Using the GI Bill to Get Certified in Your Career Field

Veterans looking to advance their careers through professional certifications can use VA education benefits through the GI Bill to help cover exam costs The GI Bill provides financial assistance to Veterans pursuing licensing, credentialing, or certifications required for civilian employment

Whether you need project management certification, IT certifications like CompTIA or Cisco, healthcare certifications, or licenses in skilled trades, the GI Bill can help pay for test fees. Read on to learn all about using your VA education benefits to gain professional certifications and licenses.

GI Bill Programs That Pay for Certification Exams

The main GI Bill programs that offer reimbursement for professional certification and licensure exams are

Post-9/11 GI Bill – Pays for testing fees, up to $2,000 per test.
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) – Reimburses test costs up to $2,000 per test.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) – Covers exam fees up to $2,000 per test.

So whether you qualify for Post-9/11 benefits or one of the Montgomery GI Bills, you can use your education benefits to pay for certification tests.

What Kinds of Certification Exams Are Covered?

The GI Bill will pay for certifications and licenses needed for civilian employment in all kinds of fields, including:

Healthcare – Nursing, radiology tech, dental assistant, paramedic, etc.
IT and Computers – CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft certifications
Trades – Welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, automotive mechanics
Business – Human resources, project management, Six Sigma, accounting
Teaching and Education – Teaching licenses, administrative credentials
Legal and Financial – Real estate broker license, security licenses

Virtually any license or certification required for a civilian job can be covered through the GI Bill. The key is that the test must be approved for VA benefits.

Getting Your Certification or License Exam Approved

For the GI Bill to pay for an exam, that test must be approved by the VA. Many major national certification and licensing exams are already approved. But if your specific exam is not, the licensing or credentialing organization can apply to get it approved.

The approval process ensures the test meets VA requirements and is generally accepted within its industry. Approval allows Veterans taking your exam to receive reimbursement through their GI Bill benefits.

How to Apply and Get Reimbursed

To use your GI Bill benefits for certification tests:

Find and register for your exam.
Check if your specific test is approved under the GI Bill.
Complete the application for licensing/certification reimbursement (VA Form 22-0803).
Submit proof of payment for the exam fees to the VA.
The VA will review your application and issue reimbursement for approved tests.

You can submit reimbursement applications before or after taking your exam. The GI Bill benefit pays only for the test fees, not other expenses like preparatory classes. There is no limit on the number of certification tests you can take.

The Importance of Licensure and Certification

Earning professional licenses and certifications can provide Veterans with many advantages as they transition to civilian careers.

Certifications Demonstrate Expertise

Completing certification exams shows you have mastered the core knowledge in your field. This expertise instantly gives you credibility with employers.

Certifications Improve Employability

Many professions require certain certifications and licenses to qualify for jobs. Getting certified makes you more competitive in the job market.

Certifications Increase Salaries

Those with certifications typically earn higher salaries than those without. Certifications allow you to advance and earn more.

Certifications Keep Skills Current

Ongoing certification keeps your skills up to date in fast-changing industries. Staying current improves job security.

Certifications Fulfill Continuing Education Requirements

Maintaining certifications earns CEUs for licensed fields like healthcare, engineering, accounting, etc.

Whether you work in IT, healthcare, business, the trades, or another field, earning key certifications will boost your expertise, employability, and salary potential.

Use the GI Bill to Invest in Your Future

Don’t let exam costs stop you from earning valuable certifications and licenses. The GI Bill provides thousands of dollars in benefits to cover testing fees for Veterans.

Along with job skills, the discipline and commitment needed to study for certifications also builds confidence that carries over into your career. Investing in professional credentials now can reward you with more job options, higher pay, and long-term success.

The GI Bill gives Veterans the financial support to pursue certifications while readjusting to civilian life. Consult the VA to learn more about getting your chosen certification or license exam approved for GI Bill benefits.

Popular Certifications Covered by the GI Bill

Here are some of the top certifications and licenses Veterans pursue using their GI Bill benefits:

Information Technology Certifications

CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
Cisco CCNA, CCNP
Microsoft MCSE, MCSA
Oracle DBA
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Healthcare and Medical Certifications

Registered Nurse (RN)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
EMT and Paramedic
Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Radiology Tech (RT)
Medical Assistant (CMA)

Trades Licenses

Commercial Driver’s License
Welding Certifications (AWS)
HVAC Certification
Electrical Licensing
Plumbing License

Business and Financial Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Six Sigma Green Belt
Human Resources (PHR, SPHR)
Life & Health Insurance License
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Other Popular Certifications

Teaching Licenses and Credentials
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Construction Licenses (General Contractor)
FAA Certificates (Pilot, A&P Mechanic)

Check out these high-demand certifications to advance your post-military career. The GI Bill helps make earning certifications affordable to Veterans.

Get Started Using Your Benefits Today

Don’t let the costs of exams stop you from earning valuable professional certifications or licenses. The GI Bill offers financial assistance to help you achieve credentials that can boost your career.

Find out which certifications are most important for the jobs you’re pursuing. Then apply to use your GI Bill benefits to cover testing fees. Investing in career credentials now will open doors to more opportunities and higher wages in your future civilian career.

Gi Bill Pay For Certifications

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill | The Do’s and Don’ts of 2023

FAQ

Can I use my GI Bill to pay for certifications?

For licensing and certification If you’re a Veteran and you qualify for the GI Bill, you may be able to use part of your entitlement to cover test fees up to $2,000 for a job that requires a license or certification in order for you to work. You can use our search tool to learn which tests are covered and their costs.

Will the VA pay for professional certifications?

VA pays only the test costs, or up to $2,000 for each test. Fees connected with obtaining a license or certification are not reimbursable. Payment is issued after you submit proof of payment to VA. Find out how your GI Bill entitlement will be charged for taking a Licensing and Certification benefit.

Will VA pay for CompTIA certification?

CompTIA certification exams are approved on the GI Bill and can be reimbursed with GI Bill funds. If you are interested in a training program, then we suggest that you work directly with authorized training partners that are familiar with how GI Bill funding works for their training solutions.

Will the GI Bill pay for Six Sigma certification?

Purdue’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Principles, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt courses are eligible for the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. Check your eligibility or enrollment status on eBenefits, online at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Does the GI Bill pay for certification tests?

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. The following is a summary of the GI Bill license and certification reimbursement program.

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.

What are GI Bill benefits?

GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training. Learn more about GI Bill benefits on this page—and how to apply for them.

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.