The GI Bill Pays for College Testing Programs

Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to pay for nationally approved tests, such as:

• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
• LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
• GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
• AP (Advanced Placement Exam)
• CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
• ACT (American College Testing Program)
• DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
• MAT (Miller Analogies Test)
• MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)
• OAT (Optometry Admissions Testing)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)

How Much Will You Receive?

The Department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse you the approved cost of the test. There is no limit to the number of tests you can take, and you may be reimbursed for retaking a test that you didn’t pass. You can also retake tests you passed if the test is required for re-certification or to retain a license you already have.

The VA will reimburse you for the following fees:

• Registration fees
• Fees for specialized tests
• Administrative fees

The following fees are not normally reimbursed by the VA:

• Fees to take pre-tests (such as Kaplan tests)
• Fees to receive scores quickly
• Other costs or fees for optional items that are not required to take an approved test

You do not normally have to submit a receipt or proof of payment for the test. However, in certain situations, proof of payment is necessary, including DSST tests and certain situations related to CLEP, MAT and PCAT tests.

How Do You Apply?

If you have not applied for GI Bill benefits, you must do that first. Once you are eligible for the GI Bill, you should complete a VA Form 22-0810 (Application for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee). You do not normally have to submit a receipt or proof of payment for the test. However, some situations, such as DSST tests, CLEP, MAT, and PCAT tests, may require receipts. When in doubt, send a copy of any receipts in with your application.

How Is Your GI Bill Entitlement Charged?

Your GI Bill entitlement will be charged proportionally based on the cost of the test.

You will be charged one month of GI Bill entitlement for each $2,578.64 you receive in GI Bill payments in the 2026-2027 school year starting Aug. 1, 2026.

Keep Up With Your Education Benefits

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