CCAF officials launch new Web-based tool Published Nov. 20, 2007 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- Community College of the Air Force officials have launched a new Web-based tool that provides students education and national certification information related to Air Force occupational specialties. The Credentialing and Education Research Tool, or CERT, is an online research tool that links CCAF degree programs with nationally-recognized professional certifications relevant to specific career fields. Using the tool, Airmen can find information related to their particular CCAF degree and career progression goals. They can investigate equivalent civilian jobs, professional certifications, professional organizations and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support testing opportunities. Officials also expect the tool will serve as an important recruiting and career transition tool. In addition to assisting current Airmen, the CERT program will help prospective Airmen better understand what the Air Force has to offer, said Lt. Col. Ray Staats, CCAF commandant. For example, high school students considering a career in aircraft maintenance can see how Air Force opportunities relate to civilian career alternatives in terms of available professional certifications, he said. The research tool is similar to the Army's and Navy's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, or COOL program. Development cost of the COOL platform was $895,000 and costs about $300,000 annually to maintain, according to J.R. Breeding, chief of licensure and certification programs for CCAF. He led the in-house CCAF team that developed CERT. In contrast, CERT is online at no cost, having been developed internally by CCAF, and will be maintained using existing resources. The CCAF team will keep the site updated with the latest information regarding certifications, degrees, testing and other applicable subjects. "For the more than 345,000 enlisted Airmen, this is a valuable research tool," Mr. Breeding said. Additionally, it better prepares them for transition to civilian careers. In certain cases, certifications also earn CCAF college credit toward an associate degree. "Air Force members can earn certifications as they progress during their Air Force careers, and then use those credentials toward new successes after they leave the service," Colonel Staats said. The CERT Web site offers convenience to Airmen, allowing them to access and research certification opportunities at their own pace from home or work computers. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page