By Army.mil     April 2026

Effective March 19, 2026, the following Credentialing Assistance (CA) updated policy changes are implemented in accordance with AR 621-5, Army Continuing Education System:

• Officer eligibility cut: Commissioned Officers (O1-10) are ineligible for CA. Commissioned Officers who have submitted a credential education goal that has not been completed prior to 19 March 2026 will be allowed to request funding to complete and earn the credential.

• Mandatory command approval: Soldiers, regardless of rank, must receive supervisor or commander representative approval of all TA and CA requests as a part of the ArmyIgnitED approval process.

• The “two-strike” rule: Soldiers who have incurred two recoupment actions between TA and CA in the same FY will be suspended from requesting TA and CA for 12 months from the date the second unsuccessful grade is entered or the end date of course or exam, whichever occurs first. Soldiers may appeal the 12-month suspension through ArmyIgnitED. The 12-month suspension is not retroactive and will be implemented for all TA and CA approved funding requests with start dates on or after 19 March 2026.

• For CA assistance, Soldiers should contact the CA Virtual Counseling Cell (VCC) at https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/costs_and_funding/index.html?credentialingassistance.