COOL Covers It
Training costs $2,995. COOL funding provides up to $4,000 across all branches. Your out-of-pocket: $0.
$0 out of pocketCOOL-Funded CAET Certification
Your Military Experience is Worth a Civilian Avionics Career
You've maintained some of the most advanced electronics systems on earth. The CAET certification translates that experience into a civilian credential — and COOL pays for your training.
Training is $2,995 — COOL covers up to $4,000
Skills Translation
Your Military Electronics Experience Translates Directly
The skills you built maintaining military avionics map directly to the CAET exam categories. You're not starting from scratch — you're proving what you already know.
Military Skills
What You've Done
Avionics systems maintenance (F-18, F-35, C-130, etc.)
What You've Done
Electronic warfare systems
What You've Done
Communication & navigation equipment
What You've Done
Wire harness fabrication & repair
What You've Done
Technical order compliance
What You've Done
Fault isolation & troubleshooting
CAET Exam Categories
CAET Category
Aircraft Electrical & Avionics Systems
CAET Category
Communication & Navigation Systems
CAET Category
Digital Electronics & Data Buses
CAET Category
Wire & Harness Fabrication
CAET Category
Technical Documentation & Regulations
CAET Category
Safety & Human Factors
Why CAET
Built for Military Avionics Technicians
CAET certification is the fastest path from military avionics experience to a civilian career. Here's why service members choose it.
Remote Online Exam
Take the CAET from your base, ship, or home. No need to find a testing center. Stable internet connection is all you need.
Test from anywhereYou Already Know This
60-70% of CAET content maps directly to military avionics MOS training. You're not starting from scratch — you're filling in the civilian-specific gaps.
60-70% familiar content$81K Median Salary
Civilian avionics technicians earn $81,390/year median (BLS). Certified techs earn $10-20K more than uncertified peers.
$52K – $89K+ rangeCOOL Funding
How to Use COOL Funding for CAET Training
Every military branch offers COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) funding for industry certifications. CAET training at $2,995 falls well within the funding cap. Here's how it works for your branch.
Marine Corps COOL
Marine Corps COOL covers CAET for MOS 6332 (Aircraft Avionics Technician, AV-8B), 6338 (Aircraft Avionics Technician, F-35), and related avionics maintenance MOSs. Funding is available for active duty Marines.
You must complete your credentialing before 60 days prior to separation. Apply early to ensure processing time.
Funding: up to $4,000Start your COOL application at least 90 days before you plan to test. Processing times vary, and you don't want funding delays to hold up your certification timeline.
Army COOL / Credentialing Assistance (CA)
Army COOL and the Credentialing Assistance (CA) program cover avionics certifications for MOS 15N (Avionic Mechanic) and related maintenance fields. The CA program funds training and exam costs for industry-recognized credentials.
Visit cool.osd.mil/army to verify your MOS eligibility and apply through your education center.
Funding: up to $4,000Army CA applications go through your installation's education center. Schedule an appointment with an education counselor to start the process.
Air Force COOL
AF COOL covers avionics certifications for 2A (Avionics Systems) AFSCs and related maintenance career fields through the Credentialing Assistance program. Funding applies to both the training course and the exam fee.
Visit cool.osd.mil/usaf to find your AFSC and check eligible certifications.
Funding: up to $4,000Air Force avionics maintainers often have excellent foundational training from tech school. The primary gap is usually civilian-specific regulations (FARs) and commercial/GA systems terminology — exactly what our training focuses on.
Coast Guard COOL
USCG COOL covers certifications for the AET (Avionics Electrical Technician) rating. The program funds training costs and exam fees for industry credentials that align with your Coast Guard specialty.
Visit cool.osd.mil/uscg to check your rating's eligible certifications.
Funding: up to $4,000Coast Guard AETs work on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing avionics — strong preparation for the CAET's systems-level questions.
Step-by-Step: From COOL Application to CAET Certified
- Log into your branch's COOL website (cool.osd.mil) and find your MOS or rating
- Verify that CAET or equivalent avionics credentials are listed as eligible for your occupation
- Apply for funding through your education office or the COOL portal
- Enroll in Ace Avionics Training CAET prep ($2,995 — fully covered by COOL)
- Complete training at your own pace using our spaced repetition system and interactive modules
- Take the CAET exam remotely — from your base, ship, or home
- Submit proof of completion to your COOL office to close out the funding
MOS & Rating Match
Military Codes That Map to CAET
These are the primary military occupations that align directly with the CAET certification. If your MOS or rating involves avionics or electronics maintenance, you likely qualify.
| Branch | MOS / Rating | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | AT | Aviation Electronics Technician |
| Marines | 6332 | Aircraft Avionics Technician (AV-8B) |
| Marines | 6338 | Aircraft Avionics Technician (F-35) |
| Air Force | 2A | Avionics Systems (various AFSCs) |
| Army | 15N | Avionic Mechanic |
| Coast Guard | AET | Avionics Electrical Technician |
Don't see your MOS? Many electronics and maintenance MOSs qualify for COOL-funded avionics certifications. Check your branch's COOL portal or contact us — we'll help you figure out your eligibility.
Your Roadmap
Career Path After Service
From active duty to civilian avionics career — here's the path. Most service members complete it in under 3 months.
1
You're here
Active Duty
Apply for COOL funding through your branch's education office. Start the process early — you can begin training while still on active duty.
2
Self-paced
Training
Complete the Ace Avionics CAET prep course at your own pace. Interactive modules, spaced repetition flashcards, and practice exams — all online, all on your schedule.
3
4-8 weeks typical
Certification
Pass the CAET exam — 100 questions, remote proctored, taken from anywhere with a stable internet connection. No testing center required.
4
Transition
Job Search
Apply to Part 145 repair stations, OEMs (Garmin, Collins, Honeywell), FBOs, corporate flight departments, and avionics manufacturers. Your military experience + CAET credential makes you a top candidate.
5
Career
Civilian Avionics Career
$52K–$89K+ salary range. 5% job growth projected through 2034. Senior certified technicians earn $89K+ at major repair stations and OEMs.
DoD SkillBridge
Combine CAET with SkillBridge
Train for Your Civilian Career on Active Duty Pay
If your command supports DoD SkillBridge, you may be able to combine CAET training with a SkillBridge internship at a civilian avionics shop — getting paid your active duty salary while training for your civilian career. Complete the CAET prep course during SkillBridge, earn your certification, and transition directly into a full-time position at your host company. Contact your education office and transition assistance program to explore SkillBridge options in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions from Service Members
Yes. Ace Avionics Training's CAET preparation course ($2,995) is eligible for COOL funding across all military branches. COOL provides up to $4,000, fully covering the cost of training.
Yes. The CAET is a remote proctored online exam — you can take it from your base, ship, or anywhere with a stable internet connection. No testing center required.
If you've worked on military avionics systems, approximately 60-70% of the CAET content will be familiar. You'll study the same fundamentals — electrical theory, digital electronics, wiring, systems troubleshooting — that apply across all aviation sectors.
Both are COOL-eligible. The CAET offers modern remote online testing and covers avionics fundamentals applicable across all sectors — GA, commercial, military, and UAS. The NCATT AET is the established credential with FAA recognition. Many military members get both — see our full comparison.
With your military background, most service members can prepare in 4-8 weeks of part-time study using our spaced repetition system. The official AEA course estimates ~150 hours total, but your existing knowledge significantly reduces that.
CAET-certified technicians work at Part 145 repair stations, OEMs (Garmin, Collins, Honeywell), FBOs, corporate flight departments, and avionics manufacturers. Median salary is $81,390/year, with senior techs earning $89K+.
Potentially. If your command supports DoD SkillBridge, you may be able to combine CAET training with a SkillBridge internship at a civilian avionics shop. Contact your education office and transition assistance program.
Your Next Step
Your Service Earned This
COOL funding covers your CAET training completely. Don't leave this benefit on the table.