The GI Bill can reimburse you for licensing and certification tests that have been specifically approved for the GI Bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs can pay you for the cost of the test as well as any preparatory course that is also approved.
As a veteran navigating the job market, getting certified in your field can greatly improve your chances of landing the right job. But test fees and prep courses can be expensive. Fortunately, the GI Bill offers financial support to help you achieve career-enhancing certifications.
In this article, I’ll walk through how the GI Bill works to cover licensing and certification exams and prep courses. As someone who has tapped into these benefits myself, I want to share tips so you can maximize this support as you advance your post-military career
GI Bill Programs That Cover Certification Costs
Several GI Bill programs provide reimbursement for approved licensing and certification tests. This includes:
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Post-9/11 GI Bill – Provides the most robust education benefits for veterans who served after September 10, 2001
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Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty – For those who enlisted after June 1985 and contributed $100/month while on active duty,
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Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve – For reservists with a 6-year commitment who are actively drilling.
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Survivors’ and Dependents’ Assistance – Provides benefits to eligible spouses and children of disabled or deceased veterans.
As long as you qualify for one of these programs, you can get reimbursement for certification exams. Be sure to apply and get approval before taking any tests.
What Testing Fees Are Covered?
The GI Bill will reimburse you for the actual cost of taking a licensing or certification test, including:
- The exam registration fee
- Administrative costs
- Test site fees
There is a $2,000 cap per test, but most exams cost far less. The VA approves hundreds of different certification exams across industries like healthcare, IT, business, construction trades, automotive repair, cosmetology, and more.
You can take a specific exam multiple times, or take multiple certification tests. The GI Bill will cover the cost each time, with no limit on attempts. The only requirements are having enough GI Bill entitlement left and finishing all exams before your benefit expires.
Steps to Get Reimbursed for Certification Tests
Follow these key steps to get your certification exam fees paid back:
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Find your exam in the VA’s approved list. Use the VA’s search tool to confirm your specific certification test is covered. If not listed, you can still submit a reimbursement claim for consideration.
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Apply for GI Bill benefits if you haven’t yet. You must have an approved GI Bill program to utilize the certification exam benefit. Submit the proper application for the GI Bill chapter you want to use.
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Schedule and take your certification test. Pay the fees upfront out of pocket. Be sure to get full receipts showing the charges paid.
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Complete VA Form 22-0803. This form requests reimbursement for licensing and certification tests. Attach receipts and proof you completed the test.
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Submit form and documents to the VA. You can upload online via VA.gov or mail to your VA regional office.
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Get reimbursed. The VA will review your submission and deposit the exam fee amount directly into your bank account once approved.
I recommend submitting your reimbursement paperwork as soon as possible after completing your test. The VA aims to process claims within 30 days.
Using GI Bill for Certification Prep Courses
In addition to the exam fees, the Post-9/11 GI Bill and DEA can also cover prep courses you take to get ready for certification tests.
These programs will pay the actual cost of an approved prep course on a prorated basis, using up a portion of your total GI Bill entitlement. Steps to have prep course fees paid are very similar to the reimbursement process for certification tests.
Just be aware that the prep course must be for a certification exam that the VA already recognizes. Also, courses cannot extend longer than the typical length of the actual licensing program.
Maximize Your Benefits for Career Success
As a veteran, take full advantage of the GI Bill benefits you’ve earned when it comes to gaining certifications. The financial assistance can remove the obstacle of testing and prep costs as you pursue meaningful civilian credentials.
Focus on certifications that align with your professional goals and passions. With hard work and commitment, the right certifications can help catapult your post-service career. Use your GI Bill wisely to invest in your future.
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.
