Does The Post 9/11 GI Bill Cover the Cost of Certificate Programs?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most generous educational benefit programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) This program provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents pursuing an education at colleges, universities, and trade schools across the country Many veterans wonder if the Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used to cover the costs of certificate programs. The short answer is yes, with some caveats.

What is a Certificate Program?

A certificate program is a non-degree occupational training program that provides specialized skills and knowledge for a particular career field or industry These programs are usually shorter in length than an associate or bachelor’s degree program and focus on practical, hands-on learning.

Some common examples of certificate programs include:

• Trade certifications like welding, automotive technology, construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work.

• Healthcare certifications like medical assisting, dental assisting, pharmacy technician, nursing assistant, EMT/paramedic.

• Business/technology certifications like bookkeeping, project management, IT, computer programming, cybersecurity.

• Personal service certifications like culinary arts, cosmetology, massage therapy, dog grooming.

Certificate programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, career colleges, and sometimes universities. Program length can range from a few weeks to a couple of years depending on the field.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility

To use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for a certificate program, you must first meet the basic eligibility criteria:

• You must have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, or were discharged for a service-connected disability after 30 days of continuous service.

• You must still be on active duty or were honorably discharged. A dishonorable discharge makes you ineligible.

• You cannot have declined Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill.

If you qualify for 100% benefits, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides:

• Full tuition and fees coverage for in-state students at public schools, or up to $26,042.81 per year at private/foreign schools.

• A monthly housing allowance based on the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents.

• An annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

Lower benefit tiers of 40-90% are available based on length of active duty service.

Using GI Bill for Certificate Programs

The great news is that certificate programs are considered an approved form of education and training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Here are some key points:

• Both vocational certifications (welding, automotive repair) and professional certifications (project management, medical coding) are covered.

• Benefits are paid directly to the school, not to the student.

• Tuition/fees are covered up to the $26,042.81 annual cap. If costs exceed the cap, veterans must pay the difference.

• BAH housing allowance and book stipend still apply.

• Programs must be VA-approved. Check WEAMS to see if a school/program is approved.

• Flight training may have restrictions.

• Benefits are paid on a proportional basis – a shorter certificate program = fewer total benefit payments.

Steps to Use Post-9/11 GI Bill for Certificates

Follow these key steps to use your GI Bill benefits for a certificate program:

1. Research schools and programs

• Make sure the program and school are VA-approved. Check WEAMS.

• Confirm credit hours and program length to estimate benefits.

• Consider public schools for lower costs.

2. Apply for your certificate program

• Follow the school’s standard application process.

• If needed, request military transcripts for proof of active duty service.

3. Submit VA form 22-1990

• Apply for GI Bill benefits online at www.va.gov or submit a paper VA form 22-1990.

4. Provide school VA form 22-1999

• This form confirms your GI Bill enrollment at the school.

5. Verify enrollment with VA

• Manage benefits at www.va.gov to verify enrollment.

• Update changes to enrollment as needed.

6. Use benefits payments

• The VA will directly pay the school for tuition and fees.

• Receive BAH housing allowance and book stipend benefits.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is flexible enough to cover certificate programs at technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, and universities. With over 90% of jobs today requiring some education after high school, using your earned benefits for career-oriented certifications and licenses can be a strategic move to gain expertise in a rewarding career field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about using the Post-9/11 GI Bill for certificate programs:

Can I use the GI Bill for any certificate program?

No, it has to be an approved program at an approved VA school. Always verify the program is in WEAMS before applying.

What if I don’t qualify for 100% benefits?

You can still use the GI Bill at reduced benefit rates if you have at least 90 days of active duty service. Tuition/fees coverage will be lower though.

Are there limits on how many certificates I can get?

No limits. You can use your benefits for multiple certificate programs as long as you have eligibility remaining.

Can I use VET TEC instead?

VET TEC only covers IT/tech programs at approved coding bootcamps. For other fields, the main GI Bill is better.

What if I’m on active duty – can I still use benefits?

Yes, but check with your education office about getting TA first before using GI Bill benefits.

Conclusion

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a great opportunity for veterans to cover the costs of earning an occupational certificate. These targeted training programs can open doors to meaningful and well-paying careers in fields like healthcare, skilled trades, business, and technology. With over 80% of certificate students reporting positive job impacts, utilizing those hard-earned GI Bill benefits for career-focused training is a smart move. Just remember to carefully research schools and programs, verify VA-approval, and submit the proper paperwork to get started!