Proposed Incentives Offer Certification Opportunities for Unemployed U.S. Military Veterans

WASHINGTON D.C. – President Barack Obama's proposed plan to boost employment among veterans offers incentives for employers and opens the opportunity for certification programs to help recognize the skills of a segment of the American workforce that is struggling to find jobs in today's market.

Speaking to service members and veterans about his plan in early August, President Obama acknowledged the difficulties that veterans experience in finding jobs once they return to civilian life. The President cited a decorated combat medic who was informed he was unemployable in his field after he completed his military service because he lacked the necessary certification. Ahead of his address, the White House noted that unemployment among recent veterans is currently at thirteen percent, four percent higher than the national average.

Many credentialing organizations have recognized the challenges faced by veterans in gaining recognition for their experience and have partnered with military programs such as the Army's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) to help them find certifications that map to existing skills. Several member organizations of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) work with these and other federal programs to help veterans gain recognition for their abilities.

"As a veteran, I am pleased that ICE encourages its member organizations to help today's veterans attain the credentials they need to begin their nonmilitary careers," said Jan Wyatt, PhD, RN, FAANP, Consultant for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and Executive Director of the Institute of Pediatric Nursing. "By working with federal programs such as the GI Bill and the GI to Jobs Initiative, credentialing organizations can reach out to veterans and offer them access to resources that recognize and expand on their experience gained in the military, readying them for success in the civilian workforce."

Corporations have responded to this call as well. Microsoft is partnering with the Department of Labor to offer training and certification to veterans. JP Morgan Chase is leading a number of companies through the 100,000 Jobs Mission in a pledge to train and hire veterans. The common thread among these initiatives is the importance of proper training and certification. 

"We want veterans to know that the credentialing community is on their side," said Melissa Murer Corrigan, RPh, President of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. "Military personnel acquire invaluable skills while serving. Those talents translate to a wide range of qualifications throughout the private sector, from health care, to engineering, to the culinary arts. Obtaining certifications is a way for veterans to showcase their skills to employers, gain a competitive advantage, and excel in a civilian career."  

Through the President's proposed incentives, employers stand to gain much more than a tax break by hiring veterans. They will also reap the rewards of employees with unique talents, leadership skills, and decision-making abilities that can only be gained through military service.

Veterans and employers can learn more about professional credentialing programs within their field by searching for ICE members on the ICE website. Credentialing organizations can learn more about programs for veterans on the ICE Military and Veterans webpage.

About the Institute for Credentialing Excellence and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies