Despite the changes, Army CA through ArmyIgnited, sometimes referred to as Army COOL, remains a powerful education program for soldiers. In fact, I wish every branch would emulate what the Army is doing. It is truly innovative.
Soldiers now receive up to $12,000 across their careers, and possibly more, for programs that span multiple years. This is a tremendous benefit, enough to earn several certifications or expose soldiers to various learning opportunities.
Soldiers now more than ever need to choose programs carefully, plan ahead, and enter training with a completion mindset. Review what is included and ensure you have the best chance for success.
The only real changes for PM-ProLearn students are that you cannot earn two certifications in one year and a minor change to the exam process, which we’ll discuss below. If you are looking to get CAPM®, PMP®, PMI-ACP®, or Lean Six Sigma, we are here to help.
PM-ProLearn has charged around $2,000 for several years because we have always aimed to allow soldiers to pursue certifications and college or even earn multiple certifications simultaneously. Certifications and college complement each other, and soldiers can easily educate themselves with both through Army CA and TA.
How our Funding Process for Army CA through ArmyIgnited Changed:
You can earn one certification per year up to $2,000. Additionally, we now need to itemize the exam separately, but don’t worry; it’s only $5, and we comp the remaining costs of the exam. If you don’t take the test or pass it within the year we provide, the Army will ask for the $5 back. If you still wish to pursue the exam after your year expires, let us know and we can discuss various options, some even funded through ArmyCA.
All students will still receive the exam and a retest included for that first year, and we still have extension options. We are doing everything we can to create a hands-on, high-touch program with a strong emphasis on mentorship, coaching, tools, and success.
Training Flexibility:
Individuals can choose from any published course to attend and re-attend as long as there are seats available. With our demand-based scheduling model, we can accommodate potential groups worldwide.
Virtual Training:
For groups of 8 or more, we will schedule a class anywhere in the world during the day, afternoon, evening, or even on weekends.
In-Person Training:
For groups of 14 or more, we will schedule a class anywhere in the continental United States, and for groups of 20 or more, we will arrange classes outside the continental United States.
Program access:
Students will still get one year of access to our program, which includes the ability to attend and re-attend, a study app, application assistance, an Exam, and a re-test.
We firmly believe that every veteran has the foundational skills in project management. Our training sets them up for success, not only on the exam but also in their current service as military leaders and in transitioning into the business environment after the military (all businesses run on projects).
If you have any concerns about the changes, please feel free to reach out. We are doing everything we can to protect our students and ensure they are set up for success.
If you can’t use Army CA, there are other funding options available to earn a project management certification. The GI Bill and unit funding present excellent opportunities to invest in yourself or your unit. Unit funding limits were increased just this past year. According to the updated FAR, units can reserve dates, times, and locations, and the training will still be Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS). We are experts in navigating the FAR and the SF-182. Contracts are not required for COTS training. All our courses enhance military doctrine and leadership, including mission command and multi-domain operations.
If you are approaching your transition, VR&E may also be an option if you have a BDD projected at over 20% disability.
Our goal is for students to use available military benefits to cover their training costs. However, we understand that’s not always an option. To make financing easier for those paying out of pocket, we offer a discount to veterans and their families.
Speaking of families, MyCAA covers our courses for spouses (including all enlisted and CGOs, O-1 to O-3 and W-1 to W-3). We assist them in receiving credit for the various volunteer projects they manage for the myriad of organizations that our spouses support. CAPM®, PMP®, and PMI-ACP® can be fully funded through MyCAA.
If you have any questions about any of our courses or various funding options, please fill out a request to talk with an advisor today.
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