Overview
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a comprehensive Department of Defense program designed to help service members, retirees, and their families prepare for successful transitions to civilian life.
Note: This guide covers the official DoD TAP program. For a broader look at the entire transition process, refer to our Complete Military Transition Guide.
What is TAP?
TAP is a mandatory education and career counseling program for all service members separating or retiring from active duty. The program provides:
- Video Curriculum: Self-paced courses replacing the old in-person sessions.
- Career Counseling: Guidance on job searching and career changes.
- Benefits Education: An overview of VA benefits and healthcare.
- Financial Planning: Resources for your financial future.
Who Should Complete TAP?
TAP is designed for:
- Active duty service members separating within 12 months
- Reserve Component members transitioning to civilian employment
- Retirees in their first 180 days of retirement
- Military spouses and family members (optional but highly encouraged)
TAP Curriculum Overview
The TAP curriculum is organized into five core modules:
- Transition Overview: Introduces the program and timeline.
- Financial Planning: Covers benefits, TSP, and budgeting. For a deeper dive, see our Financial Transition Planning Guide.
- Military-to-Civilian Career Transition: Focuses on resume writing and job search strategies.
- VA Benefits & Healthcare: Explains VA disability, healthcare, and the claims process. Our Complete VA Disability Claims Guide has more detail.
- Special Topics: Covers the GI Bill, family resources, and more.
Registration & Access
For Service Members (Active Duty & Reserves)
Registration Method: Use your CAC (Common Access Card) login
Access Portal: https://www.tapevents.mil/courses
Requirements:
- Valid military identification
- 90 days to complete all modules
- Recommended to start at least 6 months before separation
For Spouses & Family Members
Registration Method: Create a free civilian account
Access Portal: https://www.tapevents.mil/courses
Benefits:
- Free access to all curriculum
- Separate modules for spouse-specific topics
- Career transition support tailored for trailing spouses
- Family resource connections
Accessing TAP Curriculum Videos
Step-by-Step Access
-
Visit the TAP Portal: Go to https://www.tapevents.mil/courses
-
Log In:
- Service Members: Use your CAC card
- Family Members: Create or use existing account
-
Select Your Track:
- Military Track (if separating/retiring)
- Family Track (if family member)
-
Access Modules: Each module contains video lessons, handouts, and resources
-
Track Progress: Monitor your completion status and remaining modules
Recommended Timeline
- Start: 6 months before separation
- Monthly Pace: Complete 1 module per month (self-paced)
- Deadline: All modules must be completed within 90 days of start date
TAP Documents & Resources
Available Downloads
The TAP materials library includes:
- Official TAP Curriculum Guides: Supplementary materials for each module
- Transition Planning Forms: Worksheets for goal-setting and planning
- Benefits Application Documents: VA forms and benefit summary sheets
- Career Transition Templates: Resume, cover letter, and networking templates
- Budget Planning Worksheets: Financial planning tools and calculators
Access Documents
Portal: https://www.tapevents.mil/resources/documents
All documents are:
- Officially sanctioned by the Department of Defense
- Regularly updated with current forms and guidelines
- Free to download and use offline
- Printable in PDF format
Mobile Access
TAP courses are designed for desktop and tablet viewing but can be accessed on mobile devices:
- Best Experience: Desktop or tablet (recommended for video content)
- Mobile Access: Works on smartphones but may have limited functionality
- Video Streaming: Requires stable internet connection
- Offline Options: Download materials for offline review
Completing TAP Requirements
Mandatory Completion
For Service Members:
- All 5 core modules must be completed
- Completion certificate provided upon finishing
- Certificate required for separation authorization
- Typically takes 15-20 hours total
For Family Members:
- Optional but highly recommended
- Can complete at own pace
- Same quality curriculum as service member track
Certificate & Verification
Upon completion:
- Immediate digital certificate issued
- Transcript available for verification
- Can be shared with employers or educational institutions
- Military personnel file will be updated with completion status
Common Questions
How Long Does TAP Take?
- Video Time: 15-20 hours of actual content
- Completion Period: 90 days from start
- Self-Paced: Work at your own speed within the window
What If I Miss the Deadline?
- Contact your TAP counselor for extension options
- Extensions may be available for exceptional circumstances
- Complete as soon as possible - TAP completion may be required for separation
Can I Take TAP Multiple Times?
- Required completion: One time through full curriculum
- Can revisit specific modules for refresher
- Different modules if circumstances change
Will TAP Help Me Find a Job?
TAP is not a job placement service, but it provides:
- Resume writing strategies and templates
- Job search best practices
- Networking and interview techniques
- Career counseling resources
- Connection to employment resources
What About My Spouse?
- Spouses can complete the full TAP curriculum
- Specially designed spouse transition modules available
- Can complete same curriculum as service member
- Encouraged to participate in career transition planning
TAP Counseling & Support
Available Support Services
- Career Counselors: Professional guidance on civilian careers
- Financial Planners: Benefits and financial transition advice
- VA Benefits Specialists: Disability claims and benefits assistance
- Education Specialists: GI Bill and educational benefits guidance
Access Counseling
- Available during TAP courses
- One-on-one counseling sessions
- Group workshops available
- Contact through TAP portal or military transition office
Complementary Resources
While TAP provides foundational knowledge, these additional TAP-OS resources can deepen your understanding:
- Complete Military Transition Guide
- Financial Transition Planning Guide
- Complete VA Disability Claims Guide
Key Takeaways
✅ TAP is mandatory for most service members - plan to complete it
✅ Free and comprehensive - covers all major transition topics
✅ Flexible scheduling - 90-day window with self-paced learning
✅ Accessible to families - spouses and dependents can participate
✅ Official resources - directly from Department of Defense
✅ Completion required - needed for separation authorization
Next Steps
- Register at tapevents.mil with your CAC (if service member) or create an account (if family)
- Plan your timeline - aim to complete 6 months before separation
- Schedule modules - set weekly goals for completion
- Seek counseling - use one-on-one sessions for personalized guidance
- Combine with TAP-OS - use our guides to deepen your knowledge
Resources
- Official TAP Portal: https://www.tapevents.mil
- TAP Curriculum Videos: https://www.tapevents.mil/courses
- TAP Documents Library: https://www.tapevents.mil/resources/documents
- Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil
- VA.gov: https://www.va.gov