MRE Certification

The Military Recruiter Endorsed (MRE) certification validates the knowledge and expertise of active U.S. military members and veterans transitioning to civilian recruitment roles. This certification assesses your ability to navigate the civilian hiring landscape, translate military experience to civilian roles, and uphold ethical recruitment practices.

Professionals who earn the MRE certification demonstrate a high standard of proficiency and are equipped to bridge the gap between military and civilian recruitment environments.

Certified individuals may use the MRE designation after their name to reflect their achievement.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the MRE certification, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Be an active U.S. military member or a U.S. veteran.

  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional recruitment practices and standards.

Exam Overview

The MRE certification exam evaluates the core competencies required to succeed in civilian recruitment. It includes seven modules with a total of 175 questions. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 15 incorrect answers to pass the exam.

  • Format: Online, proctored exam

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Passing Score: 91% (160/175 correct answers)

The exam assesses candidates on three dimensions of knowledge:

  • Factual (What): Understanding key concepts and definitions.

  • Conceptual (Why): Recognizing the importance and reasoning behind practices.

  • Procedural (How): Applying methods to real-world scenarios.

Exam Content

The MRE exam is structured as follows:

  • Civilian Recruitment Environments: 35 questions

  • Legal and Ethical Considerations in Hiring: 70 questions

  • Civilian Recruiting Technologies and Tools: 65 questions

  • Candidate Engagement and Relationship Building: 60 questions

  • Transitioning Military Skills to Civilian Requirements: 50 questions

  • Industry-Specific Recruiting and Hiring Needs: 35 questions

  • Building an Employment Brand and Candidate Experience: 30 questions

Authorized Training and Study Guidelines

While not required, candidates are encouraged to take exam preparation courses offered by third-party training providers that align with ARA certification standards. These courses cover the topics included in the exam and help candidates prepare for certification.

ARA provides:

  • Study Guidelines: Outlines the certification standards and recommended areas of focus.

  • Textbooks: Comprehensive resources covering civilian recruitment practices, military-to-civilian transition, and ethical hiring.

Maintaining Certification

The MRE certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, individuals must:

  • Pass a fee-exempt renewal exam, or

  • Provide proof of meaningful work demonstrating ongoing application of certification standards.

Why Earn the MRE Certification?

The MRE certification sets you apart as a professional equipped to excel in civilian recruitment roles while leveraging military experience. It demonstrates your commitment to ethical hiring practices, strengthens your career prospects, and helps bridge the gap between military and civilian hiring environments.

CST Certification

The Certified SATCOM Technician (CST) certifies competency in foundational SATCOM operations, including understanding electromagnetic wave properties, RF fundamentals, and interference prevention. It validates the candidate’s ability to install and align VSAT systems, configure uplink/downlink frequencies, and adhere to industry safety standards. CST demonstrates readiness to perform entry-level technical tasks in satellite communications.

Certified individuals may use the CST designation after their name to reflect their achievement.

Eligibility Criteria

The Tactical SATCOM Specialist (TSS) certification is designed for professionals working in tactical and secure satellite communications environments. Ideal candidates include:

  • Verify you fit one of the “who is this for” persons

  • Verify you meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person)

  • Ability to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators

  • Ability to operate a computer; email, browsing, logging in, zoom or similar, and other basic functions

  • Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams

Exam Overview

The MRE certification exam evaluates the core competencies required to succeed in civilian recruitment. It includes seven modules with a total of 175 questions. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 15 incorrect answers to pass the exam.

  • Format: Online, proctored exam

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Passing Score: 91% (160/175 correct answers)

The exam assesses candidates on three dimensions of knowledge:

  • Factual (What): Understanding key concepts and definitions.

  • Conceptual (Why): Recognizing the importance and reasoning behind practices.

  • Procedural (How): Applying methods to real-world scenarios.

Exam Content

The CST exam is structured as follows:

  • Electromagnetic Wave Properties

  • Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals

  • VSAT Installation and Alignment

  • Interference Prevention

  • Modulation and Access Methods

  • Safety Standards and Best Practices

  • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

  • SATCOM System Overview

Authorized Training and Study Guidelines

While not required, candidates are encouraged to take exam preparation courses offered by third-party training providers that align with ARA certification standards. These courses cover the topics included in the exam and help candidates prepare for certification.

ARA provides:

  • Study Guidelines: Outlines the certification standards and recommended areas of focus.

  • Textbooks: Comprehensive resources covering civilian recruitment practices, military-to-civilian transition, and ethical hiring.

Maintaining Certification

The MRE certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, individuals must:

  • Pass a fee-exempt renewal exam, or

  • Provide proof of meaningful work demonstrating ongoing application of certification standards.

Why Earn the MRE Certification?

The MRE certification sets you apart as a professional equipped to excel in civilian recruitment roles while leveraging military experience. It demonstrates your commitment to ethical hiring practices, strengthens your career prospects, and helps bridge the gap between military and civilian hiring environments.