Air National Guard certification funding in Florida
Air Force COOL reaches Air National Guard members only while they are on Title 32 orders. Florida's own program, Educational Dollars for Duty, has no such restriction: it funds up to $5,000 per funding request and $10,000 per fiscal year for Florida Air Guard members, including tuition, prep and exam fees.
Updated September 2026 · Per the Revised EDD Program Guidelines, effective July 1, 2026
Certifications that fit in a single EDD funding request
Every course below fits in a single EDD funding request.
| Certification course | Credit hours | EDD cost | Fits in one request |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, Linux+ | 16 | $3,499.36 | ✓ |
| PMI PMP / EC-Council CEH | 16 | $3,499.36 | ✓ |
| PMI CAPM | 14 | $3,061.94 | ✓ |
| ISC2 CISSP | 18 | $3,936.78 | ✓ |
| Hack The Box CPTS | 20 | $4,374.20 | ✓ |
| Cisco CCNA | 21 | $4,592.91 | ✓ |
| OffSec PEN-200 (OSCP) | 22 | $4,811.62 | ✓ |
| Microsoft AZ-900 | 4 | $874.84 | ✓ |
Priced at the EDD rate of $218.71 per credit hour. Two-certification paths that fit the $10,000.00 yearly limit: Security+ and CySA+ ($6,998.72); Network+ and CCNA ($8,092.27); Security+ and CISSP ($7,436.14).
Why AF COOL often is not the answer
AF COOL is a Total Force Enlisted program, but for the Air National Guard it applies only while you are on Title 32 orders, and it funds one credential at a time up to a $4,500 cap. For a traditional Guardsman that is a narrow window.
EDD is a State of Florida program open to Florida Army and Air National Guard members in active drilling status who live in Florida. It is not tied to a set of orders, and its per-request limit is larger than what most certification courses cost.
Matching a certification to your AFSC
Cyber, intelligence and communications AFSCs map onto the same certifications the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework uses, so the credential that helps you at drill is usually the one that helps you in a civilian role too. Our DoD 8140 page maps the qualifying training and certification options work role by work role.
If you are unsure which credential your AFSC should lead to, our EDD Student Coordinator will work through it with you before you open a funding request.
Frequently asked
Updated September 2026 · Per the Revised EDD Program Guidelines, effective July 1, 2026.
Can Air National Guard members use AF COOL?
Only while on Title 32 orders. Outside those orders, Florida Air Guard members should use Educational Dollars for Duty instead.
How much does EDD pay for an Air Guard member?
Up to $5,000 per funding request and $10,000 per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), covering tuition, exam prep and exam fees.
Is Applied Technology Academy on the EDD approved-schools list?
Yes, and ATA is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (#7734).
Can I train online while drilling?
Yes. Most EDD courses run live-online, with evening sections for Guard members who work during the day.
Related funding paths
Ready to use your EDD benefit?
Our EDD Student Coordinator will guide you from funding request to credential.