ACN 022/21 - MAR 2021 UPDATE COAST GUARD VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAM (VCP) POLICY

united states coast guard

R 011549Z MAR 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST COMDT NOTICE

UNCLAS
ACN 022/21
SSIC 1540
SUBJ:  UPDATE COAST GUARD VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING PROGRAM
(VCP) POLICY
A. Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program (VCP),
COMDTINST 1540.10
1. This ACN announces modifications of REF (A) to modify
existing VCP Credentialing Assistance (CA) policy. The
two modifications are as follows:  
    a. Page 5, Section c, para. (2), Eligible Service members
may apply for two credentials (e.g. initial exam, application,
renewal, or maintenance fee) per fiscal year.
    b. Page 8, Section e, para. (2), Members must submit their
CA application no more than 90 days from the exam date.
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.
3. These changes will be reflected in the next update to REF (A),
which will be released within the next year.
4. This Message will be cancelled on 01 MAR 2022.
5. Point of Contact: POC, Michael Reynolds, CGCOOL@USCG.MIL (policy
questions or adding credentials). Please refer to your local ESO
for field level questions. Questions from unit ESOs should be
directed to ETQC-SMB-CGCOOL@uscg.mil (reimbursement).
6. Released by Dr. G. Brignoni, Director, Force Readiness
Command (FC-C).
7. Internet release is authorized.