Professional Development Skills and Programs
LEVEL I - Orientation
Level One provides you with the foundations of Civil Air Patrol missions, policies and opportunities for service. To complete Level One of Civil Air Patrol's professional development program, you will need to complete the following:
a. The CAP Foundations Course.
b. Online Cadet Protection Program Training (CPPT).
c. Online Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness Training
Completing Level One earns you the membership ribbon and completes one of the eligibility requirements for promotion. To get started visit the Online Level I information page.
LEVEL II - Technical Training
During this level, you will complete the Squadron Leadership School (SLS). This school is designed to enhance your effectiveness at the squadron level.
You will need to be enrolled in at least one of CAP's "Specialty Tracks."
To complete this level and earn the Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Award, you will become technician rated in a specialty track (earning the leadership ribbon), and will also complete the "CAP Senior Officer Correspondence Course" (ECI-13) (Registration Form)
LEVEL III - Management
During this level, you will complete the Corporate Learning Course (CLC). This course is designed to broaden your understanding of CAP operations at the wing level. CLC is typically organized by your wing and lasts 12 hours, usually over a two day period.
To complete this level and earn the Grover Leoning Award and the Loening ribbon, you will become senior rated in a specialty track, attend two major conferences and serve in a staff or command assignment for at least one year. See CAPR 50-17 for details on these requirements.
LEVEL IV - Command and Staff
During this level, you will complete National Staff College (NSC). This college is by invitation only from your wing commander and is limited in enrollment to CAP majors or higher grade.
To complete this level and earn the Gill Robb Wilson Award and Wilson ribbon, you will serve as a staff member in a region or national level course (or director of a wing level course), conduct a Level One Program in your squadron, and serve in a staff or command assignment for at least three years.
LEVEL V - Executive
During this level, you will complete Region Staff College (RSC). This college is designed to give you more tools to use in your staff and command assignments in CAP.
To complete this level and earn the Paul Garber Award and Garber ribbon, you will become master rated in a specialty track, serve as a staff member in a wing level course or conference, serve in a staff or command assignment for at least two years.