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Onward to Opportunity (O2O)

Professional Certifications That Launch Careers
Apply Now
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What is Onward to Opportunity (O2O)?

O2O helps servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses to prepare for one of 40+ certification tests with a prep course, including industry standard certifications in cybersecurity, IT, business management, project management, and customer service.

Once you've passed your test, O2O offers free job-seeking assistance and career coaching. Our coaches teach you how to optimize your resume, hone your interviewing skills, and ensure you're ready to land the job that will kickstart your new civilian career. IVMF also connects graduates with our employer partners, who are desperate to meet certified candidates just like you.

*see eligibility criteria

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40+ Certifications
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Locations
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FAQ
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Proven Success

Evaluators from Penn State’s Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness conducted a rigorous study of O2O. Their analysis found that O2O has statistically validated positive impacts on post-service employment, including earning $7,000 more in average starting salary

See The Proof

O2O is not just a training program, it's a launchpad that helps you translate military or technical experience into broader career opportunities.
Eduardo Cuellar U.S. Army, E-5, O2O JBSA PMP Certification, Requirements Analyst, AMSG
Eduardo Cuellar

Ready to Launch Your New Career?

What it Takes to Launch a Career with O2O

Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a structured professional development program designed to help participants earn industry-recognized certifications and launch civilian careers. After completing an interest form, participants receive an orientation date, take an assessment, and select a certification track.
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First Steps

Over the course of a few months, participants complete the 20-30 required hours of coursework for their certification. Every participant is assigned an IVMF advisor online or at one of 15 training locations nationwide. Practice tests and additional preparation resources are available upon completion of training.

A service member in uniform sits at the front of the brightly-lit O2O classroom session with the O2O stand-up banner directly in front of him.

Progressing to Career Services

As participants move from certification to job seeking, IVMF provides career services support including resume optimization, interview preparation, career coaching.

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Opportunity On Base & Around the World

IVMF's Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program provides no-cost career education and training for professional certification tests, as well as job seeking training and support. O2O is available globally, both online and in person on select US military installations. Both experiences provide access to all the same test preparation materials, support, and coaching. In person on-base does tailor the experience for active-duty, transitioning servicemembers.

O2O Locations Around the World

11 Regions supporting Major US military Bases | Online Cohorts Available Worldwide

Florida Region
Florida

Hampton Roads Region
Hampton Roads, Virginia

Midwest Region
Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois

National Capital Region
Washington, D.C. metro area, Baltimore, MD

North Carolina Region East
Eastern North Carolina, South Carolina

North Carolina Region West
Western North Carolina, Georgia

Northeast Region
New York

Pacific Northwest Region
Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii

Rio Grande Region
Texas, New Mexico

Rocky Mountain Region
Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas

Southwest Region
California, Arizona

Online, Anywhere

Not near a regional hub? Our online cohorts serve veterans, military spouses, and National Guard and Reserve members across the U.S. and around the world. (Only locations listed in 1 of the 11 regions above are eligible for SkillBridge or CSP).

The O2O program was a game-changer for me. The cohort model created a sense of community and camaraderie that I truly appreciated. The instructors were top-notch, and their expertise helped me feel confident going into the exam. I'm so grateful to have been part of this program.
Soo Hyung Jeong Military Spouse, O2O Southern California HR/SPHR Certification
soo hyun jeong

Eligibility for Free Certification Exam Fee

If you enroll during your transition from active-duty, or if you're currently an unemployed veteran or military spouse, O2O will cover the cost of one certification exam. Those who don't meet those criteria must pay for their own certification exams, but still have complete, free access to the O2O program. 

Some of these industry certification exams can cost up to $1,500, so make sure you research your desired exam before enrolling!

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Enduring Networks

For the duration of the program, and even years after completion, participants enjoy the benefit of networking with fellow O2O alumni and our employer partners. Our partners are veteran-friendly employers in the private sector and veteran service organization industries, and they're committed to finding veteran and military spouse employees with the very certifications Onward to Opportunity is teaching.

Ready to Launch Your New Career?

Eligibility Criteria