AFPD36-37 — Space Professional Development

AFPD36-37 governs Air Force space professional development, including leadership responsibilities, authorities, education, training, and experience.

Search AFPD36-37

  • Publication number: AFPD36-37
  • Title: SPACE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Date: 2006-03-23

View AFPD36-37 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes the Space Professional Development Program and defines roles for managing space professionals and their career development. It sets education, training, experience, certification, and developmental education requirements for Credentialed Space Professionals.

Applies to: It applies to the Total Force Credentialed Space Professional Community (CSPC), which includes officers, civilians, enlisted, Guard and Reserve who design, acquire, employ, operate, and integrate our nation’s military space capabilities.

Topics covered

  • Space Professional Development Program
  • Credentialed Space Professionals
  • Space education continuum
  • Space professional certification standards
  • Space-related career fields
  • Developmental Education

Questions and answers

What is the purpose of AFPD36-37?

The purpose of this Directive is to delineate key leadership responsibilities and authorities for managing the Air Force Space Professional Development Program (SPDP). (paragraph 1)

What education continuum does AFPD36-37 establish?

The cornerstone of SPDP is a space education continuum—Space 100, 200 and 300—that reinforces USAF space cultural awareness throughout a CSP’s career. (paragraph 4)

What do Credentialed Space Professional members have to attain?

Credentialed Space Professional members are expected to attain appropriate education, training and experience commensurate with their rank, responsibilities and career progression, as mandated by approved Space Professional certification standards. (paragraph 5)

What is the minimum purpose of the Space Professional Development Program?

At a minimum, SPDP is designed to improve joint warfighting knowledge and skills, and prepare individuals in space-related duties to assume progressively higher levels of responsibility. (paragraph 5)

Who develops programs for initial Credentialed Space Professional qualifications?

Air Education and Training Command will develop programs to satisfy initial qualifications of Credentialed Space Professionals based on AFSPC requirements. (paragraph 6)

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