Find Certification Solutions

Bridge the Gap Between Military Training and Civilian Certifications

One of the most common challenges veterans face when transitioning into federal careers is the disconnect between their military training and the certifications required for civilian roles. While your military experience is invaluable, federal jobs often have specific certification requirements that must be met. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you bridge that gap and get the certifications you need to qualify for federal positions.

1. Identify the Certifications Needed for Your Target Role

The first step is to research which certifications are required for the jobs you’re interested in. Federal job announcements will usually specify the necessary certifications in the “Requirements” or “Qualifications” section.

Example: If you’re applying for IT or cybersecurity roles, certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH are often required.

Research Industry Standards: Use resources like USAJOBS, LinkedIn, or industry-specific job boards to identify common certifications for your desired field.

Pro Tip: Fast Federal Resumes can help you analyze job descriptions and identify the most important certifications for your field of interest.

2. Leverage Your Military Training

In many cases, your military training may align closely with civilian certifications. Explore whether your military education can be translated into a civilian equivalent or if it covers some or all of the certification requirements.

Joint Services Transcript (JST): Your JST is a valuable tool for identifying military training and experience that could apply to civilian roles. You can use it to see how your experience translates into college credits or certifications.

Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL): Programs like Army COOL, Navy COOL, and Marine COOL help veterans find civilian credentials that align with their military training. These platforms can guide you through the process of obtaining equivalent certifications.

3. Use GI Bill and Other Resources to Pay for Certifications

If your military training doesn’t fully meet civilian certification requirements, don’t worry—there are numerous programs available to help veterans pay for certifications, exams, and even prep courses.

Post-9/11 GI Bill: This can be used for educational programs, certification tests, and professional licenses. Many veterans don’t realize that it’s not just for college degrees but can also cover career-specific certifications.

Veterans Affairs Education and Training Benefits: Some VA programs will reimburse you for certification exam costs, as well as the cost of preparatory courses.

Fast Federal Resumes has helped many veterans take advantage of these resources. We can help guide you toward the right funding options for your certification goals.

4. Consider Certification Bridge Programs

Some organizations offer bridge programs specifically designed to help veterans transition into civilian careers. These programs are often shorter and more focused, filling in the gaps between your military training and the civilian certification.

Military to Civilian Bridge Programs: Organizations like Hire Our Heroes and corporate partners like Microsoft offer bridge programs that help veterans acquire certifications in fields like IT, management, and healthcare.

Apprenticeship Programs: Some federal agencies, like the Department of Labor, offer apprenticeship programs for veterans that include certification as part of the training.

5. Maximize Your Network for Certification Support

Utilize your network to find out which certifications are most valued in your field. Reach out to veterans who have already transitioned into the federal workforce, and ask about the certifications that helped them succeed. Veteran service organizations (VSOs) and LinkedIn groups focused on veterans in federal careers can be invaluable sources of insight.

Mentorship Programs: Connect with mentors who can offer advice on which certifications to pursue and where to find the best study resources.

Fast Federal Resumes: We work with a network of professionals who have successfully transitioned from military to federal careers. We can connect you with mentors and professionals in your desired field.

6. Prepare for Certification Exams

Once you’ve identified the certification you need and secured funding, it’s time to prepare for the exam.

Online Courses and Practice Exams: Many certification programs offer online prep courses and practice exams. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning have courses specifically designed to help you pass certification exams.

Study Groups: Join online study groups or veteran-specific forums where members share study tips and resources for passing certification exams.

Final Thought: Bridging the gap between your military training and civilian certifications can open the doors to a wide range of federal job opportunities. Fast Federal Resumes can help you identify the certifications that will strengthen your resume and guide you through the process of acquiring them. Don’t let certification requirements stand in your way—reach out to us for personalized support.

Expanded Article 6: Get Security Clearance Help

Understanding and Maintaining Your Security Clearance

A security clearance can be one of your most valuable assets when applying for federal jobs, especially in defense, intelligence, or national security sectors. However, maintaining or transferring your military security clearance to a civilian context can be a complex process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make sure your clearance is in order.

1. Understanding the Types of Security Clearances

Security clearances are divided into three main levels, depending on the sensitivity of the job’s responsibilities:

Confidential: The lowest level, typically required for access to basic national security information.

Secret: A mid-level clearance granting access to more sensitive information.

Top Secret (TS): The highest level of clearance, often required for positions in intelligence or high-level defense roles.

Certain federal jobs, such as those with the FBI, NSA, or CIA, may require even more stringent clearances like Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Programs (SAP).

2. Transferring Your Security Clearance

One of the benefits of holding a security clearance during your military service is that it can often be transferred to a civilian role. However, the process isn’t automatic. Here’s what you need to do:

Current or Recent Clearances: If your clearance is still active or was terminated within the last two years, it’s easier to transfer. The hiring agency will usually sponsor your clearance transfer.

Expired Clearances: If your clearance expired more than two years ago, you will likely need to undergo a new background investigation. Keep in mind that this can take time, so apply early for jobs requiring a clearance.

Fast Federal Resumes can guide you through the clearance transfer process and help ensure you meet the necessary requirements when transitioning to a civilian role.

3. The Background Investigation Process

Whether you’re applying for a new clearance or renewing an expired one, all security clearances require a thorough background investigation. Here’s what to expect:

SF-86 Form: This extensive form covers your personal history, including family, finances, foreign contacts, and previous employment. It’s important to be as accurate and thorough as possible to avoid delays.

Interviews: Investigators will conduct interviews with you, your family members, friends, and colleagues to verify the information provided in your SF-86.

Credit Checks and Financial History: Your financial history, including any debts or bankruptcy filings, will be reviewed. Financial problems can be red flags in security clearance investigations.

Fast Federal Resumes offers resources and templates to help you navigate the SF-86 process and ensure your background investigation goes smoothly.

4. Maintaining Your Security Clearance

If you’re transitioning to a civilian role, maintaining your security clearance will require ongoing vigilance. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Periodic Reinvestigations: Depending on the level of clearance, you’ll need to undergo a reinvestigation every 5-10 years to maintain eligibility.

Reporting Obligations: You must report significant life changes, such as financial problems, foreign travel, or foreign contacts, to your security officer. Failure to do so could result in the loss of your clearance.

Work Gaps and Clearance Expiration: If you’re not currently using your clearance for work, it can expire after two years. Make sure to secure employment or sponsorship to keep it active.

5. Jobs That Require Security Clearances

If you hold a security clearance, you’re already one step ahead in applying for positions that require it. Some of the most common federal job roles that require clearances include:

Defense Contractor Positions: Companies working with the Department of Defense often require employees to have security clearances.

Intelligence Analysts: These positions typically require a Top Secret or SCI clearance, particularly for agencies like the NSA or CIA.

Cybersecurity and IT Security Roles: Cybersecurity positions within federal agencies often require Secret or Top Secret clearances.

Final Thought: A security clearance is a powerful asset that opens doors to some of the most sought-after federal jobs. Maintaining and transferring your clearance can be complicated, but Fast Federal Resumes is here to help guide you through the process. We can assist with everything from completing the SF-86 form to ensuring your clearance remains active as you transition into civilian employment.