and direct projects. PMPs perform their duties under general supervision for the duration of a project and are responsible for all aspects of a project. PMPs lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope. Project Managers seeking certification through PMI must possess knowledge and experience to apply a methodology to projects that have well-defined requirements and deliverables. To apply for the PMP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and pass a written exam.
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.
The Project Management Institute (PMI), Program Management Professional (PgMP) is an advanced career certification for professionals who oversee multiple, related projects and their resources to achieve strategic business goals. PgMPs are senior-level practitioners who identify ways to group multiple related projects to achieve benefits that may not be realized if the projects were managed in a stand-alone fashion. Candidates for the PgMP must meet educational and experiential requirements; they are also evaluated by both a panel and with an exam.
The Project Management Institute (PMI), Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is an intermediate level credential for project schedulers. Candidates for the SP credential have advanced knowledge and experience developing, managing and maintaining project schedules. To apply for the PMI-SP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.
The American Society for Quality (ASQ), Master Black Belt (MBB) certification is a mark of career excellence and aimed at individuals who possess exceptional expertise and knowledge of current industry practice. Master Black Belts have outstanding leadership ability, are innovative, and demonstrate a strong commitment to the practice and advancement of quality and improvement. Obtaining an MBB is acceptance and recognition from your peers. Candidates must meet a choice of requirements and pass a written and performance exam.
The International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB) credential is for the professional who knows the Lean Six Sigma Methodology and leads complex improvement projects, typically full-time. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt demonstrates a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Lean Six Sigma Method including a high-level of competence in the subject matters contained within the phases of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC). A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt implements, performs, interprets, and applies Lean Six Sigma at an advanced level of proficiency. Candidates must pass a written exam.
The International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) recognizes professionals who are well versed in the core to advanced elements of Lean Six Sigma Methodology. ICGBs possess a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Lean Six Sigma Method including competence in subject matters contained within the phases of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) as defined by the IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge and understand how to implement, perform, interpret and apply Lean Six Sigma at a high level of proficiency. ICGBs lead improvement projects and/or serve as team members on more complex improvement projects lead by a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, typically in a part-time role. There are no prerequisites required to take the ICGB exam.
The Project Management Institute (PMI), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) certification is an advanced level certification for professionals who oversee one or more portfolios. PfMPs balance conflicting demands between programs and projects and allocate resources based on organization priorities and capacity. Candidates for the PfMP must meet educational, experiential and training requirements and must pass the exam.
The Project Management Institute (PMI), PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is an intermediate-level certification for project management professionals especially those who work in software development and IT. The PMI-ACP certifies an individual’s expertise in the agile methodology applied to project work settings. Candidates for the PMI-ACP must meet experiential and training requirements and must pass the exam.
The Project Management Institute (PMI), PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) is an advanced-level certification for professionals who work with project teams, manage requirements and product development, and perform business analysis in their role as project and program managers. Earning the PMI-PBA demonstrates an ability to coordinate with stakeholders to define business requirements, lead the discovery, analysis and overall management of the requirements for a project, and apply business analysis tools and techniques to enable project success. Candidates for the PMI-PBA must meet educational, experiential and training requirements and must pass the exam.
The International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (ICYB) is a professional who is well versed in the foundational elements of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology. ICYBs possess a thorough understanding of the elementary aspects of the Lean Six Sigma Method including competence in the subject matters contained within the phases of Define, Measure, and Control (DMC) as defined by the IASSC Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Body of Knowledge and understand how to implement, perform, interpret and apply Lean Six Sigma in a skilled yet limited and / or supportive context. ICYBs lead limited improvement projects and/or serve as team members on more complex improvement projects lead by a Certified Green Belt or Certified Black Belt, typically in a part-time role. There are no prerequisites for the ICYB. Candidates must take a written exam.
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.
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.
Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.
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.
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.