Can I Use My Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits for Certificate Programs?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational assistance to veterans and servicemembers who served after September 10, 2001. This benefit can be used to help pay for degree programs at colleges and universities. But what about certificate programs? Can the Post-9/11 GI Bill be used to cover the costs of certificate programs as well?

The short answer is yes – under certain conditions, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can be utilized to pursue certificate programs at approved institutions. Keep reading to learn more about how this benefit applies specifically to certificates.

Overview of Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

First, let’s review some key facts about the Post-9/11 GI Bill:

• Provides up to 36 months of benefits for education and training
• Pays tuition and fees directly to the school, up to the maximum in-state tuition rate
• Provides a monthly housing allowance
• Covers up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies
• Benefits are tiered based on length of active duty service
• No time limit to use benefits after discharge

This is considered one of the most comprehensive education benefits available through the VA Now let’s look at how certificates are covered

Using GI Bill for Certificate Programs

The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used for certificate programs offered by colleges, universities, and technical training schools.

Here are some key requirements:

• The certificate program must be offered by an institution that is approved for GI Bill benefits.
• The program should lead to employment, like career or technical training.
• The certificate should take at least one regular school term to complete with standard class schedules.
• Programs designed just for exam prep or certification tests are often not covered.

So in short, pursuing a comprehensive certificate program at an approved school is eligible for funding through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Some examples of popular certificate programs that qualify include

• IT and computer certificates
• Medical and healthcare certificates
• Trades certificates like welding, construction, mechanics
• Business certificates in areas like accounting, human resources, project management

As long as the certificate requires classroom or lab work and meets VA timeline standards, the tuition costs can be covered by GI Bill benefits

How Much GI Bill Coverage is Provided?

If you are attending a certificate program at least half-time, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides the following:

• Full tuition and fees – The VA will pay your tuition and fees directly to the school, up to the maximum in-state tuition rate.
• Monthly housing allowance – You will receive a monthly stipend equal to the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents based on the zip code for your school.
• Up to $1,000 per year for books – You can be reimbursed up to $1,000 per academic year for required books, supplies, equipment, and other fees.

So in most cases, the GI Bill will cover the complete cost of a certificate program. The only out-of-pocket expense may be any supplies over $1,000 per year.

How to Apply for GI Bill Benefits

To start using your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for a certificate program, you need to complete the application process:

• Apply for benefits – You can submit your application on the VA website at www.va.gov. Make sure you have your military discharge papers.
• Get accepted to a program – Research certificate programs and gain admission to one that has been approved for GI Bill.
• Submit enrollment paperwork – Work with the certifying official at your chosen school to submit all required VA paperwork.
• Verify your enrollment with VA – Confirm everything is in order for the VA to start dispensing your benefits.

The entire process takes about 30-45 days from the time you initially apply to when benefits kick in. So make sure to plan ahead and get everything submitted early.

Examples of GI Bill-Eligible Certificate Programs

To give you a better idea of certificate programs covered by the GI Bill, here are some examples in popular career fields:

Technology Certificates

• A+ certification
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CompTIA Security+

Healthcare Certificates

• Medical Assistant
• Phlebotomy Technician
• EKG Technician
• Pharmacy Technician

Business Certificates

• Accounting
• Human Resources
• Administrative Assistant
• Digital Marketing

Skilled Trade Certificates

• HVAC Technician
• Automotive Technology
• Welding Technology
• Electrical Technician

And many more in almost every career field! As long as the program meets the VA requirements, you can use the GI Bill for the certificate tuition costs.

Alternative Options for Certification Exam Fees

One important note is that the GI Bill does not cover exam registration fees for certifications. So if your program is designed just for exam prep, it likely won’t be covered.

However, there are a couple options to get assistance with certification exam fees:

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) – If you have a service-connected disability rating, VR&E may cover exam fees.
• GI Bill Licensure Reimbursement – You can be reimbursed up to $2,000 for a licensing or certification test after passing.

So while the main GI Bill benefit doesn’t directly pay for certifications, you can utilize other programs for that specific cost.

Put Your GI Bill to Work for Career Training

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a great benefit to help veterans and military families pursue education and training for career advancement. Instead of just college degrees, this can also be used for certificate programs at approved schools and institutions.

Certificates allow you to quickly gain skills and knowledge targeted for many in-demand jobs. You can become job-ready within weeks or months. This allows you to get a head start on a stable and rewarding civilian career path with your GI Bill benefits.