CCAF Credentialing and Certification Published Sept. 23, 2014 By 442d Fighter Wing Education Office WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- The Community College of the Air Force's Professional Certifications office is the college's focal point for professional credentialing. Their mission is to research and evaluate national professional credentials applicable to specific occupational specialties for possible award of CCAF collegiate credit. They assist in aligning CCAF degree programs with industry standards that lead to credentialing eligibility upon completion of an applicable degree. They also manage credentialing programs offered through CCAF, which directly support the mission of CCAF. Professional Credentialing. There are two primary types of credentialing: Licensure and Certification. Licensure is a credential normally issued by federal, state or local governmental agencies. A license is issued to individuals to practice in a specific occupation. Licenses are typically mandatory for employment in selected fields and federal or state laws or regulations define the standards that individuals must meet to become licensed. Certification is a credential normally issued by non-governmental agencies, associations, schools or industry-supported companies. A certification is issued to individuals who meet specific education, experience and qualification requirements. These requirements are generally established by professional associations, industry or product-related organizations. Certification is typically an optional credential; although some state licensure boards and some employers may require a specific certification(s). Professional credentialing is important to the Air Force and our Airmen for several reasons: · Helps develop a more diversely skilled workforce. · Broadens professional development of our Airmen. · Validates the Airman's professional knowledge and skills gained through Air Force technical education and training. · Helps prepare our Airmen to meet mission challenges of the future. · CCAF awards collegiate credit to Airmen who possess specific national professional credentials that satisfy applicable degree program requirements. · Some civilian colleges and universities award credit for specific professional credentials. · Saves Air Force tuition assistance funds toward degree program completion. · Prepares Airmen for transition to civilian life. Airmen should consider pursing occupational-related credentials while serving in the Air Force to increase their Air Force occupational skills, broaden their professional development and be better prepared for transition. Airmen interested in pursuing professional credentials should contact the credentialing agency for information on credentials, eligibility requirements and testing procedures. Graduates of CCAF degree programs or courses accredited by credentialing agencies should contact the credentialing agency for requirements and processes. To support documentary evidence of training, skills and practical experience, Airmen are highly encouraged to maintain records of all previous and current education, training and qualifications. · Air Force Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification Program · CCAF Instructor Certification (CIC) Program · CCAF Instructional Systems Development (ISD) Certification Program · Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) · National Aerospace Technical Education Center (SpaceTEC) · National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies(NCATT) · Professional Manager Certification (PMC) CCAF awards collegiate credit for approved national professional credentials. This credit may be applied towards applicable CCAF degree program requirements. A registered student desiring credit for degree-applicable credentials must request the credential issuing agency provide a written memorandum of verification that includes full name, SSAN, date of birth, type of credential awarded and current standing, and award date. Request the credential issuing agency forward the memorandum of verification to: Community College of the Air Force Credentialing Programs CCAF/DEAL 100 South Turner Blvd Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL 36114-3011 For questions contact Wing Training TSgt Ron Watkins ronald.watkins.2@us.af.mil or Commercial (660) 687-3353.