Resources
Mapping Military Occupations to Credentials
Military occupations are mapped to civilian occupational certifications and licenses based on a comparison of military job duties to related civilian occupations and to the exam domains covered by the certification or license.
To find out what credentials have been mapped to your certifications, use the “Research Related Credentials” on the DoD COOL website.
Marketing to the Military
In the process of facilitating credentialing for military Service members and veterans, you may want/need to market your exams or credentials to the military community. Here are a couple tips to help you develop compelling, appropriate messaging for a military audience.
Messaging content tips
- Remove “fluff” – be short, direct, and informative.
- Utilize military-specific terminology – This helps to break through the “is this relevant to me” barrier of entry for content recall. (See the DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms for reference).
- Mention funding opportunities (if your program is listed on COOL or GI Bill).
- Utilize success stories from your veteran candidates–Pulled quotes with attribution and a photo will make your content appear more relevant to this audience.
- Adhere to the Department of Defense style guide.
Website/landing page content tips
- Web pages should include the following:
- Direct Service members to funding pages
- Reference MOS/Ratings/AFSCs to civilian occupations
- Create simple roadmaps
- Exceptions for Service members and spouses
Imagery Sources
Both stock imagery and imagery from the DoD and branch-specific websites are acceptable if certain
conditions are met. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) – provides approved images and videos for public use.
Stock imagery should not include any of the following:
- Hair that touches the collar (men keep short, women wear in bun)
- Facial hair beyond a moustache ONLY (no goatee, beard, soul patch, etc.)
- Body piercings beyond small, spherical, unadorned matching earrings (for females only)
When using images from DoD and branch-specific websites:
- Photo credit should be given where possible
- Remove all military department and other DoD component names, insignia, seals, symbols or other similar marks that may be protected as trademarks or service marks unless provided written permission to use. DoD Component Trademark Licensing Office contacts may be found at https://dod.defense.gov/Resources/Trademarks/
COOL Logos
If your certification is approved for COOL funding, you can use the COOL logos in your marketing materials. Make sure to use only the logos that are appropriate for the branches that you are targeting. Find official COOL logos at https://www.cool.osd.mil/
Other Resources
Formal Sources of Documentation of Military Training and Experience Accessible to Service Members and Veterans:
I.C.E. Webinar
I.C.E. Webinar Military and Veteran Credentialing Bundle (on-demand):