Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1087604
Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life COOL MILITARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CREDENTIALING Page 24 Many veterans credit their BICSI certifications with helping them find a job or advance their career after returning to civilian life. It's hard to believe, but many past and present members of the U.S. military have expressed that civilian employers often do not recognize the experience they acquired in the military as valid information and communications technology (ICT) skills. This lack of recognition contributes to both unemployment and underemployment of veterans who have loyally served their country. If you're an active duty or reserve service member preparing to transition into civilian life, earning a BICSI credential(s) can make a real difference in starting and advancing your career as a citizen. And with the COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) Military Financial Assistance Program, you can apply for financial aid needed to pay for certain BICSI credentials. Get Recognized for Your Skills and Experience U.S. military members and reservists can use their ICT-related installation, design and project management experience toward earning a BICSI credential.* These include: • Registered Communications Distribution Designer ® (RCDD ® ) • Installer 1 ® (INST1 ® ) Certificate • Installer 2, Copper ® (INSTC ® ) Credential • Installer 2, Optical Fiber ® (INSTF ® ) Credential • Outside Plant Designer (OSP) Credential • Registered Telecommunications Project Manager (RTPM) Credential *Eligible credentials vary for each military branch based on their specific COOL Program guidelines. Visit bicsi.org/cool for more information. BICSI certifications are recognized around the world and can set you apart from other candidates also searching for a job. In fact, many employers require BICSI credentials, especially for jobs in high demand. By translating your military ICT experience to a skillset employers demand in the public and private sectors, you greatly increase your job opportunities. U.S. Military Financial Assistance Programs Financial assistance is provided to qualifying active-duty and former military personnel and their families. These include: Navy COOL, Marine Corps COOL, Army COOL and Air Force COOL. To find out more about any of these programs, visit bicsi.org/cool.