Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center

05/25/2026

Today we remember the Sailors who gave everything in service to our Nation.

At Naval Education and Training Command, every Sailor we train carries forward the legacy of those who never came home. We teach. We prepare. We remember.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

The results are in!

Congrats to the newest Senior Chiefs and Master Chiefs 🫡
Your leadership will shape the future of the Force.

Check out the full list of E-8 and E-9 Active-duty Selection Board results in NAVADMINs 119/26 and 120/26.

Legacy: https://dvidshub.net/r/gjbaqx
SEM: https://dvidshub.net/r/xuuvu6

05/13/2026

Chief Yeoman Submarines (YNS) Joshua Parinasan knows firsthand what it feels like to sit for a Navy advancement exam — and now, he is helping shape them for the next generation of Sailors.

Parinasan participated in his first Advancement Examination Readiness Review (AERR) at the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC), where chiefs and senior enlisted subject matter experts from across the fleet review, validate and revise Navy-wide advancement exam content.

For Parinasan, the process offered a rare opportunity to directly influence how the Navy evaluates fleet knowledge and readiness.

“It’s super cool to see what goes into the exam-making process,” said Parinasan. “You also get the opportunity to remove questions you may have questioned yourself when you were taking the exam.”

Parinasan, who has served more than 17 years in the Navy, originally enlisted as an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator before cross-rating to Yeoman Full-Time Support and later transitioning into the submarine yeoman community.

His assignments have taken him across the fleet, including tours in Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida; Denver; Chicago; Norfolk; San Diego; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Afghanistan.

Despite his broad operational background, Parinasan said one aspect of AERR surprised him most — the small number of Sailors responsible for developing advancement exams.

“I didn’t realize the groups of people making the exam were this small,” said Parinasan. “There’s only six of us creating the entirety of the YNS community exams. That alone is pretty empowering because you realize how much influence you have on what goes into the test.”

AERR events are designed to ensure advancement exams accurately reflect current fleet operations, technical requirements and rating knowledge. Participants review exam questions for accuracy, relevance and alignment with real-world fleet duties.

Parinasan said the experience reinforced the importance of building exams around practical fleet knowledge instead of obscure references buried in publications.

“What we are trying to accomplish here is common knowledge — what your average Sailor is doing on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “It should be stuff Sailors are actually doing and what’s getting them promoted.”

Having advanced to chief within the last few years, Parinasan encouraged newly selected chiefs to participate in AERR opportunities early in their leadership tours while their own testing experiences are still fresh.

“Once you’re a chief, you no longer take exams to advance,” said Parinasan. “I would recommend taking this opportunity early in your chief’s tour so you still remember what it feels like taking that exam and can make changes based off of that experience.”

Parinasan said he would “100 percent” volunteer for future AERR events and believes the process gives chiefs a direct role in shaping the future force.

“You get to influence what the fleet should determine is important based off the questions you’re selecting,” he said. “You get to make that change.”

MyNavy HR Naval Education and Training Command

05/11/2026

USMAP: Celebrating 50 Years of Military Apprenticeship Excellence

As 2026 unfolds, the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) proudly marks its 50th anniversary—a milestone commemorating half a century of empowering military service members through skilled, hands-on career pathways.

Established in March 1976, this unique program began as the Navy’s National Apprenticeship Program (NNAP). Today, it stands as the largest registered apprenticeship program in the United States.

From Navy Roots to Joint Service Legacy

USMAP’s origins lie in a collaborative agreement between the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Navy. In 1999, it expanded, merging with the Marine Corps to form USMAP. By 2000, the Coast Guard joined, and in more recent years, the Army, National Guard, and Reserve components have taken part. As of its 50th year, the program supports over 100,000 active participants, offering credentials in roughly 124 occupations.

50 Years of Impact

USMAP isn’t just a military achievement—it’s a national workforce pillar. When the program celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016, it was already recognized as the Department of Labor’s largest apprenticeship sponsor. Today, in 2026, it continues to hold that title, maintaining an unparalleled reach. Over the decades, countless service members have transitioned seamlessly into civilian careers, armed with recognized journeyman certificates and in-demand skills.

2026 and Beyond: Celebrations and Recognition

While no single gala event dominates the calendar, USMAP’s golden anniversary was integrated into last week’s National Apprenticeship Week (April 26 – May 2, 2026). With the theme “America at Work: Making America Skilled Again,” this week shines a spotlight on USMAP’s role in building a skilled, adaptable workforce.

Looking Forward

USMAP’s future remains bright. With continued expansions, partnerships, and evolving occupational offerings, it ensures that service members are prepared for life beyond uniform—whether in the trades, technology, or emerging industries. To learn more about ongoing resources and local celebrations, visit the official USMAP website or the Navy COOL portal below.

Fifty years on, USMAP stands as a testament to the military’s dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth—from deckplates to the nation’s workforce.

For more information about the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program and available apprenticeship opportunities, service members can visit the official USMAP website at:

USMAP:
https://usmap.osd.mil/

Additional information on military credentialing, certifications, licenses and apprenticeship resources is available through the Department of Defense COOL program:

DoD COOL:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/

Sailors can also explore Navy-specific apprenticeship and credentialing opportunities through the Navy COOL apprenticeship portal:

Navy COOL Apprenticeship Portal:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/apprent/index.html

05/04/2026

The Navy’s advancement exams don’t just test knowledge—they help decide who leads next. At NETPDC, Chief Steelworker Kaitlyn Murphy is helping shape those decisions from the inside.

PENSACOLA, Fla. — At Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center, Sailors like Chief Steelworker Kaitlyn Murphy are helping ensure advancement exams reflect the realities of today’s fleet.

Murphy, a 15-year Seabee assigned to Naval Construction Regiment 22 in Gulfport, Mississippi, is participating in the Advancement Exam Readiness Review (AERR) process for the second time—an experience she says directly impacts the next generation of leaders.

“You’re giving back—not just to your community, but to the Navy,” Murphy said. “You’re setting others up for success.”

During AERR, Murphy works alongside fellow Chiefs from across the fleet to review and develop exam questions. While identifying outdated material is straightforward, she said crafting meaningful, accurate questions requires a deeper level of expertise.

“You have to think about the Sailor taking the test,” she said. “What do they actually need to know at that next level? That’s what drives how we build these exams.”

That effort ensures advancement exams remain aligned with real-world expectations—giving Sailors a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and compete for the next rank.

Murphy said the collaboration itself is one of the most valuable parts of the process, bringing together leaders from different commands and operational communities.

“We all come from different backgrounds, different coasts, different missions,” she said. “That collaboration makes the exam better and more relevant for everyone.”

With the Navy continuing to evolve its personnel systems, Murphy emphasized that the stakes tied to advancement exams are higher than ever.

“These tests matter,” she said. “They don’t just impact promotion—they can influence where you go next and what opportunities are available to you and your family.”

As she looks toward retirement in the coming years, Murphy remains focused on making a lasting impact.

“At this level, it’s not about me,” she said. “It’s about helping as many Sailors as possible succeed.”

Through efforts like AERR, NETPDC continues to strengthen the advancement process—ensuring today’s exams help build tomorrow’s Navy.

05/01/2026

Navy College Team Connects Historic Legacy with Future Readiness Aboard USS Constitution

CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD, Boston (April 7, 2026) — The Navy College Program team visited USS Constitution April 7 to conduct an education fair and training summit, connecting the Navy’s historic legacy with modern-day readiness by equipping Sailors with critical academic resources.

Led by Bill Rodgers, the team engaged the active-duty crew with information on voluntary education opportunities, including programs offered through United States Naval Community College and eight partner academic institutions. The visit emphasized intellectual readiness as a key component of warfighting effectiveness, ensuring Sailors have access to flexible pathways for higher education while meeting operational demands.

Commissioned in 1797, Constitution—known as “Old Ironsides”—is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat and remains a symbol of Navy heritage. Famous for her undefeated record of 33–0 and her role during the War of 1812, the ship continues to serve as an active-duty command and public attraction at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Ongoing preservation efforts, including maintenance of her historic masts and yardarms, support long-term readiness ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The April 7 engagement brought education directly to the deckplates, where Sailors balanced ceremonial duties with professional development opportunities. Representatives from participating institutions provided guidance on degree programs, enrollment processes, and academic planning tailored to the unique demands of sea duty.

Lt. Lillian L. Tseng, the ship’s educational services officer, coordinated the visit, reinforcing command emphasis on lifelong learning and career development. In addition to the education fair, the Navy College team conducted command-approver training to ensure leaders can efficiently process tuition assistance and education requests.

The team also delivered a command-level briefing attended by the ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Crystal L. Schaefer, and members of the leadership team. The briefing highlighted the role of education in strengthening readiness, retention and long-term success for Sailors across the fleet.

Serving aboard Constitution requires precision, discipline and a deep respect for naval tradition. By bringing education resources directly to one of the Navy’s most historic platforms, the Navy College Program reinforced its commitment to ensuring Sailors who preserve the service’s legacy are equally prepared to build their own futures through accessible, high-quality education.

Sailors may fund their education through the Navy’s Tuition Assistance and Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE), which together provide access to more than 2,400 partner schools at over 9,600 locations worldwide. These programs are designed to support Sailors across a wide range of operational environments, including those with limited connectivity or demanding schedules.

For additional information or counseling, Sailors can contact the Navy College Virtual Education Center at 833-330-MNCC (6622). Select Option 4, “Education & Training,” then Option 1, “Navy College Tuition Assistance (TA) & Counseling.” Support is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays.

Sailors can also explore education opportunities, program eligibility and application guidance by visiting the Navy College Program website at:

https://www.navycollege.navy.mil⁠.

04/23/2026

Navy COOL Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Sailors

Naval Air Station Pensacola - Twenty years ago, inside Mast Hall, a small team set out to solve a challenge most Sailors never considered.

The Navy had long trained its personnel to world-class standards. Sailors operated advanced systems, managed complex logistics and mastered highly technical skills. Yet outside the military, there was often no standardized way to validate that expertise.

In December 2005, the Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program office — known across the fleet as Navy COOL — officially stood up under the leadership of Capt. Kevin Hooley. The original staff consisted of Master Chief Petty Officer Keith Boring, Senior Chief Petty Officer Nick Haubrich and Chief Petty Officer Stan Person.

Their mission was straightforward: Connect Navy training and experience with civilian-recognized credentials.

A Policy-driven Beginning

The idea behind Navy COOL began with national-level direction.

In October 2004, Congress directed the Departments of Defense and Labor to conduct a joint study examining how military training could align with civilian credentialing systems.

That study produced a structured development model in September 2005, providing a blueprint for implementation.

Soon after, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2006 authorized the use of appropriated funds for credentialing programs, establishing the legal authority needed to move from concept to ex*****on.

Within months, the Navy established its program office.

Momentum Builds

Support from senior defense leadership accelerated the program’s growth. Memorandums issued in 2007 endorsed credentialing for enlisted personnel and expanded authority for Navy implementation.

Later that year, official instruction authorized voluntary credential funding, followed by NAVADMIN guidance that standardized ex*****on across the fleet.

By July 2009, permanent authority for credential funding ensured Navy COOL would remain a sustained capability supporting Sailors for years to come.

Setting the Standard

As Navy COOL matured, its impact extended beyond the Navy.

In 2012, the Department of Defense established a credentialing task force as part of the Veterans Employment Initiative.

By 2013, Congress required all military services to implement credentialing programs modeled after COOL.

One year later, legislation mandated credential funding across the services, cementing credentialing as a permanent element of force development.

What began as a small initiative in Mast Hall had become a standard across the joint force.

Why It Matters

At its core, Navy COOL aligns military training with civilian credentialing standards to improve readiness, support professional development and enhance post-service employment opportunities.

Credentials funded through the program help Sailors strengthen skills, improve promotion competitiveness, support retention and increase civilian career prospects.

Each credential represents something tangible: validated expertise.

Continuing to Evolve

Continuing to evolve two decades after its launch, Navy COOL continues adapting to meet the needs of a changing force, focusing on workforce development, and strengthening the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Recent initiatives include managing Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDRs) to guide Sailor career progression and professionalizing the force through attainment of civilian credentials that bridge the military-civilian gap.

By updating Joint Services Transcript samples for all ratings and integrating Department of the Navy chief information officer guidance, the platform directly supports cyberspace workforce qualification requirements.

Looking Ahead

These efforts reflect the same principle that guided the program’s founders: technical proficiency and professional growth must evolve alongside mission demands. Looking ahead twenty years after its creation, Navy COOL stands as a testament to the Navy’s investment in its people and its partnership with the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) to revitalize shipbuilding and repair capabilities.

What began as a small office with a focused mission has become a force-wide capability that validates skill, strengthens readiness, and expands technical opportunities for Sailors across the fleet.

And the mission continues.

Naval Education and Training Command MyNavy HR

04/17/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAVY ADVANCEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW EPIC FURY GUIDANCE FOR SPRING EXAMS

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Navy Advancement Center (NAC), part of the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC), provided a supplementary fact sheet for the Spring 2026 enlisted advancement cycle in support of Sailors impacted by Operation Epic Fury.

Per NAVADMIN 070/26, the Cycle 271 (March 2026) exam administration window has been extended through April 30, 2026. Advancement results will be delayed and released after Memorial Day.

The guidance is designed to ensure equitable advancement opportunities for Sailors unable to take the exam due to operations in the Middle East.

“NETPDC and the Navy Advancement Center remain committed to ensuring every Sailor has a fair opportunity to compete for advancement,” said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Luers, director, Navy Advancement Center. “This policy provides multiple pathways to ensure no Sailor is disadvantaged due to operational impacts.”

Commands are directed to administer Regular Exams before the April 30 deadline whenever possible. Regular Exams received after the deadline must not be administered and should be destroyed in accordance with policy. Substitute exams can still be administered within seven working days of receipt.

For Sailors unable to complete the exam, commands must submit an Exception to Policy (ETP) request as applicable:

For non-Billet Based Advancement (BBA) Sailors, commands must submit an ETP for a Cycle 272 standard score comparison to Cycle 271.

For BBA Sailors with a Detailing Market Eligibility Indicator (DMEI), no command action is required as the last Final Multiple Score (FMS) will be used for advancement eligibility in MyNavy Assignment (MNA) system.

For BBA Sailors without a DMEI who took the Cycle 268 Navy-Wide Advancement Exam (NWAE), no command action required as NAC will pull forward their most recent exam score for FMS calculations.

For BBA Sailors without a DMEI and no Cycle 268 exam record, commands must submit an ETP for a standard score application.

Templates for Cycle 271 ETP letter and Candidate Listing by Activity can be found on:

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Community-Management/Enlisted-Career-Admin/Advancement/

Approved ETPs ensure Sailors are not disadvantaged. In these cases, previous exam scores or Rating Knowledge Exam (RKE) scores will be used to calculate advancement eligibility.

Additionally, when answer sheets are delayed and received after results are released, the Navy Advancement Center will process the score and update the Sailor’s profile sheet accordingly. If both an ETP and an exam are submitted, the exam score will override the ETP.

Command Educational Services Officers (ESOs) remain the primary point of contact for Sailors requiring assistance with exam administration or ETP processing.

MyNavy HR Naval Education and Training Command