Licensing, Certifications & Professional Training

Beyond the Classroom

A four-year degree isn't for everyone — and the VA knows it. Your education benefits can fund professional licenses, industry certifications, vocational training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training (OJT). These paths often lead to high-paying careers faster than traditional college.

Licensing and Certification Reimbursement

What's Covered

The VA will reimburse the cost of licensing and certification tests approved for GI Bill coverage:

• Professional licenses — nursing, real estate, teaching, pilot (beyond private), electrical, plumbing, CDL, etc.
• Industry certifications — CompTIA (A+, Security+, Network+), AWS, Cisco, PMP, welding, HVAC, EMT, and hundreds more
• State-required exams — bar exams, CPA exams, medical board exams

How It Works

1. Take the approved test
2. Submit VA Form 22-0803 (Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees)
3. Include proof of payment and test results
4. The VA reimburses up to the cost of the test

Key details:

• You can be reimbursed for a test you failed — but only once per test
• This benefit does not count against your 36 months of GI Bill entitlement
• The test must be specifically approved by the VA (check the VA's approved test list)

Vocational and Technical Training

Approved Programs

The GI Bill covers approved vocational programs including:

• Trade schools — welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automotive
• Technical schools — coding bootcamps (some approved), IT programs, cybersecurity
• Flight training — commercial pilot, instrument rating, multi-engine (requires private pilot license first)
• Culinary schools, cosmetology, medical assistant programs, and more

How to Verify a Program Is Approved

1. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool
2. Search for the school or program
3. Look for VA approval and check reported outcomes (graduation rate, employment rate, median salary)

Warning: Some vocational schools aggressively target veterans because VA benefits are lucrative for the school. Before enrolling, verify the school's accreditation, read reviews from other veteran students, and check the VA's caution flag list. If a recruiter is more interested in your GI Bill than your career goals, walk away.

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training (OJT)

What Is VA-Approved OJT?

An apprenticeship or OJT program lets you learn a trade while working — and the VA pays you a monthly benefit on top of your wages.

How the payment works:

The benefit decreases over time because your wages should be increasing as you gain skills.

Eligible Training Types

• Union apprenticeships (electrician, plumber, ironworker, carpenter, etc.)
• Non-union employer-sponsored OJT programs
• Federal or state apprenticeship programs
• Companies with VA-approved OJT programs

How to Find OJT/Apprenticeship Programs

1. VA GI Bill Comparison Tool — filter by "On-the-Job Training / Apprenticeship"
2. Helmets to Hardhats — connects veterans with construction trade apprenticeships
3. ApprenticeshipUSA — Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder
4. Contact unions directly — many have veteran-priority programs

VR&E (Chapter 31) for Career Training

If you have a service-connected disability rated at 10% or more, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) may cover:

• Any of the above training programs
• Tools, equipment, and supplies needed for your trade
• Additional living allowance during training
• Job placement assistance after training

VR&E does not use your GI Bill months — it's a separate entitlement. See our VR&E guide for details.

Work-Study Program

What It Is

The VA Work-Study program provides part-time jobs for veterans receiving VA education benefits. You work at VA-related positions while attending school.

Eligibility

• Enrolled at least three-quarter time in a VA-approved program
• Receiving GI Bill, VR&E, or other VA education benefits

Benefits

• Paid at federal or state minimum wage (whichever is greater)
• Up to 25 hours per week during enrollment
• Jobs include: VA office support, veteran outreach, campus VA certifying official work

How to Apply

Submit VA Form 22-8691 (Application for Work-Study Allowance) to your VA regional office or through your school's VA certifying official.

Employer Incentives for Hiring Veterans

On-the-Job Training Tax Credits

Employers who participate in VA-approved OJT programs may qualify for:

• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) — up to $9,600 for hiring qualifying veterans
• Special Employer Incentive (SEI) program through VR&E — VA reimburses up to 50% of the veteran's salary during the training period

This means employers are often eager to hire veterans in OJT programs — it's a win-win.

Making the Most of Your Benefits

1. Stack benefits when possible — use licensing reimbursement (doesn't cost GI Bill months) alongside your degree or vocational program
2. Consider OJT/apprenticeship — you earn wages AND education benefits simultaneously
3. Look into VR&E first if you have a service-connected disability — it doesn't use your GI Bill
4. Research employer outcomes before enrolling — graduation and employment rates matter more than marketing
5. Use your school's VA certifying official — they're there to help navigate the process