At PM-ProLearn, we’re dedicated to helping people just like you enhance their careers and their lives with professional certifications. As a company owned and operated by Veterans with real-world project management experience, we have the unique capability to help you translate your military experience into project experience and guide you to where you want to go.
Every Enlisted Airmen on active duty, AGR, or title 10 orders can use AF COOL to pay for certification training and exams. This page is meant to be your guide to understanding how AF COOL works, the benefits of using AF COOL for certifications, and the step-by-step process on how to do so.
With PM-ProLearn you can use AF COOL to cover both training costs and exam fees for the Project Management Professional (PMP®), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP®), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB). Read more about how AF COOL works for certifications below.
Many people ask, does AF COOL pay for certifications? Yes! AF COOL actually provides up to $4,500 per throughout your career meaning you could actually earn 2 certifications with PM-ProLearn.
With AF COOL, the process is fairly simple but can be confusing. We recommend connecting with an advisor who can guide you through the process. Once your eligibility for a certification has been confirmed in AFVEC all you'll need to do is submit a funding request and wait for approval. Once approved, you'll be able to start your course and study. Once your exam is funded after the course, you will be able to take your exam.
Benefits from AF COOL can cover your training cost for up to 2 of these certifications:
In addition to your training and exam, PM-ProLearn will pay for one exam retest if needed (Restrictions Apply). If you still do not pass after a second attempt, we will refund AF COOL to protect you.
Your training costs include a variety of benefits you can only get from PM-ProLearn for an entire year, including:
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Free reattendance to our live or virtual courses as often as you’d like
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Access to our online learning system, including videos, quizzes, practice tests, mastery tracking of key concepts, and so much more
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Ability to schedule 1-1 coaching with an instructor whenever you feel you need a bit of extra support and guidance along your journey
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Working with an instructor to expertly translate your military experience and craft a compelling PMI application
Below, we’ll lay out the step-by-step process for using AF COOL for certifications. First, it’s important to understand whether you are eligible for AF COOL. We’ll cover that next.
Note: Given AF COOL policies, we recommend Airmen to start with CAPM As their career goal to attend our combined CAPM/PMP course. After the course we can work with you on your application, and once it is approved by PMI, you can change your exam goal to PMP. We would be glad to help guide you through the process.
How AF COOL Works for Certifications
Eligibility Requirements for AF COOL Certification Reimbursement
The AF COOL is a Total Force Enlisted program. It includes all enlisted AFSCs for RegAF, AFRES, ANG, and USSF. Funding will be provided for RegAF, USSF, AFRES, and ANG members on Title 10 or Title 32 (502F) active duty orders.
Enlisted RegAF, USSF, AFRES, and ANG component members participating in the Air Force COOL program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
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Possess a 5-skill level in their Primary Air Force Specialty Code
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Do not have an UIF, are not on a Control Roster, and are current on their most recent Fitness test at the time of application
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Have a profile in AFVEC with an approved credentialing goal
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Must obtain supervisor approval and complete the entire credential while on active duty status
Important Notes for AF COOL:
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Members may attain only one credential at a time per category, meaning although you can earn up to 2 certifications, you can't start your second one until you've passed your first exam.
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Members who fail their exams will be required to repay the cost back to AF COOL; however, PM-ProLearn will help with this by putting you on a study plan after the first failure and paying for your second attempt. Restrictions Apply.
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Members who fail to submit their grades within 120 days of test completion may be responsible for recoupment of some or all funding.
Step-By-Step Guide for Using AF COOL
Step 1: If you haven’t been assigned to an advisor yet, please fill out this quick form to get started.
Step 2: Confirm availability in your course of choice with your advisor. Your advisor will prepare your invoice and provide you with step-step instructions on how to apply for your PMI application if applicable and how to submit your funding request in AFVEC
Step 3: Follow the provided guides to fill out your PMI application if applicable and submit your funding request in AFVEC
Step 4: Once your AFVEC request has been submitted, copy your confirmation number and provide it to your advisor in order to secure your seat in the class.
Step 5: Wait for your approval email from AF COOL Approval typically takes 30-60 days.
Step 6: Congratulations! Your funding process is complete, and you will be fully enrolled at least a week before your desired course, where you’ll be able to complete the pre-work to your selected certification online before your class starts.
How to Use AF COOL for Certifications: A Step-By-Step Process
Why Use AF COOL for Certifications at PM-ProLearn
As a company owned and operated by Veterans with real-world project management experience, we have the unique capability to understand your individual situation and guide you to where you want to be.
In addition to your training and exam, PM-ProLearn will pay for one exam retest if needed (Restrictions Apply). If you still do not pass after a second attempt, we will refund AF COOL to protect you.
Your training costs include a variety of benefits you can only get from PM-ProLearn for an entire year, including:
-
Free reattendance to our live or virtual courses as often as you’d like
-
Access to our online learning system, including videos, quizzes, practice tests, mastery tracking of key concepts, and so much more
-
Ability to schedule 1-1 coaching with an instructor whenever you feel you need a bit of extra support and guidance along your journey
-
Working with an instructor to expertly translate your military experience and craft a compelling PMI application
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Between my career field in the military and my educational background in business, I had a general understanding of Project Management along with some informal PM work experience prior to taking the PM-Pro Learn Boot Camp. However, taking this course took my knowledge and understanding to the next level and helped me feel very well prepared to take the PMP certification test through PMI, which I passed above target on my first attempt! I am grateful to have taken this opportunity to earn my PMP certification which will further legitimize my expertise in this field, for both my current military career and with future career pursuits in the civilian sector.
Kayli Morris, PMP
Frequently Asked Questions about using AF COOL for Certifications
All enlisted AFSCs for RegAF, AFRES, ANG, and USSF. Funding will be provided for RegAF, USSF, AFRES, and ANG members on Title 10 or Title 32 (502F) active duty orders.
At PM-ProLearn, you may use AF COOL for the PMP®, PMI-ACP®, CAPM®, or LSSGB
PM-ProLearn will provide you with the proper invoice and paperwork for you to submit into AFVEC for approval, once approved, AF COOL wil send payment directly to PM-ProLearn
Funding will not exceed a maximum of $4,500 per lifetime per Air and Space professional.
Approval can take up to 30-60 days
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Start Your Certification Journey Today
Don’t hesitate to use AF COOL for certifications today! Earning a professional certification like the PMP®, PMI-ACP®, CAPM®, or LSSGB has many great benefits, including potential salary increases, new job opportunities, and making yourself more marketable in a competitive job market. Our AF COOL certification funding program makes earning the certifications you need to develop your desired career easy.
Connect with an advisor today to start your journey by filling out the form below.