Charles McGrue ⋅ U.S. Army Reserve, Captain ⋅ 21 years served

Hello Christine,

I think the issue is that the Advisers are not familiar with the acronym you are using. That being said, when you start looking for jobs outside of the military, you will need to expand upon the acronyms so people understand what you are referring to.

Advisors,

Cool is C.O.O.L, or also known as Creditialing Opportunities On-Line. As she stated, the Navy has it and the Army also has it. It is a way of taking the Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS, and service member has and finding a way to increase their credentials.

In Christine's case, she is referring to: https://www.cool.navy.mil/index.htm

Regards... Charles

Luis Gonzales ⋅ El Paso , TX U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 9 years served

Christine,

I took the Certified Manager (CM) exams last year. I was able to pass all three on the first attempt. I purchased and read the books, took the practice exams several times on the icpm website, and then registered for the exam. If you're interested in the books let me know. My email is luisurielgonzales@yahoo.com

Christine Bond ⋅ Newport News , VA U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Second Class ⋅ 13 years served

Thanks @ Parker and Gary for the advise . It is a business certification through Navy cool by The Certified Manager Institute divided into three exams. Currently I am also pursuing by AA in Management studies with UMUC and thought this would be a good addition. Here is the site thanks again for the responses. www.icpm.biz/.

Parker Benton ⋅ Valencia , CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 22 years experience

Christine as said earlier we need more detail to assist you. I understand the last 6 months before punching out of Military can be quite dynamic. Please give us more information to help you. Carefully consider your certifications and that they are going in the direction you want to pursue...there are many specifics to consider. Good luck to you in your pursuits!
V/R
Parker

Gary Terrell ⋅ Albany , OR Hewlett Packard ⋅ 25 years experience

Christine,
I had never heard of the Certified Manager credential before so I did a little research. I am a PMP (project management professional) which is a credential offered by the Project Management Institiute. I also teach classes in how to pass the PMP exam. I assume this exam is similar. I know for the PMP there is a whole industry around "how to pass the exam" and I would reccomend you look for a book that can help you with that. These type of books will tell you the important things to study because you can't study for every possible question, there is typically too much information. I would also look for as many practice tests as possible. I know when I was preparing for my PMP exam taking practice tests over and over was very helpful, and I encourage my students to find as many practice tests as possible, also. I know my PMP has opened a lot of doors for me so I highly encourage you to get a credential and get some letters behind your name. It doesn't indicate that you can do the job but it tells an employer that you understand the importance of learning the job and that you took the extra step to get that certification. Once your foot is in the door then it is time to prove that you earned it.
Good Luck!

Craig Cooper ⋅ Fremont , CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 33 years experience

Christine
What type of exams are you preparing for? It's always good to share some specifics in your post so others can provide relevant feedback. For me the best way to study is to find a place free from distractions. I tend to do a lot of note taking and I will have some classical music on in the background. I am a slower reader so it takes me a little longer to absorb the material but the writing it down methodology really helps with retention and the music helps to keep me focused. Reply back to me if you want further assistance. Best of luck to you with your exams.