Skills-to-Cert (S2C) Fast-Track Act
The Skills-to-Cert (S2C) Fast-Track Act is a bold federal policy designed to eliminate the months—or even years—of bureaucratic delays that veterans face when transitioning their military training into recognized civilian certifications. This legislation directs the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Labor (DOL) to map Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC), and Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes to state-recognized licenses and certifications in sectors like HVAC, cybersecurity, commercial driving, EMT, healthcare, and construction trades.
It creates a "Green-Lane Reciprocity Model" that incentivizes states to implement fast-track licensing via access to key federal infrastructure funding.
Key Provisions:
1. Military-to-Civilian License Equivalency Map
DoD and DOL must jointly publish and maintain a comprehensive crosswalk between military training/experience and corresponding civilian credentials.
The map will include required training hours, competencies, and endorsements for over 100+ job categories.
Updated annually and distributed to all state licensing boards and employers via a federal portal.
2. 30-Day Licensing Decision Rule (Green-Lane Reciprocity)
States that accept the crosswalk equivalencies must issue a decision on temporary or permanent licensure for eligible veterans within 30 calendar days of application submission.
States that fail to implement reciprocity will face delayed access to new federal highway infrastructure funds until compliance is achieved.
3. Reciprocity Compact Toolkit
A federally developed toolkit will help states adopt a standardized, legally sound reciprocity compact, modeled after the successful Nurse Licensure Compact and Interstate Compact for Occupational Therapists.
The toolkit includes sample legislation, compliance checklists, and grant eligibility documentation.
4. Portable “Skills-to-Cert Digital Passport”
Veterans receive a federally verified digital wallet/passport that includes their service history, MOS details, training hours, qualifications, and certifications.
This digital record will streamline application processes across all 50 states and territories.
5. Grant Program for State Implementation
Offers state workforce boards competitive grants (up to $5M per state) to update licensing systems, digitize workflows, train personnel, and increase public awareness of S2C options.
Differentiation from Existing Programs:
Unlike existing DOL or VA pilot programs:
S2C mandates cross-agency coordination and connects military experience directly to state-recognized licenses—not just job boards or employment counseling.
It attaches meaningful infrastructure funding leverage to motivate adoption at the state level.
It includes a federal digital passport and standardized equivalency documentation to eliminate duplicate training and redundant verifications.
Timelines are mandatory, not advisory—creating a true fast track for veterans.
Why It Matters:
Veterans leave the military with elite technical training and leadership experience—yet too many face unnecessary barriers just to continue the same work as civilians. The S2C Fast-Track Act respects what veterans have already earned and turns red tape into green lanes for prosperity, workforce growth, and family stability.
This plan also:
Addresses the skilled labor shortage in trades, logistics, and cybersecurity.
Reduces veteran unemployment and underemployment.
Increases economic productivity by immediately integrating veterans into high-demand sectors.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
% of participating states implementing reciprocity within 12 months.
Average time-to-licensure for veterans in participating states.
of licenses issued under S2C provisions.
Reduction in veteran unemployment in licensed trades.
of state grants awarded and funds utilized for implementation.
