Funding
Check this before you pay
A large share of service members pay for exams that a benefit would have covered. Work through these four routes before you enter a card number.
Credentialing assistance
Service credentialing programmes, often called COOL, fund certification and the training for it while you are still serving. Rules and annual caps differ by branch.
Tuition Assistance
TA can cover certification-bearing coursework at approved institutions. Application windows are strict and requests are usually needed well ahead of the course start.
VA education benefits
The VA reimburses fees for approved licensing and certification tests, including some failed attempts. Reimbursement is claimed after the fact, so keep receipts.
Employer or organisation
Defence contractors routinely fund the certification a billet requires. Veteran service organisations also run scholarship programmes for exam fees.
Eligibility, caps and approved lists change. Confirm current rules with your education centre, your service credentialing programme, or the VA directly before assuming an exam is covered.
Formats
Where you will sit it
Test centre
A commercial testing centre, often on or near an installation. Controlled conditions, no home-network problems, and the format most people find least stressful.
Online proctored
Sit at home under remote supervision. Convenient, but the environment rules are strict: cleared room, no second monitor, no interruptions, stable connection.
On-installation testing
Some education centres host testing directly. Ask yours — it is frequently the cheapest and most convenient option and it is under-advertised.
Planning
Exam logistics
Current exam codes, durations, question counts, prices and retake policies to be supplied and kept current by DefendX Academy.
| Certification | Format | Duration | Retake policy | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | Two exams, multiple choice and performance-based | 90 minutes each | Check current policy | To be confirmed |
| CompTIA Network+ | Multiple choice and performance-based | 90 minutes | Check current policy | To be confirmed |
| CompTIA Security+ | Multiple choice and performance-based | 90 minutes | Check current policy | To be confirmed |
| Cisco CCNA | Multiple choice and simulation | 120 minutes | Check current policy | To be confirmed |
| ISC2 CISSP | Adaptive | Up to 4 hours | Check current policy | To be confirmed |
Exam day
Six things that go wrong
- Identification — the name on your ID must match your registration exactly. A middle initial mismatch has ended exam sessions.
- Arrival time — centres enforce their cut-off. Late means forfeited, not rescheduled.
- Online environment — a second monitor, a phone on the desk or someone walking in will void the session.
- Time management — performance-based questions eat time. Flag and return rather than stalling.
- Voucher expiry — vouchers expire. Book the date when you buy, not later.
- Continuing education — most credentials require renewal. Plan the maintenance before you need it.