Earning professional certifications and licenses can give your career a serious boost But test fees and prep courses can get expensive Fortunately, the GI Bill offers financial assistance to help cover these costs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly how you can use your GI Bill benefits to get certified.
Overview of GI Bill Certification Benefits
The GI Bill provides reimbursement for approved licensing and certification exams allowing Veterans to take tests for free. This perk covers the exam registration fee and any administrative costs up to $2,000 per test.
The GI Bill also covers prep courses to help you study for licensing and certification exams. So you can use your benefits to pay for test prep training from a school or education provider.
To qualify, you must already be eligible for one of these GI Bill programs:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
You can take as many certification tests and prep courses as you want as long as you have remaining GI Bill entitlement. Keep reading to learn exactly how it works.
The GI Bill Covers These Licensing and Certification Tests
The GI Bill reimburses fees for tests that lead directly to employment. This includes exams for state licenses, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and federal or state job requirements.
Hundreds of different tests are approved for GI Bill coverage. We’ve prepared a handy search tool to look up which certifications are eligible. Just enter the name of the license or certification you want, and you’ll see all the related tests we cover.
Common examples include:
- Contractor licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Healthcare certifications (CNA, LPN, paramedic)
- IT certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft)
- Project management certifications (PMP, Lean Six Sigma)
- Teacher certifications (state teaching license exams)
Be sure to verify that your exam is on the approved list before registering. If you don’t see your test listed, go ahead and submit an application. We’re continually expanding the list of covered certifications.
How to Get Reimbursed for Certification Exam Fees
Using your GI Bill benefits to get certified is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Register and pay for your test.
Go ahead and sign up and pay for your licensing/certification exam as usual. Save your receipt.
2. Fill out VA Form 22-0803.
This form allows you to request reimbursement. Download it from the VA website.
3. Submit the form along with your test receipt.
You can upload your documents online through the VA’s AccessVA portal. Or mail them to your VA regional office.
4. Get reimbursed!
Once approved, the VA will deposit the reimbursement directly into your bank account. It takes 30-45 days to process.
And that’s all there is to it! The GI Bill will refund you the full exam registration cost, up to $2,000. Take advantage of this great benefit to certify for free.
The GI Bill Also Covers Prep Courses
Passing a professional licensing or certification exam requires proper preparation. That’s why the GI Bill offers financial assistance for test prep training.
The VA approves certain prep courses that align with certification tests already covered by the GI Bill. So you can use your benefits to pay for preparatory instruction and materials.
Examples include:
- Barbering or cosmetology exam prep courses
- NREMT paramedic test prep
- Prep classes for teacher certification exams
- Series 7 study guides and classes
Benefits can cover the cost of prep classes from vocational schools, colleges, private companies, or any approved provider. The VA will prorate your entitlement charges based on the actual fee for the prep course.
How to Use the GI Bill for Test Prep Courses
Follow these steps to use your benefits for a prep course:
1. Enroll in an approved prep class.
Find a prep course that prepares you for an eligible certification exam. Confirm it’s on the VA’s approved list.
2. Fill out VA Form 22-0803.
Download the form and select the option for test prep courses.
3. Submit the form with proof of enrollment.
Upload online or mail to your VA office along with documentation of your enrollment.
4. VA will pay the prep course provider directly.
Once approved, the VA will issue payment for the course directly to the school or program.
Using your GI Bill for a prep course is a great way to fully prepare while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.
Key Tips for Using GI Bill Certification Benefits
- To qualify, you must already be eligible for a GI Bill education program.
- There’s no limit on the number of tests or prep courses you can be reimbursed for.
- You can retake a test you already passed to renew or recertify.
- Benefits cover prep for any approved test, even if it’s your first attempt.
- The VA doesn’t reimburse the actual license or certificate fee, just the exam.
Contact the VA with Any Questions
- Call 888-442-4551 (TTY: 711)
- Chat online at https://www.va.gov
- Email or message your VA regional office
The GI Bill provides an amazing opportunity to earn certifications and licenses at no cost. Take advantage of these benefits to pursue the career you want!
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
Amanda Miller is an editor and writer for Military.com specializing in coverage of military and veteran pay and benefits. She became a journalist in the 1990s, began covering the military in 2007 for Military Times, and has since contributed to a number of military-oriented publications including Military Officer Magazine, The War Horse, and Air & Space Forces Magazine. Read Full Bio © Copyright 2024 Military.com. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Military.com, please submit your request
Overview of the GI Bill Certification Program
In todays business and federal workforce, having a license or certification can open doors. Many professions, such as jobs subject to state or other government regulations, require a license. Certification is voluntary but frequently sought. Thats because getting a certification can help you get, keep or advance in a job.
In professions such as mechanic, realtor, medical technician, project manager, computer network engineer and many more, its clear that certifications play a key role.
You can receive reimbursement of up to $2,000 per test but not more than the actual cost of the test. You can receive benefits to retake a test if you fail. The number of tests you can take is unlimited, except that you cant receive benefits to retake a test you passed.
Note: Your total months of entitlement to VA education benefits will be reduced each time you use your benefits for licensing and certification. For the Post-9/11 GI Bill in the 2024-2025 academic year, you will be charged one month of GI Bill benefits for each $2,414.18 used.
You may receive this benefit if youre eligible for:
If you have never filed an application for education benefits, you need to apply online via the VAs website.
How Much Money I Made Using The Post 9/11 GI Bill
FAQ
Can I use my GI Bill to pay for certifications?
Will the VA pay for CompTIA certification?
Does the GI Bill pay for ASE certification?
Will the GI Bill pay for Six Sigma certification?
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.
How much does a GI Bill test cost?
• Pay for fees or costs related to getting the actual license or certification document. • Pay more than $2,000 in fees for one test. For tests taken after August 1, 2018, VA will prorate the entitlement charges under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the test.
Can I use my GI Bill for a certification test?
You can use your GI Bill benefits for a variety of certification and licensing tests. The VA will pay up to $2,000 per certification test – even if you don’t pass. Your benefits may also reimburse you for national testing fees, such as registration and administrative fees, as well as the costs of the tests.
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.
What can I use my GI Bill entitlement for?
You can also use your entitlement to cover the cost of certain licensure and certification exams and national tests. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, prorated entitlement may be used for approved licensing and certification exams and national tests. Previously, GI Bill beneficiaries were charged the rate of one month of entitlement.
How do I use my GI Bill benefits?
Here’s how to use your GI Bill Benefits for license or certification tests. The VA will only reimburse you for approved licensing, certification and testing. Before you commit to a test, check the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to ensure that it is VA approved.