Wisconsin National Guard Education & Incentives


The Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program provides Soldiers with funding for more than 1,900 approved credentials. CA pays expenses for course training, materials, supplies, textbooks, and exams.
  1. What you get:
    1. Up to $2,000 each fiscal year (1 October – 30 September). This is shared with Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), so any CA funding used counts against your $4,500 annual limit for FTA.
    2. Some aviation-related credentials are limited to $1,000 per year.
    3. You are limited to one credential per fiscal year and 3 credentials for every 10 years of service (recertifications don’t count towards these limits).
  2. How to qualify:
    1. Be currently serving in the ARNG, officer or enlisted, in good standing.
    2. Not be flagged.
    3. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
    4. Not using an ROTC Scholarship under Title 10 USC, Section 2107.
    5. Have an ETS or MRD that is 31+ days after completion of a CA-funded course.
  3. How to use it:
    1. You can find approved programs by using the full credential search. The credential does not have to be related to your MOS or AOC.
  4. How to apply:
    1. All CA requests need to be approved 45 days before the course start date with no exceptions. Requests can be submitted up to 90 days prior to beginning courses.
    2. Full application instructions are on the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program webpage. Contact the Education/Incentives Office if you have questions!
    3. You must take the associated exam within 180 days of completing training or you could be subject to recoupment. Factor this in if you’re trying to finish a credential close to retirement or separation!
  5. Common Issues:
    1. Not completing all steps in the application process. Ensure you’ve read and followed all directions above.
    2. Bundling funding requests together - each should be submitted separately.
    3. Not monitoring your email and ArmyIgnited messages. If there’s an issue with your tuition assistance request, someone will reach out to you - make sure you’re keeping an eye out for messages.
Other Things to Know:
  1. Can I get reimbursed for credentials under CA?
    1. No. All expenses are paid prior to the course/exam start date - you won’t be reimbursed for paying out of pocket.
  2. When does training completion need to be updated?
    1. You need to provide proof of training completion within 30 days of the training end date to avoid recoupment. If you need an extension to complete your training, you need to request that in ArmyIgnited prior to course completion.  
  3. Can CA funds be recouped?
    1. Yes. You will be subject to recoupment if you:
      1. Fail an exam/course.
      2. Withdraw from a course, unless you obtain an approved recoupment waiver. Recoupment waivers must be submitted in ArmyIgnited no later than 30 days after you receive the recoupment notice.
      3. Fail to take your exam within 180 days of completing the training.
      4. Fail to complete your service obligation.
    2. If you receive two recoupments in the same fiscal year, your access to FTA may be suspended.