What Is a JST? Understanding the Joint Services Transcript
For parents whose sons/daughters are joining the military, navigating the world of military education benefits can be understandably overwhelming. Coming from the civilian world yourself certainly doesn’t help your situation. This is especially true when it comes to understanding the Joint Service Transcript.
Understanding what a JST is and how it works can help you support your young service member in making the most of their military experience. So in this article, we’ll try to break it down as simply as possible.
What Is a Joint Services Transcript?
A Joint Services Transcript (JST) is essentially an official record that explains a service member’s military training and job experience in a way that schools and employers can understand. It helps colleges, universities, and employers recognize and evaluate the skills gained during military service. The JST provides a record of military courses, occupations, and college-level test scores, making it easier for service members to receive academic credit for their experience.
Who Can Access a JST?
The JST is available to active-duty, reserve, and veteran members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Those in the Air Force and Space Force receive their transcripts through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) instead. Service members can access their JST online, whether they are still in the military or have transitioned to civilian life.
What Information Does the JST Contain?
Here are some of the information the JST should contain:
Personal Service Data – Basic information about the service member.
Military Course Completions – Courses evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) with descriptions and credit recommendations.
Military Occupations – Job descriptions, skill levels, and potential academic credit recommendations.
College-Level Test Scores – Results from exams such as CLEP, DSST, and Excelsior that may count for college credit.
Additional Training and Experience – Other learning experiences not evaluated by ACE but still part of the service member’s record.
How Does a JST Benefit Service Members?
Your young service member can benefit from the JST in some of the following ways:
College Credit Transfer – Many colleges accept JST credits, reducing the number of required courses and tuition costs.
Career Advancement – The transcript translates military experience into civilian language, making resumes and job applications stronger.
Guidance for Academic Advisors – Counselors can use the JST to help service members choose the best degree path based on their military background.
How to Request and Send a JST
When your son or daughter is ready, they can access their JST through the official JST website. After registering for an account, they can view, download, and print unofficial transcripts. To send an official transcript to a college or university, they must:
Log in to the JST website.
Click the “Transcript” link.”
Select “Official Transcript Request.”
Choose the desired institution and confirm the request.
There is no cost for sending JST transcripts to schools.
Understanding Credit Transfer
While JSTs provide recommended academic credits, acceptance varies by institution. Colleges will review:
ACE Recommendations – Suggested credit hours based on military training.
Course Equivalency – How military experience aligns with degree requirements.
Test Scores – Credit awarded for CLEP and DSST exams.
Some schools may accept all, some, or none of the recommended credits. However, it’s helpful for service members to research their chosen institution’s policies before applying.
Conclusion
The Joint Services Transcript is a very important tool that helps service members maximize their military education and experience for academic and career success. As a parent, understanding how the JST works can help you guide your young service members in making informed decisions about their future.
Useful Resources
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) - The Air Force’s accredited college that provides education and degree programs for enlisted service members
Joint Services Transcript (JST) - An official record that translates military training and experience into civilian college credit.
