When can you use it? If your active duty service ended before January 1, 2013, you have 15 years to use your GI Bill benefits.

But, if you separated from the service on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit to your entitlement, thanks to the Forever GI Bill.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill is divides into two programs- Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). 

Are you eligible? There are 4 eligibility categories under the Montgomery GI Bill- Active Duty, which you can check out on the VA website, but basically, you need to have rendered at least 2 years of active duty service, and have been contributing $100 a month on your first year.

Your eligibility depends on whether you have completed 3 years of enlistment.

When can you use it? For the MGIB-AD, you have 10 years to use your benefits, while for the MGIB-SR, you can use your benefits for as long as you are in the Reserve.

If you believe that you are eligible for both GI Bills, you will have to choose which one to use- and this is an irrevocable decision.

The best way to go about this is to consult with a career counselor in your service branch, so you can weigh your options and figure out which GI Bill you can benefit the most from.

How Much GI Bill Money Can I Get for Trade School?

Let's say you are already under a GI Bill program. Now, you have to decide on which approach to take to take regarding your trade school education.

To help you do so, we have outlined the benefits you can get for each option.

Non-College Degree Program Payout

Post 9/11 GI Bill: The VA will pay up to the full in-state cost or the national maximum of $24,476.79, depending on your eligibility percentage. You may also get an MHA based on the location of your classes, as well as up to $83 a month for books and supplies.

Note: If you take a fully online program, your MHA will only be half of the national average.

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Montgomery GI Bill- Active Duty: The VA will pay up to $1,994 a month on tuition costs if you have completed at least 3 years of enlistment, or $1,619 if your active duty service was less than 3 years.

Montgomery GI Bill- Selected Reserve: The VA will pay up to $392 a month on tuition costs.

These rates further depend on your rate of pursuit. Use this table as a guide on how much you can receive depending on whether you study full time or less:

On-The-Job Training/ Apprenticeship Payout

Post 9/11 GI Bill: The VA will pay you a monthly stipend based on your applicable MHA. These rates vary depending on your training level. Use the table below as a guide:

Montgomery GI Bill: For both the MGIB-AD and MGIB-SR, the VA will pay you a monthly stipend at a fixed monthly rate based on how long you were on active duty service. Use the table below as a guide:

Note: All the rates mentioned above for all GI Bill programs are based on the payment rates for Academic Year 2019. These rates may vary each year. You can check out the current rates at the VA Rate Tables.

Licensing and Certification Payout

For both the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, the VA will reimburse you the actual test cost for the licensing or certification test you took, whether you passed or failed (up to $2000).

You can retake the test as many times as you need, and the VA will pay for it as long as you have remaining entitlement benefits. 

Note: This benefit is currently not applicable to MGIB-SR.

Pro-tip

Here is the best part yet: You don’t have to choose just one program in pursuing your trade school education!

You can study at a non-college degree institution, then take your apprenticeship with a VA accredited employer, and then get your license or certificate- and all of it will be covered by the GI Bill (provided, of course, that you have enough entitlement benefits)!

​

What Trades or Skills Can I Learn Using the GI Bill?

Earlier, we mentioned some of the most popular and in-demand career options that you can get into when you study at a trade school. Truthfully, you can be anything from being a yoga or dive instructor. The possibilities are endless!

But, you can also choose a career that is closely related to your role when you were in the military. This way, you already have the essential skills set, and can transition more easily to civilian life. 

Here are some of the top career choices related to your Military Occupation Specialty (MOS):

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Army: You can easily start a career in construction and heavy equipment operation, and earn a salary ranging from $45-71,000. Here are some jobs in this field:

• Architectural Drafting
• Carpentry
• Construction Management

Other lucrative options include truck driving and security related work.

Navy: The field of information technology (IT) might be right up your alley. You can earn anywhere from $62-82,000 by doing:

• Computer Network Support
• Computer Programming
• Web Development

Or, you can also pursue a career in aviation or dental hygiene.

Air Force: Your ideal career would be in the field of aviation, where you can earn a median salary of $52-62,000. Some of your job options include:

• Aircraft Maintenance
• Avionics Technician
• Airfield Operations Specialist 

Army National Guard: You might be looking for a career in the surveillance and law enforcement fields, where you can make $44-69,000 by becoming a:

• Security Systems Technician
• Municipal Firefighter
• Police Officer

You can even try out jobs in helicopter repair or food service.

Coast Guard: You know the ins and outs of operating water vessels, so it would be easy for you to get into the same field in the civilian community. Some of your career choices include:

• Vessel Operator
• Human Resources
• Ship Engineer

Marine Corps: The ideal choice of career for you lies in the clerical field, where you can make a median salary of $24-39,000. Some clerical jobs are:

• Accountant
• Medical Secretary
• Library Technician

Or, you can try a career in navigation and flight.

With the GI Bill, your opportunities are endless. Once you are ready to start on your journey to success in your civilian career, you can apply for veteran benefits at the VA website by using the Ask a Question button. 

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In case you are wondering what kind of skills you can get and learn in tactical training, here are the most relevant:

• DEFENSIVE TACTICS: It is an undergraduate study that focuses on personal safety. It teaches practical self-defense and develops skills in perception, analysis, escapes, and compromise, avoidance, blocking, throwing, and striking.
• EXECUTIVE PROTECTION: Also known as "Close protection", which is a training that involves security and risk reduction measures to protect a high profile person who is exposed to a threat. Maybe because of his/her social status, affiliations, employment, wealth, etc. Usually, celebrities and billionaires seek for this kind of protection. Some of the subjects to learn to include home security system, mail screening, background checks, etc.
• ARREST AND CONTROL: It is a course that teaches the basics of conflict management, handcuffing, and controlling a suspect as a part of security guard duties. It is useful knowledge for individuals working in the security or law enforcement fields.

How to Use the GI Bill for Tactical Training

Follow these steps in using your GI Bill for tactical training:

1. If you have already used your GI Bill in the past, make sure that you still have entitlement left. If you don’t have an account yet, create one here and check your status.

If you are already logged in, click the “View my status” and under the “Education” menu, click “Check Post 9/11 GI Bill Enrollment Status.”

You can view a summary of your used benefits in months and days. If it’s your first time to use it and you are awarded with 100% eligibility, you will start with 36 months.

2. Contact the school you have chosen to attend, at least 2 months before enrollment, and talk about your GI Bill.

Make sure they have been approved by the VA to accept the GI Bill.

They will then ask you to submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can download form VA 22-1990 here. Complete it and send it to a VA regional processing office near you.

3. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility and present this to your school.

4. Payments are based on the length of the course and will be sent to your school directly. VA ask may ask your school to submit paperwork. Make sure you also call the VA for any proof of payments for reimbursement. It could be a hotel, supplies or meals expenses.

Top GI Bill Schools for Tactical Training

Here are our picks for top schools offering tactical training where you can use your GI Bill to cover your expenses. Find other VA-certified schools by clicking here.

1. Pacific West Academy

It accepts GI Bill funding which offers a special program called the Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS). Here, you will be exposed to hands-on training by veterans from the US and Israeli Special Forces and Israeli Secret Service Operators.

The course needs 266 hours of classroom and physical training to complete and costs $12,947.00. 

It prepares you in your transition from military personnel to being a civilian working to give protection.

After completion of this program, you may find yourself working as a bodyguard for a celebrity.

You can also pursue a career in:

• Residential Protection: With the training and skills you acquired with this course, you can be a security guard for properties. You will secure premises and personnel by patrolling, inspecting buildings, monitoring surveillance equipment, etc.
• Executive Driving: You do not only transport your employers to their destination safely but also protect them. You oversee and maintain the safety of your client. You should be able to identify destiny locations, have navigations skills and quick decision-making abilities.
• Technical Surveillance Countermeasures: Your clients may be government and non-government organizations, law firms, financial institutions, and major corporations. Your main responsibility is to detect spying devices like hidden microphones or listening devices. You, as a skilled technician, should suggest corrective plans to neutralize the risk.

Here are the classes included in the CESS program:

•  Executive Protection Fundamentals (EP 1, 2)
• Executive Protection, Advanced (EP 3, 4, 5, 6)
•  CA BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit (FA 1, 2)
• Firearms Course, Advanced (FA 3, 4, 5, 6)
• Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC 1,2)
• Behavioral Analysis and Aggression Course (HRA 1, 2, 3)
• Operational & Supervisory Skills (OSS 1, 2, 3)
• Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC 1, 2, 3)
• CA BSIS Guard Card
• A BSIS Baton Permit
• Arrest and Control
•  CPR AHA
• Taser’
• Sexual Harassment
• Chemical Agents
• School Security Guard SB1626
• Job Placement/ Resume Writing

Find out more about this academy here.

2. Covered Six Academy

A VA-certified school that accepts GI Bill to cover your expenses as you train with them. It designed a certificate program with 40 | 80 | 200-hour courses. It combined classroom and hands-on interactive training.

Some of the topics and skills that you will learn in the curriculum are:

• Tactical Medicine (TECC): It is an intensive training that teaches medical skills to individuals that provide medical care to law enforcers, specifically the SWAT team and the military in a highly dangerous operation. Some of the topics include hemorrhage control, shock, advanced airway, chest compromise, mass casualties / active shooter response, hostage rescue, and others.
• WMD/ Terrorism Awareness: Learners will have a broad understanding of terrorism in this course. It also teaches how to recognize it, report, and react to a possible threat around a terrorist. It also talks about Weapons of mass destruction. Its definition, examples, components of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a list of some weapons that terrorists usually use.
• Career Development: Designed to allow individuals to evaluate and plan their future employment, as well as enhance and expand their knowledge and skills related to their jobs. Topics include Communication, Management, Negotiation, Writing, and Computer security.
• De-escalation: It is a training that teaches a learner how to communicate with a person with mental illness. It is a course that instructs a student how to asses as well as how to respond in a situation involving a mentally sick individual. It teaches violence prevention and recommends proper evaluation practices.

Other Skills Taught Include:

• Defensive Tactics
•  Firearms Training
• Arrest and Control
•  Legal Aspects
• Surveillance
•  Powers of Arrest
•  Less Lethal (Taser, Chemical Agents)
•  Imminent Threat/Active Shooter
• Executive Protection
• Report Writing
• FIRST AID / CPR / AED

You can learn more about Covered Six Academy here.

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3. SECFOR International

Another institution that is GI Bill-friendly, which offers a variety of training to choose from. 

 Let’s look at one of the certifications they offer and the skills and knowledge you can get from this program:

PROTECTIVE SECURITY CERTIFICATE (PSC). It is a 53-day (410 hours) protective education training. You have to undergo rigorous training protocols and prove your skills in challenging realistic conditions. You shall be given a certificate upon completion of this course that proves your skills and knowledge in the field of protecting high-threat environments.

These are the skills that you acquire while in this course:

• PSD Driving Package. Considered the most comprehensive program among others, which provide hands-on experience. You will be trained in the most difficult condition of roads, like asphalt and unimproved roads. No easy parking lots of training, rather than a 1.2-mile road with dangerous surfaces like cut-outs and crossroads. This 7-day training lets you experience to drive a variety of vehicles with competent instructors.
• High-Risk First Responder. This is medical training that teaches responders how to rescue and provide initial care to patients with different medical attention like Cardiac Arrest, Stroke, Environmental Injuries, etc. These skills will be combined with other skills such as live-fire evacuations and other protective scenarios.
  
• Corporate & Celebrity Executive Protection. You will be trained in mission planning, threat & risk assessment, route mapping, daily activity reporting, after-action reports, expense tracking, basics of moving with a client, 3 different types of protective advances, in & out of vehicles, restaurants, public events, handshake lines, office spaces, autograph signings, entertainment venues, and stage work.
• High Threat Protection. It is a 19-day course which teaches you protective skills in diverse highly-threat situations. All the skills and knowledge you acquired from the first 3 courses will be combined here and ask you to act in difficult situations. These include High Threat-Low Profile operations. Combat-Marksmanship, Live-fire Immediate Actions, Foreign Weapons training, Unlawful detention, UTM/MGRS Grid Coordinates, and Practical Surveillance Detection.
• Surveillance Detection/Counter Surveillance/TSCM. Students will learn different techniques on how to detect, track and detect surveillance through high-tech devices. This is usually useful in protecting VIP’s. It lasts for 10 days with extensive training.
• Testing & Validation. Graduates will undergo a test, which assesses more than 75 skills they learned throughout the program towards their graduation.

Other courses, with different subjects, include:

• Executive Protection Essentials
• Tactical Combat Casualty Care Certification (NAEMT)
• Online Executive protection Course

You can learn more about SECFOR International here.

What Kind of Job Can I Get With This Tactical Certification?

You can be a bodyguard of diplomats, CEO's, celebrities, and high-profile individuals.

Get Your Certificate of Eligibility

In order to use your GI Bill for tactical training, you're going to need a GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility, also called a GI Bill Letter. 

​Here you can check out the seven steps required to quickly and correctly get your GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility.

Yes, military veterans or eligible dependents can use the GI Bill to go to Cosmetology school for free. Cosmetology is a non-college degree program that the GI Bill will fund. 

Before becoming a beautician/barber using the GI Bill, you need to apply for your GI Bill benefits first.

There are easy ways to get this done:

One way is to apply online and simply follow the steps.

Another is to visit a regional VA processing office near you to apply in person. 

You may also call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (888-442-4551) to have the application form mailed to you directly, and to ask more details; or talk to a Certifying Official, who is in the Financial Aid or Registrar’s office of the school you wish to go. He/she has an application form and assists you in your application.

Does the GI Bill Cover All Costs for Cosmetology School?

Cosmetology is one of the non-college degrees that the GI Bill supports. It is a vocational course that usually takes 12-14 months to finish. The amount it covers depends on the program you are using, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

Payment is made based on the hours you attend the training each week and is paid monthly.

How much does the GI Bill cover for Cosmetology Tuition Fees?

Under the Post-9/11, it covers all the actual net costs for in-state tuition and other fees. 

If you are a veteran who served at least 90 days of active duty after September 2001 and received an honorable discharge, you qualify for this program. 

So you, as a veteran, spouse child that is eligible for the GI Bill, you do not need to worry about paying your tuition fees for Cosmetology school.

However:

In some instances, the VA does not pay all of it. If you served less than 36 months, you need to see what percentage of benefit you are eligible for. 

Click here to see how much percentage you or your spouse/child should get when going to cosmetology school. 

How Much Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) Can I Get?

For your monthly housing allowance (MHA), the money you get depends on the location of the school...much like how it was with BAH when you were in the military. 

But it is generally based on Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. It is then computed based on the zip code of the school of your choice and by the percentage based on your training time. 

Click here for more information. This is applicable on the starting date of the academic year this school year, which is on August 1, 2019. MHA increases depend on BAH increases. 

For complete details on MHA increases and decreases, click here.

To get a rough idea of what MHA rates apply, if you were going to the Academy of Cosmetology in Merritt Island, Florida, you would get about $1,602 a month housing allowance.

Compare MHA of every school here.

If you want to train at a foreign (non-US) school, there is a different MHA rate. The VA usually pays $1,789. 

For exclusive online training without attending a classroom, it covers $894.50.

Books and Supplies for Cosmetology School 

For books, supplies, tools, and equipment, you can get up to $83 each month.

 For more information on updated rates, click here.

Can my Spouse Use my GI Bill to go to Cosmetology School?

Absolutely! Veterans aren’t the only ones who can study cosmetology after serving, but also their spouses and even children, as long as they qualify for transferred GI Bill benefits.

The transfer of the GI Bill needs to be done while on active duty.

For surviving dependents there are situations where the wife and/or children can qualify if the military member passed away in active service.

The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not your dependents are eligible to use your benefits. Beneficiaries are given 36 months to utilize an unused Post-9/11.

Getting Started

Before anything else, family members should be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and are eligible for benefits at the time of transfer.

You can transfer your benefits to your spouse, one or more of your children, and a combination of your spouse and child.

To add a family member, click here.

Am I Eligible to Transfer GI Bill Benefits?

To be eligible to transfer your benefits to your spouse or children, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You have completed 6 years of service on the same date your request is approved, and agree to add 4 more years.
• You have completed at least 10 years of service on the same date your request is approved, and can't commit to an extension of 4 more years due to legal issues or policy, but willing to serve at a maximum time allowed.

How to Transfer My GI Bill Benefits?

Now what? You know that you are qualified to transfer your benefits to your spouse or children, what’s next?

Actually, not only you can transfer, but you can also revoke or change a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) through milConnect. Click here to do either one of this.

In case of transfer, when the DoD approved your request, your dependent can now apply for the benefits by following the steps below:

• Apply online.
• Apply through the mail. Complete the VA Form 22-1990E or Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits, which can be downloaded here and send it to your nearest VA regional benefit office.
• When your application is approved, you receive a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) that you will use to any cosmetology school of your choice.

What Cosmetology Schools are Approved by the VA?

Before making a final decision on a trade school to enroll in cosmetology, you want to make sure the school is certified by the Veterans Affairs. 

You may also want to look into these two things below in order to narrow down your search.

• Tuition Fees. To attend an accredited cosmetology school, it usually costs you $5,000 to $15,000, while top schools range from $10,000 to $20,000. Under the Post-9/11, the VA pays up to your full tuition or national maximum amount of $23,671.94 during the academic year. And starting on August 1, 2019, the maximum allowed support is up to $24,476.79

•  NACCAS Accredited. It is a national agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education for the institutional accreditation of post-secondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, including specialized schools. Currently, it accredits 1,500 institutions that offer over 20 courses, which fall under NACCAS’ accreditation.

Why do you need this accreditation anyway?

NACCAS-accredited cosmetology schools met the standard requirements set by the national agency and are considered competitive when it comes to the quality of learning they offer. Apart from this, they also provide excellent facilities, staff, fair policies, and competitive curriculum. So when you seek for employment, employers would consider your application.

Find your best cosmetology school now you can explore our extensive list of every single cosmetology school certified by the VA for the GI Bill.

Does the GI Bill Pay for the Certification in Cosmetology?

These days, cosmetologists don't only work on hair and make-up, but also with skin, nails, and massage. 

To be a fully-fledged beautician or barber, you need a license required by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Although different states have different requirements, they all require a license. Fortunately, the GI Bill covers the cost. 

Depending on the state, you need to pay a licensing fee before taking the exam. For instance, in the state of Arizona, you need to pay $185 dollars.

The GI Bill will pay up to $2,000 on licensing or certification test. 

Thankfully, it will continue paying it until you pass. Renewal of license is also covered. For more information, click here.

How to apply for Reimbursement for Licensing and Certification test?

For reimbursement, you need to submit a proof of payment, like a receipt so VA refunds the money you used to pay for your licensing test. Along with it, do these steps below:

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

2.       Send it by mail to your nearest VA regional processing office.

Overview: GI Bill For Licenses And Certifications

If you are wondering whether you can use your GI Bill entitlement benefits to take a license or certification test, then the answer is YES. The GI Bill covers the cost of license and certification tests to allow you to practice your profession and advance your career. Approved tests can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per test for the total test cost, which is prorated on your entitlement benefits.

Having a license or certificate opens many different opportunities for you. If you want to know whether you qualify for this benefit, how you can use it, and what tests you can take, read on further.

Eligibility Criteria for Certification Reimbursement

The GI Bill covers the license and certification test costs of all eligible individuals belonging to any of the following programs:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill- Active Duty
• Montgomery GI Bill- Selected Reserve
• Reserve Education Assistance Program
• Veterans Educational Assistance
• Dependents Educational Assistance

If you are eligible for this benefit, there is no time limit as to when you can take advantage of it. So, as long as you have remaining entitlement benefits, you can use them to take license and certification tests anytime!

What Licensing and Certification Tests are Approved?

Many veterans wonder if the GI Bill covers a particular test or certification.

To help with this, we listed some of the most common and exciting career opportunities with license and certificate requirements that are covered by the GI Bill.

GI Bill License Test Ideas:

A license is often required to practice your chosen civilian profession.

Here are some of the most common occupations with licenses paid for by the GI Bill:

Sales and Finance: insurance, real estate, sales, accounting, auditing, auction, appraisal

Health and Medicine: dentistry, medicine, medical tech, nursing, midwifery, veterinary medicine, embalming, occupational and physical therapy, counseling, psychiatry, and clinical psychology

Law and Local Authority: law, bail, private investigation, security, fraud, fire, and emergency

Construction and Domestic Needs: engineering, architecture, construction, land surveying, plumbing, electricity, locksmith work, pest control

Hospitality: hairdressing, manicure, aesthetics, cosmetology, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, body piercing

Others: education and special education, social work, language interpretation, scuba diving (cool right?)

You can check out the complete list of accredited license tests here (just type in the name of the license test in the search bar).

GI Bill Certification Test Ideas:

Certificates are skill-based accreditations that many veterans voluntarily take to advance their careers. There are a ton of certification tests covered by the GI Bill...

...many that are non-traditional, fun, and exciting even as a hobby.

Take note that the GI Bill only credits certification tests taken for professional career advancement and not training certifications.

Here are some GI Bill- approved certification tests you can take:

Sports: sports referee, mixed martial arts, swimming

Health and Fitness: personal training, health coaching, yoga, pilates, kettle ball

Communications and Media: video editing, public relations, audio and video tech, radio and TV engineering

Hospitality: culinary, pastry, hotels, alcohol service

IT: website development, computer network engineering

You may see the complete list of accredited certification tests here.

What's The Difference between “National Testing” and “Licensing and Certifications”?

The GI Bill also pays for national tests to help you pursue a formal education such as college or graduate school.

Here are the national tests covered by the GI Bill:

Approved college admissions tests:

• SAT (formerly "Scholastic Assessment Test")
• ACT (American College Testing)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Approved tests that you can take to earn college credits:
• AP (Advanced Placement Examination)
• CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
• DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
• ECE (Excelsior College Examinations)
• PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) testing through learningcounts.org
• Approved graduate school admissions tests:
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
• LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
• MAT (Miller Analogies Test)
• Approved admissions tests for pre-health professional programs:
• DAT (Dental Admission Test)
• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
• OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
• PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test)

Information sourced from the VA website.

You may see the complete list of tests and fees here.

Once you know what kind of test you want to take, you might be wondering about the costs of the test and how much the GI Bill will pay for.

If so, keep reading!

How your GI Bill Entitlement is Charged For Licenses and Certifications:

Your GI Bill benefits will cover the test costs for licenses, certifications, and national tests. The maximum payable amount for each test is $2,000.

The cost of each test is charged to your entitlement benefits on a prorated basis depending on your monthly rate for full-time training.

You can use this computation guide to see how much you can be reimbursed for:

(Actual Test Cost / $2,042.06) = Months of Entitlement Used

*This rate applies every time you take a test, and is rounded to the nearest whole month. 

You can take as many tests as you want in different fields, and retake any tests that you fail. Your GI Bill benefits will pay for all these tests as long as you have remaining entitlement benefits.

You can also retake a test that you already passed if this is required to renew your license or certification.

If you are taking a national test:

The GI Bill also pays for registration fees, the actual cost of the specialized test you are taking, and administrative fees associated with the test.

The GI Bill does not in any way cover fees such as pre-test costs and other optional charges, such as expediting fees for test results.

Now you know how much your GI Bill benefits can cover in taking license and certification tests. 

Step By Step Process To Use The GI Bill For License And Certification Tests:

Once you are ready to take the test, follow this step by step guide on how to use your benefits:

The process of using your GI Bill benefits to pay for license and certification tests is easy! Just follow these three simple steps:

1. Fill out the application form. These are available online or at the nearest VA regional processing office.

For the licensing and certification test reimbursement form, fill out the VA Form 22-0803, or click here to download the PDF file.

For the national test reimbursement form, fill out the VA Form 22-0810, or click here to download the PDF file.

You will need to provide your basic information, Social Security number, VA File number, information on the test you took, as well as the licensing organization.

2. Attach your proof of payment and an authorization letter to release your test information to the VA office.

3. Send in your application.

For license and certification tests, you may send your application through the Ask A Question website, or by mail to the nearest VA regional processing office.
For national tests, you may send your application by mail to the nearest VA processing office.

You can check out the complete list of processing offices here.

Wait up to 30 days for your application to be processed and approved. Take note that this does not include transit time for applications sent by mail.

That's it! Using your GI Bill benefits to pay for license and certificate tests is simple and easy.

Start taking those tests to open unlimited doors of opportunities for your shiny new civilian career.

If you're wondering what other GI Bill opportunities there are, explore our database of over 29,000 VA-approved schools, on-the-job training programs, and more: https://milversity.com/explore