For many service members transitioning out of the service, the process of exiting the military can feel way too quick and like way too much information being given all at once. Even though the military continues to try and improve the Transition Assistance Program, a lot of veterans leave the service feeling overwhelmed and undereducated.
One skill that the TAP classes attempt to teach service members, is how to translate your skills into terms that the civilian world can understand when searching for that next career. More than likely, this class that every service member takes, may or may not be one day long. Can you imagine trying to translate an entire career into alien terms in less than a day? It feels daunting and near impossible.
Translating Military Certifications to Civilian Equivalents
Translating military certifications into civilian equivalents can be a challenge for many transitioning service members because military training and qualifications often don’t directly match civilian job requirements, even though the skills themselves are highly relevant. The other point of difficulty is that not every translation fits every job. Sometimes a new translation needs to be made to relate more closely to the role the candidate is pursuing.
Here’s how the process typically works and how veterans can approach it.
1. Identify Military Skills and Certifications
Military Occupational Specialty or MOS: Start by identifying your MOS, AFSC or Air Force Specialty Code, or NEC aka Navy Enlisted Classification, and the specific certifications, licenses, or training you received.
Skills Inventory: Break down the skills associated with your role. For example, logistics personnel may have experience in inventory management, transportation, and supply chain operations.
2. Understand Civilian Equivalents
Research Industry Standards: Find out what certifications or qualifications are required for similar civilian roles. For instance, many IT jobs require certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate, both of which have military equivalents.
Crosswalk Tools: Utilize tools like the Department of Labor’s Credentialing Opportunities On-Line or ONET’s Military Crosswalk, which help match military jobs with civilian occupations and related certifications.
3. Obtain Civilian Credentials
Certifications and Licenses: In many cases, you may already have completed training that is equivalent to civilian certifications. However, you might need to pass exams to formalize this. For example, medical professionals in the military can often qualify for EMT, paramedic, or nursing licenses with some additional civilian testing.
Apprenticeships and Training Programs: Some industries offer bridge programs specifically for veterans to help them meet civilian credential requirements. This is common in trades like electrical work, plumbing, and mechanical repair.
4. Military-Friendly Credentialing Programs
SkillBridge Program: The Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program allows transitioning service members to take part in civilian job training, apprenticeships, or internships in their final 180 days of service. Many of these programs include paths to certifications.
Veterans Affairs Programs: VA benefits, such as the GI Bill, can be used to pay for certifications and vocational training that bridge gaps between military and civilian qualifications.
5. Highlight Transferable Skills on a Resume
When applying for civilian roles, focus on translating your certifications into skills that hiring managers understand. For example:
Military Certification: U.S. Army 92A Automated Logistical Specialist.
Civilian Equivalent: Inventory Management and Logistics Professional (related to roles in warehousing, supply chain management, etc.).
6. Getting Help from Credentialing Assistance Programs
Credentialing Assistance Program: The Army offers programs to help soldiers get civilian credentials related to their MOS. They may even pay for fees, study materials, and exams.
CareerOneStop’s Certification Finder: This tool, sponsored by the Department of Labor, helps veterans find out what certifications are needed for specific jobs.
7. Work with Career Counselors and Industry Experts
Transition assistance programs provide access to career counselors who specialize in helping veterans understand how their military experience applies in the civilian world.
Many private organizations, like Hiring Our Heroes or VetJobs, offer career coaches who can guide veterans through the credentialing process.
All of these options should be considered every time a role is applied to. Some may not be as accessible as others, and for those translations, it is important to glean as much information from the instructors or programs as possible in order to not rely on them personally to prepare your resume. The above seven options are also important to remember because job applicants will need to use them several times to ensure that their resume is as up-to-date as possible in order to maximize the potential of that resume and create a great first impression.
