Free Certifications for Veterans: A Lifeline from ACT Now Education
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to securing meaningful employment. Fortunately, free certifications for veterans are becoming more accessible thanks to dedicated organizations like ACT Now Education. In a recent episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, Navy veteran Jai Salters shared a treasure trove of career resources that are empowering veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses across the country.
A Mission Rooted in Service
Jai SaltersJai Salters enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 11, 2002, as a Cryptologic Technician Collection specialist and rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer before commissioning as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer. Like many veterans, Jai was motivated to give back to the military community that shaped him. His answer was ACT Now Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has grown into a thriving support ecosystem with over 77,000 members.
ACT Now Education is more than just an organization—it's a movement that democratizes access to career advancement tools by focusing on free certifications for veterans and their families. Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, project management, cloud computing, or human resources, ACT Now Education helps you find a no-cost path forward.
Free Certifications That Open Doors
During the podcast, Jai laid out an impressive list of free certifications for veterans that ACT Now Education offers directly:
Project Management Professional (PMP) – A top-tier credential for leaders and planners, ideal for veterans with extensive project experience.
Security+ (Sec+) – A foundational certification in cybersecurity.
Scrum Master Certification – A fast-track credential for agile project management.
SHRM-CP – The Society for Human Resource Management’s certification for early-career HR professionals.
Each ACT Now cohort is capped at 30 participants to ensure personalized attention and a quality learning experience. Veterans and spouses with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
Key Takeaway:
If you qualify, there's no reason to pay out-of-pocket for these industry-recognized credentials. ACT Now helps you leverage your military experience into professional certification success.
Partner Organizations Expanding Access
Jai emphasized that ACT Now doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel—they aim to collaborate and amplify. Beyond their own offerings, they direct veterans to a wide range of free certification programs from trusted partners, including:
1. Onward to Opportunity (O2O) by IVMF
O2O provides over 40 certification paths, including PMP, Sec+, and the coveted CISSP. Open to veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses, participants get one chance per certification—so preparation is key.
2. VetsinTech
This program offers certifications in cloud computing (AWS), front- and back-end web development, PMP, and more—all for free. They’re ideal for those exploring tech career pathways.
3. Per Scholas
This provider offers free training in CompTIA, AWS, Salesforce, and other technical tracks. It's also open to non-military applicants, but veterans and spouses are prioritized.
4. NPower
Operating in 15 states, NPower provides access to certifications like ITIL, A+, Sec+, and AWS Cloud. Even better, dependents aged 18-24 can participate too.
5. ServiceNow & Splunk
These platforms offer SkillBridge programs and free admin certifications in systems and data management. ServiceNow and Splunk certifications are in high demand in today’s tech-driven job market.
6. Purdue University & CyberOps
In partnership with other institutions, Purdue offers free training for certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker, Linux+, and more.
7. SANS Cyber Workforce Academy
A highly competitive program that offers $25,000 worth of cybersecurity certifications per recipient. SANS is one of the most prestigious providers in the industry.
8. Boots to Books
This nonprofit provides $1,000 scholarships for any certification a veteran or spouse wants to pursue. No catch—just support.
9. CloudVets
After the veteran or service member completes a course, their spouse and dependents gain access to free cloud-based certification tracks. A true family support model.
Bonus: Jai’s Weekly Rundown
Every Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, Jai hosts a “Weekly Rundown” where new free resources, job leads, and training programs are announced. It’s another great way to stay current on free certifications for veterans.
Why Certifications Matter for Veterans
Many veterans struggle to translate military experience into civilian job qualifications. Certifications bridge that gap. For example, if you’ve led logistics missions or coordinated teams in high-stress environments, you may already qualify for PMP or Scrum certifications. If you’ve managed classified networks or worked in communications, cybersecurity certifications like Sec+ or AWS Cloud Practitioner could be a perfect fit.
These free certifications for veterans not only validate your expertise—they open doors. Employers trust credentials like PMP, SHRM-CP, and CISSP because they align with industry standards. Once certified, veterans report higher starting salaries, faster job placement, and increased upward mobility.
ACT Now's Bigger Picture
What sets ACT Now apart isn’t just their programs—it’s their community-first mindset. Jai and his team are driven by the belief that no veteran should be left behind in the job market. Instead of siloing resources, ACT Now connects people to every opportunity possible, even if it’s not one of their own.
Their approach fosters a sense of collaboration among nonprofits, educational institutions, and corporate sponsors. This unity enhances visibility and access to free certifications for veterans, creating a ripple effect of opportunity across the military-connected community.
Staying Connected
To take full advantage of what ACT Now offers, start by:
Visiting www.actnoweducation.com
Following their LinkedIn page for updates
Joining their Facebook Group for resource discussions
Tuning into the Weekly Rundown every Saturday at 1 p.m. ET
And don’t forget—if you’re part of the VET S.O.S. audience, you can find more about ACT Now directly through www.vetsospodcast.com or by subscribing to the podcast on Spotify and YouTube.
Final Thoughts
This episode was more than just a discussion—it was a master class in empowerment. Jai Salters dropped decades worth of knowledge into one compact session, offering a roadmap to success through free certifications for veterans. Whether you're just starting your transition or supporting someone who is, the message is clear: The tools are out there. You just have to reach for them.
So, don’t drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline. Share this information widely—because someone in your circle needs to know that opportunity is only one certification away.
