Pursuing a career in real estate is a popular choice for many veterans looking to transition to civilian life after active military duty, The process to become a licensed real estate agent can be quick – often only taking a few weeks if you know the steps,
The first key step is obtaining your state-issued real estate license, which requires taking pre-licensing courses and passing exams On average, real estate licensing courses cost $400-$1000 when you factor in the class fees, licensing fees, exam fees, and more
This is where your GI Bill benefits come in handy. If you are a veteran or were honorably discharged from the military, you can use your GI Bill to fully or partially cover the costs of your real estate licensing courses and exams.
In this complete guide we will break down
- How the GI Bill education benefits work
- What specific GI Bill programs apply to real estate licensing
- The steps to take in order to get approved for GI Bill reimbursement
- Why real estate is a great career path for veterans
- Finding a state-approved real estate licensing program
Overview of GI Bill Education Benefits
The GI Bill refers to a series of education benefit programs run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for active duty, reservists, National Guard members and their families.
These benefits help servicemen and women cover education and training costs for approved programs related to their military service. While the GI Bill is commonly associated with college tuition, it can also be used for licenses, certifications, and bootcamps.
For real estate licensing specifically, the GI Bill helps cover:
- The costs of pre-licensing courses and materials
- State licensing exams & fees
- National licensing exams & fees
The specific GI Bill programs that apply to real estate licensing include:
- Post 9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
The portion of your benefit funds that can be used per test is capped at $2,000. However, real estate licensing exams typically cost $50 or less, so veterans can retake them multiple times until passing.
Steps to Get GI Bill Approved for Real Estate Licensing
If you want to use your GI Bill for real estate licensing, follow these key steps:
1. Apply for GI Bill benefits
Go to VA.gov and submit an application to determine your eligibility for the GI Bill and other education programs.
2. Enroll in a state-approved real estate pre-licensing program
Search for providers offering courses in formats you prefer – online, in-person, self-study etc. Ensure your program meets state requirements.
3. Pay for the exam and licensing fees out-of-pocket
You will pay for everything upfront and get reimbursed later.
4. Submit a reimbursement form
File VA Form 22-0803 with proof of exam payment. Do this within 1 year after taking the exam.
It takes the VA ~2 weeks to process first-time GI Bill reimbursement claims. The key is choosing an approved real estate licensing provider. This ensures the VA will reimburse you.
Why Real Estate is a Great Career for Veterans
Recent data shows 1 in 5 veterans ages 20-24 are unemployed – 3 times the national average. Many big real estate brokerages now actively recruit veterans through special programs.
Why? Military training equips veterans with many strengths that translate perfectly to a real estate career:
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Can-do mindset: never giving up on getting the job done, which provides clients peace of mind.
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Cross-functional skills: problem-solving, organization, discipline. Helpful when juggling real estate agent duties.
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Ability to assess situations: keeping calm and carrying on. Critical when adapting to the ever-changing housing market.
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Delivering information: explaining contracts in an easy-to-understand way. Prevents clients from getting confused.
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Timely and professional: never late and always prepared. Being punctual is key for showings, open houses, etc.
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Team players: cooperating smoothly with others. Useful if you join a real estate team.
Simply put, the adaptability, work ethic and resilience honed during military service make veterans perfectly suited for real estate careers.
Finding a State-Approved Real Estate Course
The GI Bill will only reimburse the costs of approved real estate licensing courses and exams. This means it’s crucial to enroll in a state-approved pre-licensing program.
Each state has its own educational requirements for real estate licensure. For example:
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Michigan requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education
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Texas requires 180 hours
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Florida requires 63 hours
When searching for an approved program, look for the following:
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Check your state real estate commission website for a list of approved course providers
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Confirm the school is licensed/certified by your state
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Look for approval seals from real estate commissions on the school’s website
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Reach out to the provider to ask for certification numbers
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Search the VA WEAMS database for approved real estate programs in your state
Doing your homework protects you from spending money on courses that won’t be covered by the GI Bill.
The bottom line is that the GI Bill can certainly assist with the costs of obtaining your real estate license. Just make sure to choose a state-approved program, take the required steps to apply for reimbursement, and the rest falls into place!
How do I know if I qualify?
Everyone in the following Department of Veterans Affairs and GI Bill programs are qualified to avail of this benefit:
- The post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty and Selected Reserve
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance
- The Fry Scholarship
To find out whether you are eligible for any of these programs, visit the VA.gov website.
Can the GI Bill help me get a Real Estate Agent License?
The GI Bill is an education benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for members of Active Duty, Selected Reserve, and National Guard Armed Forces, as well as their families or dependents. It is aimed to help shoulder education or training costs in covered fields of study. While everyone knows the GI Bill will cover traditional college tuition, many people don’t realize that it will cover many certifications such as a real estate agent license.
Qualified recipients of the GI Bill can be reimbursed for any (covered) licensing and certification tests they take, regardless if they pass or fail. The maximum amount of reimbursement per test is $2000, and you can retake the test as many times as you need to. The cost of the test will be deducted from your total months of remaining benefits based on your monthly benefit rate for full-time training. This will apply each time you take a licensing or certification test, or retake one that you previously failed.
It is important to note that this only applies for the test costs, and not on any other licensing fees, such as registering with the State Board.
How To Use The GI Bill To Get A Real Estate License?
FAQ
What schooling does the GI Bill cover?
What trades can I use my GI Bill for?
How long does real estate school take in VA?
Will the GI Bill pay for certifications?
Can GI Bill benefits pay for Real Estate certification?
The VA official site says GI Bill benefits may be used to pay for licensing and certification tests which may include approved real estate certifications.
Can the GI Bill help you become a real estate agent?
The good news is that the GI Bill can help. If you are a veteran or have been honorably discharged from the military, then you can use your GI Bill benefits to pay for your real estate licensing course and even your exam. We’ll break down exactly how the GI Bill benefits can help you, step by step. How do I become a real estate agent?
Does the GI Bill cover real estate license costs?
You can take advantage of the benefits you are qualified for at any time. As a refresher, the GI Bill can definitely help you cover the cost of getting a real estate license. The VA will reimburse licensing costs, and the steps to get the reimbursement are easy.
How much does GI Bill Pay?
The amount you get depends on which GI Bill program you use and what school you go to. We pay you at the end of each month for the hours you’ve spent training. Post-9/11 GI Bill: We pay a monthly rate that depends on the type of school you’re enrolled in.
Does the VA pay for a GI Bill exam?
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides reimbursement for licensing and certification tests that have been specifically approved for VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The VA can pay only for the cost of the tests, not any other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification.
Can I get education benefits through the GI Bill?
You may be eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill if you meet both of these requirements. Both of these must be true: Who’s covered? What benefits can I get? Note: If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can also get a monthly housing allowance (MHA). How much money will I get?