Coast Guard COOL
Coast Guard COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) turns your military experience into career-boosting credentials — helping Coast Guard members earn the certifications and licenses that enhance readiness and bridge the military-civilian gap. ATA delivers CG COOL-eligible IT, cybersecurity and project-management certification training.
Two reasons credentials matter for the Coast Guard
Workforce professionalism
The Coast Guard supports workforce professionalization to keep members Ready, Relevant and Responsive across the Total Mission Portfolio.
Smoother transitions
When you return to civilian employment, credentials translate your military training and experience into something employers recognize — helping you get hired, get a better job, or be promoted sooner.
Advancement & recognition
Civilian credentialing contributes to military advancement, promotions and professional development — and shows employers your skills align with civilian peers.
What earning a credential does for you
- Civilian credentialing contributes to military advancement, promotions and professional development
- Federal, state or local law may require specific credentials to legally perform some jobs
- Employers may prefer — or pay more for — candidates who hold certain credentials
- Credentials may improve your likelihood of promotion
- Credentialed service members show employers their skills align with their civilian peers
From your ESO to certified
Meet with your ESO
Meet your Education Services Officer (ESO) for guidance. Use 'Explore Military and Civilian Occupations' to match your training and experience to credentials — including ATA's IT, cyber and project-management certifications.
Request approval via MyCG Ed
Apply for Credentialing Assistance (CA) in MyCG Ed at least 14 calendar days before your exam or training start date, choosing the appropriate fee type.
Pay approved fees
After CA authorization from ETQC, pay the approved fees and upload itemized receipts with an endorsed Request for Miscellaneous Reimbursement (OF-1164) to MyCG Ed within 30 days of payment.
Schedule & train with ATA
Complete your credentialing requirements — take your exam or training with ATA and the credentialing agency.
Report your results
Upload a legible copy of your completed credential to MyCG Ed within 30 calendar days of completion.
Process per the official Coast Guard COOL site.
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 CG COOL benefit?
Request a quote for your MyCG Ed application — submit at least 14 days before your start date.