GI Bill for Professional Licenses and Certifications

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides reimbursement for licensing and certification preparatory courses and 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 and certain approved preparatory courses, not any other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification. The following is a summary of GI Bill licensing and certification reimbursement.

Overview of Licensing and Certification Reimbursement

In today’s business and federal workforce, having a license or certification can open doors. Many professions, such as jobs that are subject to state or other government regulations, require licenses.

Certification can help you get, keep or advance in a job and plays a key role in jobs such as mechanic, installer, medical technician, therapist, computer network engineer and website developer.

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 can’t 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, you will be charged one month of entitlement for every $2,578.64 used in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Among the many types of licensing or certification programs you can use your GI Bill benefits for are:

• Project management certification
• Pharmacy technician certification
• Real estate licensing
• Network certification

Eligibility

You may receive this benefit if you’re eligible for:

How to File an Application

If you have never filed an application for education benefits, you need to apply online via the VA.GOV website.

After you apply for GI Bill benefits, or if you have already been determined eligible by the VA, you should complete and submit the VA Form 22-0803 (Application for Reimbursement of Licensing and Certification Test).

You can find the approved tests on the VA’s GI Bill website.

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.