What is Navy COOL, and how do you get free certifications?
TL;DR — Quick Answer
Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is a program that pays for industry certifications and licenses related to your rating. Most certifications are fully funded — including exam fees, study materials, and sometimes prep courses. It's one of the most underused benefits in the Navy.
How Navy COOL works
Navy COOL maps each rating to civilian certifications that match the skills you develop on the job. For example, ITs can get CompTIA Security+, A+, and Network+ funded through COOL. HMs can earn EMT, Phlebotomy, and other medical credentials. You apply through the Navy COOL website, get approved, and the Navy pays the exam fee.
Which certifications are available?
Each rating has a different set of approved credentials. The Navy COOL website lists every credential mapped to your rate, along with whether COOL will fund the exam fee and any prerequisite training. Some of the most valuable certs — like CISSP for CWTs or PMP for various rates — can add $10,000–$30,000 to your civilian earning potential.
How to maximize COOL
Start early in your enlistment. Many sailors don't discover COOL until they're about to separate. Plan which certs you want to earn and work backward from there. Some certs have experience requirements (CISSP needs 5 years of security experience), so you need to time things right. Talk to your Educational Services Officer (ESO) if you need help navigating the system.
Earn a free degree while serving
Combine COOL certifications with TA-funded college courses to build your resume before you separate.
Useful Tools & Pages
Related Questions
Which Navy rates lead to the best civilian jobs after service?
The Navy ratings with the strongest civilian job market are those in IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, nuclear power, and aviation maintenance — fields where military training maps closely to high-demand private sector credentials. Rates like IT, CWT, NF, HM, and AV tend to offer the clearest paths to six-figure salaries after separation. Your best choice depends on your ASVAB eligibility and how many years you plan to serve.
Read answer →What are Navy NECs, and how do they affect your career?
A Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) is a specialty code within your rating that identifies specific skills and training you've completed. Think of your rating as your broad career field and your NEC as your narrow specialty within it. NECs determine which billets you can fill and can significantly impact your advancement, bonus eligibility, and career path.
Read answer →How does the GI Bill work for Navy sailors?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 36 months of college tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend for veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty after 9/11. It's one of the most valuable benefits of military service, worth $100,000+ at many schools.
Read answer →Ready to find your rate?
Take the quiz or browse all 89 Navy ratings with full data.