Air Force COOL
Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AF COOL) helps enlisted Airmen and Guardians earn industry-recognized professional credentials and licenses — funded through the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC). ATA delivers AF COOL-eligible IT, cybersecurity and project-management certification training built around your Air Force Specialty.
Turn your Air Force experience into civilian credentials
Industry-recognized credentials
Earn civilian certifications and licenses tied to your AFSC — the credentials employers know and value.
Fill the civilian gap
Bridge the gap between your Air Force training and experience and the requirements civilian credentialing agencies expect.
Air Force & Space Force
A Total Force Enlisted program covering all enlisted AFSCs — Regular Air Force, Space Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard (Title 10 / Title 32).
Up to a $4,500 cap
Airmen and Guardians can pursue credentials up to a $4,500 AF COOL cap, earning one credential at a time. AF COOL funds exams and training for approved credentials.
Who qualifies
AF COOL is a Total Force Enlisted program. Enlisted RegAF, USSF, AFRES and ANG members must meet these requirements:
- Possess a 5-skill level in your Primary AFSC
- No Unfavorable Information File (UIF), not on a Control Roster, and current on your most recent Fitness test at the time of application
- Have a profile in AFVEC with an approved credentialing goal
- Obtain supervisor approval and complete the entire credential while on active-duty status
From your AFVEC goal to certified
AF COOL runs through the Air Force Virtual Education Center. Here is how the official process works with ATA as your approved training vendor:
Create your AF COOL goal in AFVEC
Log in to AFVEC → Education Programs → AF COOL, explore the credentials you qualify for, and select one — including ATA's IT, cybersecurity and project-management certifications.
Create an Education Goal & upload docs
Create your Education Goal and upload the required supporting documentation — including an itemized price quote from ATA and the vendor approval template.
Apply for funding
In AFVEC, open your AF COOL goal and click “Apply for Funding,” then complete the request. Contact ATA for the itemized quote you'll need.
Train & earn your credential
Once approved, train with ATA and sit your exam — completing the credential while on active-duty status.
Process per the official AF COOL benefit page. Additional details: CCAF.DEAO.AFCOOL@US.AF.MIL.
Popular AF COOL certifications
Tell us about your training goals
Complete the form and a training advisor will follow up — or call 800.674.3550.
Ready to use your AF COOL benefit?
Request an itemized quote for your AFVEC funding request — we'll help you choose the right credential.