Military Skills to Civilian Certifications

🛡️ Why We Created This Guide

Hello,
I am SSG Ho Yong Lee, U.S. Army recruiter currently stationed in Fairfax, Virginia.

One of the most common questions future Soldiers ask is:

"Can my Army job help me earn civilian certifications after I leave the military?"

Another common question is:

"Will the skills I learn in the Army be recognized in the civilian workforce?"

For many Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs), the answer is yes.

Army training and hands-on experience can help Soldiers qualify for civilian certifications, meet eligibility requirements for professional licensing exams, or earn industry-recognized credentials through Army COOL while serving.

However, this information is often scattered across multiple government agencies, licensing organizations, and certification websites, making it difficult for future Soldiers to understand how military experience can translate into civilian opportunities.

This guide was created to bring that information together in one place by showing the connection between Army Career Fields, civilian certifications, and potential civilian careers, helping you make a more informed decision about your future before choosing an Army career.

Turn Your Army Training Into Civilian Certifications & Career Opportunities

One of the most common questions from future Soldiers is:

These certifications can help reduce the time and cost of additional training while making the transition to a civilian career easier after military service.

Your Army career isn't just about what you do while serving—it's also about the skills, certifications, and career opportunities you can take with you long after your military service ends.

Important: Civilian certifications are not automatically awarded upon completing Army training. Eligibility depends on your MOS, military experience, state licensing requirements, and the policies of the certification or licensing authority.

How Can Army Experience Help You Earn Civilian Certifications?

Not all certifications are earned the same way.

🟢 Military Experience May Simplify the Process

Some certifications recognize military training and experience, allowing certain testing requirements or practical evaluations to be waived or streamlined.

Examples

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

• Firefighter I & II

• HazMat Certifications

🟡 Military Experience May Qualify You for Certification Exams

Some Army MOSs provide the education and experience required to become eligible for civilian licensing or certification exams.

Examples

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)

• Journeyman Plumber

• Journeyman Electrician

• NCLEX-PN (Licensed Practical Nurse)

• National Registry EMT (NREMT)

🔵 Army COOL Can Help You Earn Certifications During Service

The Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Army COOL) program may pay for certification exams and related expenses while you are serving.

Examples

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Security+

• Cisco CCNA

• Microsoft Certifications

• AWS Certifications

• ASE Certifications

• Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

• Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

• ServSafe Manager

• AWS Welding Certifications

• EPA Section 608 Certification

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Related MOS

• 88M Motor Transport Operator

• 88H Cargo Specialist

• 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist

• 14T Patriot Launcher Crewmember

Civilian Certifications

• CDL Class A

• CDL Class B

How Military Experience Helps

Military commercial vehicle experience may qualify eligible Soldiers in certain states for the Military Skills Test Waiver or Even Exchange Program, simplifying the CDL licensing process.

Career Opportunities

• Commercial Truck Driver

• Fuel Transport Driver

• Logistics Driver

• Freight Transportation

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)

Related MOS

• 15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairer

• 15D Aircraft Powertrain Repairer

• 15F Aircraft Electrician

• 15G Aircraft Structural Repairer

• 15H Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer

• 15J OH-58D Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer

• 15M MQ-1 Unmanned Aircraft System Repairer

• 15N Avionic Mechanic

• 15R AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer

• 15T UH-60 Black Hawk Repairer

• 15U CH-47 Chinook Helicopter Repairer

• 15Y AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer

Civilian Certifications

• FAA Airframe Certificate

• FAA Powerplant Certificate (A&P)

How Military Experience Helps

FAA regulations may recognize qualifying military aircraft maintenance experience toward eligibility for the A&P certification exams.

Additional Requirements

Passing the FAA examinations is required.

Career Opportunities

• Aircraft Mechanic

• Helicopter Mechanic

• Aviation Maintenance Technician

• Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor

Plumbing License

Related MOS

• 12K Plumber

Civilian Certifications

• Journeyman Plumber

• State Plumbing License

How Military Experience Helps

Many states may count qualifying military experience toward apprenticeship requirements.

Additional Requirements

State licensing exam required.

Career Opportunities

• Licensed Plumber

• Commercial Plumber

• Residential Plumber

Electrician License

Related MOS

• 12R Interior Electrician

• 12P Prime Power Production Specialist

Civilian Certifications

• Journeyman Electrician

• State Electrician License

How Military Experience Helps

Military experience may satisfy apprenticeship hour requirements in some states.

Additional Requirements

State licensing exam required.

Career Opportunities

• Electrician

• Industrial Electrician

• Commercial Electrician

Carpentry & Construction

Related MOS

• 12W Carpentry and Masonry Specialist

• 12N Horizontal Construction Engineer

Civilian Certifications

• Journeyman Carpenter (varies by state)

How Military Experience Helps

Construction and heavy equipment experience gained in the Army is highly valued by civilian employers.

Career Opportunities

• Carpenter

• Heavy Equipment Operator

• Construction Equipment Operator

Firefighter Certifications

Related MOS

• 12M Firefighter

Civilian Certifications

• Firefighter I

• Firefighter II

• HazMat Awareness

• HazMat Operations

How Military Experience Helps

IFSAC or Pro Board certifications earned through Army training may be recognized by many civilian fire departments.

Career Opportunities

• Firefighter

• Airport Firefighter

• Industrial Fire Brigade

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Related MOS

• 68W Combat Medic

Civilian Certifications

• National Registry EMT (NREMT)

How Military Experience Helps

Army medical training may prepare Soldiers for the National Registry EMT examination.

Additional Requirements

State EMT licensing requirements vary.

Career Opportunities

• Emergency Medical Technician

• Ambulance Services

• Emergency Response

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Related MOS

• 68C Practical Nursing Specialist

Civilian Certifications

• Eligibility for the NCLEX-PN Examination

How Military Experience Helps

Military nursing education may qualify Soldiers to take the NCLEX-PN examination.

Additional Requirements

Passing the NCLEX-PN examination is required.

Career Opportunities

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Information Technology Certifications

Related MOS

• 25B Information Technology Specialist

• 25H Network Communication Systems Specialist

• 25S Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer

• 25U Signal Support Systems Specialist

Civilian Certifications

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Security+

• Cisco CCNA

• Microsoft Certifications

• AWS Certifications

• Linux+

• ITIL Foundation

How Military Experience Helps

Army COOL may cover certification exam costs while you are serving.

Career Opportunities

• IT Support Specialist

• Network Administrator

• Systems Administrator

• Cybersecurity Technician

• Cloud Support Engineer

Automotive Maintenance Certifications

Related MOS

• 91A Abrams System Maintainer

• 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic

• 91C Utilities Equipment Repairer

• 91D Tactical Power Generation Specialist

• 91E Allied Trades Specialist

• 91L Construction Equipment Repairer

• 91S Stryker Systems Maintainer

• 91X Maintenance Supervisor

Civilian Certifications

• ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)

• EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Certification (91C)

• AWS Welding Certifications (91E)

How Military Experience Helps

Army COOL may help eligible Soldiers earn industry-recognized certifications during military service.

Career Opportunities

• Automotive Technician

• Diesel Mechanic

• Fleet Maintenance Technician

• HVAC Technician

• Generator Technician

• Welder

• Machinist

Logistics Certifications

Related MOS

• 92A Automated Logistical Specialist

Civilian Certifications

• Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

• Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Career Opportunities

• Logistics Coordinator

• Warehouse Manager

• Supply Chain Specialist

Culinary Certifications

Related MOS

• 92G Culinary Specialist

Civilian Certifications

• ServSafe Manager

Career Opportunities

• Chef

• Kitchen Manager

• Food Service Supervisor

Biomedical & Healthcare Technology

Related MOS

• 68A Biomedical Equipment Specialist

• 68K Medical Laboratory Specialist

• 68P Radiology Specialist

Civilian Certifications

• Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Career Opportunities

• Biomedical Equipment Technician

• Medical Laboratory Technician

• Radiologic Technologist

Security & Law Enforcement

Related MOS

• 31B Military Police

Civilian Certifications

• Physical Security Professional (PSP)

• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) (experience requirements apply)

Career Opportunities

• Police Officer

• Security Specialist

• Corporate Security

• Federal Law Enforcement

Important Notice

Military training and experience can provide valuable pathways toward civilian certifications and careers. However, certifications are not automatically granted, and requirements vary depending on:

• Your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

• State licensing laws

• Certification or licensing authority requirements

• Military training and documented work experience

• Current eligibility standards

Before separating from the Army, consult your Army COOL representative. After separation, always verify current certification and licensing requirements with the appropriate state licensing agency or certification organization.

Note: This page highlights common examples. Additional civilian certifications may be available depending on your MOS, experience, and Army COOL eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Army Career Is Right for You?

The U.S. Army offers more than 150 Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) across a wide range of career fields.

The skills you learn, the certifications you may earn, and the civilian career opportunities available after military service can vary significantly depending on the MOS you choose.

Whether your goal is to pursue:

• Civilian certifications

• Information Technology (IT)

• Healthcare

• Aviation Maintenance

• Fire Protection & Emergency Services

• Commercial Truck Driving (CDL)

• Skilled Trades

there is likely an Army career field that aligns with your interests and long-term goals.

If you're not sure which MOS is the best fit for you, feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to help you explore your options and find an Army career that matches your goals, qualifications, and future plans.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Real recruiter. Real answers.

SSG Lee Ho Yong

U.S. Army Recruiter

📱 Phone/Text: 703-594-6878

📧 E-mail 1: ✉ hoyong.lee4.mil@army.mil

📧 E-mail 2 ✉ sgt.hoyong.lee@gmail.com

SSG Lee, Ho Yong | Korean U.S. Army Recruiter

Fairfax Recruiting Center, Virginia
📍 Fairfax Recruiting Center
11240 Waples Mill Rd STE 110
Fairfax, VA 22030

Army MOS / Army Benefits / Enlistment Information for Applicants

I currently serve at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia, where I assist applicants in the Northern Virginia area.

Because many parts of the U.S. Army enlistment process can be coordinated through online consultation, I also assist Korean applicants from other states across the United States, not only those living in Virginia.

Note: Actual MEPS processing and shipping procedures are generally handled based on the applicant’s residential area.