Get Your Certifications Paid For: How the GI Bill Covers Your Professional Licenses

Have you served in the military and now looking to break into a civilian career? Good news – that GI Bill benefit you earned isn’t just for college degrees! Many veterans don’t realize their GI Bill can actually pay for professional certifications and licenses that could land them high-paying jobs without spending years in classrooms.

As a veteran myself, I was shocked when I found out my benefits could cover my IT certifications. It literally saved me thousands of dollars! Let me break down exactly how the GI Bill certification benefits work and how to claim what’s rightfully yours.

What Exactly Does the GI Bill Cover for Certifications?

The GI Bill is seriously generous when it comes to professional certifications. Eligible service members and veterans can use the GI Bill to pay for up to $2,000 in fees for civilian occupational licensing and certification exams. This is a game-changer for those transitioning to civilian careers.

Here’s the best part – this benefit is available even if you’re already using your GI Bill for other education benefits. So you can be working on your degree AND getting certifications at the same time!

The VA will reimburse you for

• The cost of the test itself
• Registration fees
• Administrative fees

What’s not covered? Any fees related to actually getting the physical license or certification document. That’s on you, but it’s usually minimal compared to the exam costs.

Which GI Bill Programs Cover Certification Tests?

Not sure if your specific GI Bill program qualifies? Let me clear that up. You can get reimbursement for licensing and certification tests if you’re covered under one of these benefits:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

If you haven’t applied for your VA education benefits yet, you’ll need to do that first before you can claim certification test costs.

How Many Tests Can I Take?

This is where it gets really good! The VA will pay for as many licensing and certification tests as you want to take, as long as:

1. You have remaining entitlement
2. You use your benefits within the time limit

And here’s another awesome thing – the VA will pay you back even if:

• You didn’t pass the test
• You need to take the same test multiple times
• You need to retake a test to recertify or keep a license you already have

So don’t worry about “wasting” your benefit on a failed attempt. The VA has your back!

Which Certification Tests Are Covered?

This is important – not every certification test out there is covered. The test must be approved for the GI Bill. The good news is that TONS of tests are approved, from IT certifications to medical licenses to skilled trade credentials.

The VA has a super helpful search tool where you can look up which tests are covered. If you don’t see your test listed, don’t give up – it might be a valid test that just hasn’t been approved yet. In those cases, the VA encourages you to submit an application for reimbursement anyway.

When using the VA’s search tool, here’s a pro tip: in the “L&C Name” field, enter the general name of the license or certification (like “barber” or “project management”). And for category type, select “Both” to get the most comprehensive results.

How to Get Reimbursed for Your Certification Test

OK, so you’ve taken a test and want your money back. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Complete VA Form 22-0803 (Request for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees)

2. Gather supporting documents:

   • Copy of your test fee receipt
   • Copy of your test results OR a copy of your license/certification

3. Submit everything using one of these methods:

   • Online: Upload through QuickSubmit on AccessVA (fastest method!)
   • Mail: Send to your regional VA processing office

I personally recommend the online method – it’s faster and you don’t have to worry about lost mail. But either way works!

GI Bill Also Covers Prep Courses!

Wait, there’s MORE! Did you know the GI Bill can also cover courses that help you prepare for these certification tests? Yep!

The VA will cover prep courses for licensing and certification tests that they’ve already approved. The entitlement charges are prorated based on the actual cost of the prep course.

However, for prep courses specifically, you must be approved for either:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), or
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

The process for getting reimbursed for prep courses is similar but requires a different form: VA Form 22-10272 (Request for Reimbursement of Preparatory Course for Licensing or Certification Test).

Real-Life Examples of Valuable Certifications

Let me give you some concrete examples of certifications that can boost your earning potential:

All of these costs can be covered by your GI Bill benefits, leaving more money in your pocket!

My Personal Experience Using GI Bill for Certifications

When I left the service after 8 years, I was worried about finding good civilian employment. I had experience in IT from my military role, but employers wanted to see certifications.

I used my GI Bill to cover the costs for CompTIA Network+, Security+, and later a Cisco certification. These would have cost me well over $1,000 out of pocket! Instead, I paid nothing. Within 3 months, I landed a job paying $15K more than what I would’ve qualified for without those certs.

The reimbursement process was pretty simple too. I submitted my forms online, and within about 2-3 weeks, I had my money back. The hardest part was just figuring out which forms to fill out – which is why I wrote this guide for you!

Common Questions About GI Bill Certification Benefits

How much entitlement will be charged for my test?

The VA charges your entitlement based on the amount they pay you. For example, under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, they charge one month of entitlement for every $2,122.81 paid (as of the 2023 academic year rates). So a $500 test would use much less than a month of your benefits.

Can I use this benefit if I’ve already used up some of my GI Bill?

Yes! As long as you have some entitlement remaining, you can use it for certification tests.

What if my test costs more than $2,000?

The maximum reimbursement for any single test is $2,000. If your test costs more, you’ll need to pay the difference.

How long do I have to use this benefit?

It depends on your specific GI Bill program, but generally:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: 15 years from your last discharge (Forever GI Bill removed this limit for some)
• Montgomery GI Bill: 10 years from your last discharge

Can dependents use this benefit?

Yes, if they’re eligible for Chapter 35 benefits (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance), they can use this for certification tests as well.

Tips for Making the Most of Your GI Bill Certification Benefits

1. Research high-demand certifications in your field before spending your benefits.
2. Take practice exams first to make sure you’re ready for the real test.
3. Keep ALL receipts and documentation related to your tests.
4. Submit for reimbursement immediately after taking the test – don’t wait months!
5. Use the online submission system whenever possible for faster processing.
6. Combine with prep courses for the best chance of passing on your first try.

Need Help? How to Contact the VA

If you have questions or run into issues, you’ve got options:

• Contact the VA online through Ask VA
• Call them at 888-442-4551 (TTY: 711)
  • They’re available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! The VA representatives can walk you through any confusing parts of the process.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Money on the Table!

Your GI Bill benefits are part of the compensation you earned through your service. Don’t leave this money on the table! Professional certifications can dramatically increase your earning potential and employment options without requiring years of schooling.

I’ve seen too many veterans let their GI Bill benefits expire unused because they didn’t realize all the ways they could use them. Don’t be one of them!

Take some time today to research certifications in your field of interest, check if they’re covered by the GI Bill, and make a plan to level up your career. Your future self will thank you for it!

Have you used your GI Bill for certifications? Planning to? Drop a comment below about your experience or any questions you still have. I’m always happy to help fellow vets navigate these benefits!