Career transitions present opportunities and challenges for military personnel, veterans, and their families. While the skills gained through military service, such as leadership, discipline, and technical expertise, are invaluable, many civilian and government-sector employers require industry-recognized certifications to validate these job-ready competencies.
Recognizing this need, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) has partnered with leading educational providers to offer exclusive military discounts on many professional stackable certification programs. This acquired knowledge is designed to bridge the gap between military experience and civilian career requirements, providing service members and their families with affordable, flexible pathways to career advancement.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
- The significance of how and why certifications are growing in today’s job market
- How ProTrain College’s military discounts reduce financial barriers to career training
- The most valuable certification career pathways for military professionals based on the Department of Labor job growth projections
- Real-world success stories of service members who have leveraged these opportunities
- Step-by-step guidance on accessing AUSA’s educational benefits
Why Career Certifications Matter More Than Ever
In an increasingly competitive job market, certifications are a universal language, translating military experience into terms civilian employers understand and require. Unlike degrees, which provide broad knowledge, certifications demonstrate specific, job-ready skills that employers need immediately and can be obtained in a matter of a few months versus years.
For example:
- Combat Medics can accelerate their transition into civilian healthcare by earning certifications as Medical Assistants, Medical Administrative Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Billers and Coders, EKG, Phlebotomist and others.
- IT Specialists in the military can qualify for high-paying cybersecurity roles with CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certifications. They can also pivot into other IT or contracting fields where AutoCAD certifications are in high demand.
- Logistics Coordinators can transition into Supply Chain Management with PMP for Project Management or Six Sigma certifications.
Many federal and defense contractor positions explicitly require certifications for their hiring criteria. Without them, even highly skilled veterans may find themselves at a disadvantage.
The Financial Impact of Career Certifications
Beyond improving employability, certifications significantly boost earning potential. According to industry surveys:
- IT professionals with certifications earn 15-25% more than their non-certified peers.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification holders report an average yearly salary increase of $20,000+.
- Cybersecurity certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CySA+ (CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+) are highly valued in both defense contracting and the broader industry.
- Holding these certifications often demonstrates a certain level of knowledge, experience, and commitment, which can indeed lead to six-figure salaries.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 33% growth in employment for information security analysts from 2023 to 2033. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
For military families, this means that in-demand, portable, and stackable certifications don’t just open doors; they also create long-term careers and financial stability.
How ProTrain College Military Discounts Make Certifications Affordable
One of the biggest obstacles for service members pursuing certifications is cost. Training programs and exam fees can range from $500 to $5,000, making them out of reach for many.
Our partnership with AUSA addresses this challenge by offering:
- Exclusive 20% discounts on top certification programs to help members and their families invest in their future
- Free Laptop provided for select programs during promotions
- 0% Interest Payment Plans available through ProTrain College
- Exclusive military customer support to help you every step of the way
- Scholarships and grants for high-demand fields
- Exam vouchers conveniently available for certifications
Flexible Learning Options for Military Lifestyles
Military life is unpredictable, with deployments, relocations, and family obligations often disrupting education plans. AUSA’s partner program with ProTrain College is designed with this in mind, offering:
- 100% online for learning on the go that can be completed from anywhere
- Choose your training style: Flexible, self-paced courses and Live Online options designed for busy schedules
- Add a Season Pass to select courses and get live faculty mentorship every 2 weeks
- Accelerated programs (some certifications achievable in 4-8 weeks)
This flexibility ensures that active-duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and military spouses can pursue certifications without putting their careers on hold or struggling to transition into civilian work after leaving the military.
Top Certification Career Pathways for Military Professionals
1. Cybersecurity & IT: High-Demand, High-Paying Careers
With the Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8140 mandating certifications for IT roles, cybersecurity is one of the best fields for military transitions. Key certifications include:
Career Outcomes:
- Network Engineer ($85,000-$130,000)
- Cybersecurity Analyst ($75,000-$120,000)
- AutoCAD Drafter/Technician ($62,000-$97,730)
2. Project Management: Leveraging Military Leadership Skills
Military leaders are natural project managers — they oversee teams, budgets, and complex operations daily. Certifications like:
Career Outcomes:
- Defense Contractor Program Manager ($90,000-$140,000)
- Government Operations Specialist ($80,000-$110,000)
3. Healthcare & Emergency Response: Building on Military Medical Training
For medics and corpsmen, certifications provide a direct path to civilian healthcare roles:
Career Outcomes:
- Emergency Medical Technician ($35,000-$60,000)
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist ($48,780-$77,810)
- VA Hospital Roles ($45,000-$80,000)
How to Take Advantage of the AUSA 20% Discount from ProTrain College
- AUSA Educational Membership Savings for You and Your Family
- Access Exclusive AUSA Member Certification Programs through ProTrain College
- Apply Your AUSA Discount Code AUSA20 at checkout
- Begin Your Course (most programs start immediately)
Certifications are the fastest, most cost-effective way for military professionals and eligible family members to advance their careers. With AUSA’s educational discounts, these opportunities are more accessible than ever. By removing financial and logistical barriers, AUSA ensures that every eligible member has the tools to succeed — both in uniform and beyond.
Have questions about our programs? Call 1-800-371-2963 to speak with an enrollment advisor. Ready to further your education with ProTrain College? Browse our career certification courses and take the next step today. You have served our country, let ProTrain College help you transition into your future!
