Veteran Assistance
Honoring service. Supporting your transition to a civilian crane career.
From Service to Skilled Trade
CCO certification is recognized through multiple federal programs that help veterans and active-duty service members offset the cost of certification and prepare for civilian careers in crane operation.
If you’re transitioning from military service, CCO has resources to help you get certified faster and at reduced cost.
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DoD COOL Program
The Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program supports active-duty service members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines & Coast Guard) pursuing civilian credentials tied to their military occupation — funding exam fees and approved prep materials. CCO certifications are listed in the COOL database for eligible MOSs.
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VA Certification Fee Reimbursement
The VA’s licensing and certification benefit reimburses eligible individuals for the cost of a test approved under the GI Bill® — and CCO’s certification exams are approved. The VA covers only the test fee itself, up to $2,000 per test (not exceeding the actual cost), and retesting is also eligible.
You may qualify if you’re also eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32), or Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35). Veterans generally have 10 years after discharge to use these benefits.
How to Apply
Send a copy of your test results to the VA office that handles your education benefits, along with a note including:
- A request for reimbursement
- Your name and Social Security number or VA claim number
- The test name and date taken
- CCO’s name and address
- The cost of the test
- A statement authorizing release of your test information to the VA
First-Time Claimants
If you’ve never filed a claim for VA education benefits, you must also submit an application:
VA Form 22-1990 — veterans or those on active duty