GI Bill^®

Credential Preparation

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs that might assist with credential preparation. One example is the GI Bill^®. The GI Bill^® provides benefits for costs associated with the following education and training paths:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university
• Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical, or vocational schools
• Cooperative training programs
• Accredited independent study programs leading to a standard college degree
• Apprenticeship or job training programs offered by a company or union
• Correspondence courses

For details on funding levels, eligibility, and procedures, visit the VA’s Education and Training website. For additional information, use the following links:

• GI Bill Comparison Tool
• Post-9/11 GI Bill Fact Sheet
• Navy GI Bill Programs Contact Information for Active Duty and Reserves
• VA’s Coverage of Licensing and Certification Tests
• VA’s Inquiry System

Credential Attainment, Maintenance and Renewal

Through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the GI Bill^® offers financial assistance with licensing and certification as well as supplemental education and training. 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. Fees for re-testing and renewing licenses or certifications are also covered. Registration fees, preparation guides and processing fees will not be reimbursed.

Visit the VA’s Education and Training website or see the Licensing and Certification Exams brochure for additional information. Information on approved programs may be found through the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) website, and you can use the new GI Bill^® Comparison Tool to estimate your GI Bill^® benefits and get some information about a facility’s value and affordability. To use the tool you simply enter your cumulative active duty, your military status, and the school or employer about which you wish to get information.

If you are a member of the National Guard or Reserves, you may also be able to receive GI Bill^® reimbursement for licensing and certifications test fees. Qualifying members of the Guard and Reserve can now receive reimbursement of up to $2,000 per test. For more information and to find out whether you qualify for this benefit, please see the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Licensing and Certification Brochure or see the VA's Education and Training Contact Us page to get answers to questions.

The GI Bill^® also provides benefits for costs associated with an undergraduate degree at a college or university, a certificate or diploma from a business, technical or vocational school, training programs, apprenticeships, and others. Visit the VA’s Education and Training web page for more information.