ACN 008/20 - JAN 2020 PROMULGATION OF THE COAST GUARD VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAM (VCP) POLICY, COMDTINST 1540.10

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                            CANCEL DATE  14 JAN 2021

R 151358 JAN 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//FC-C//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01540//
ACN 008/20
SUBJ:  PROMULGATION OF THE COAST GUARD VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAM (VCP)
POLICY, COMDTINST 1540.10
A. Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program (VCP), COMDTINST 1540.10
B. Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2015, PL 113-291, § 551, 128 Stat. 3292, 3376-3377 (2014)
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 011425 JUN 18/ALCOAST 214/18
D. The Coast Guard Strategic Plan 2018-2022
1. This ACN announces promulgation of REF (A) to establish policy on program
eligibility, professional credentials and occupations covered, oversight
mechanisms for the payment of expenses and benefits, as well as limitations,
roles and responsibilities for implementing the Voluntary Credentialing
Program mandated by REF (B). Initiated by REF (C), the VCP was one the
Commandant’s Early Action Items. Voluntary Credentialing is a critical
element supporting improved workforce career development as part of
Priority 1 of REF (D). 
2. Coast Guard Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (CG COOL)
https://www.cool.osd.mil/ is the online tool available for all Coast
Guard Service members to find information on credentials, certifications, and
licenses related to their military occupations and duties. This site
identifies occupation related credentials, highlights potential knowledge
gaps between military training and civilian credentialing requirements, and
provides guidance to assist in filling those gaps. The site outlines the
process for requesting Credentialing Assistance (CA).
3. The Coast Guard will reimburse eligible personnel for voluntary
credentialing expenses including certification fees, licensing exam fees,
maintenance fees, renewals, and membership dues (when applicable) for those
credentials listed on CG COOL that are directly related to their ratings or
service experience. CA may not be used to pay the expenses of a member to
obtain professional credentials that are a prerequisite for appointment in
the armed forces or their specific job. Eligible members include enlisted
personnel (AD and SELRES) in good standing, as identified in the instruction.
4. CA will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Funding for the
program will suspend if/when the fiscal year program funds allocation is
reached. Eligible Service members may only apply for one credential per FY
(e.g. one new credential, renewal, or maintenance fee).
5. Questions should be directed to the CG COOL mailbox at: CGCOOL@USCG.MIL.
6. Released by RDML B. K. Penoyer, Commander, Force Readiness Command.
7. Internet release is authorized.