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Licensing and certification tests and prep courses

The GI Bill covers more than just tuition. You can use part of your entitlement to cover the costs of certain tests and preparatory courses (also called “prep courses”). Find out how to get paid back for licensing and certification tests and prep courses.

Licensing and certification tests

You can use part of your entitlement to cover the costs of tests (no more than $2,000 per test) for a job that requires a license or certification—even if you’re already receiving other education benefits. We’ll pay you back for the cost to register and any administrative fees. We’ll prorate the entitlement charges based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the test.

To get paid back for licensing and certification tests, you must already be covered under one of these benefits:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), or
  • Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30), or
  • Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), or
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Find out how to apply for VA education benefits

How many tests can I get paid back for?

We’ll pay for as many licensing and certification tests as you want to take as long as you have remaining entitlement and use your benefits within the time limit. 

We’ll pay you back even in these situations:

  • You didn’t score high enough to get your license or certification
  • You need to take the same test more than once
  • You need to retake a test you passed already so you can get recertified or retain a license you already have

Note: We won’t pay for fees or costs related to getting the actual license or certification document.

What types of licensing and certification tests will my benefits cover?

Your benefits will cover only tests approved for the GI Bill. Use our search tool to find out which tests we’ll pay you back for and their costs. If you don’t see a test listed, it may be a valid test that’s just not yet approved. We encourage you to submit an application for reimbursement.

Search for tests we’ll pay you back for

Tips for using the tool

In the field that says “L&C Name,” enter the name of the license or certification you’re interested in. For example, you can enter “barber” to learn which barber licenses and certifications are eligible for fee repayment. 

For category type, select Both. This will help you get the search results you need.

How do I get paid back for licensing and certification tests?

First, you’ll need to fill out a Request for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees (VA Form 22-0803). 

Get VA Form 22-0803 to download

Then, submit your form in one of these 2 ways:

Option 1: Upload your form online through QuickSubmit

Upload your completed form using QuickSubmit on AccessVA

When you submit your completed form, you’ll need to include these:

  • A copy of the receipt for the testing fee, and
  • A copy of the test results or a copy of your license or certification

Option 2: Mail your form to us

Mail your completed form to the VA regional processing office for the state where you live.

Find your regional processing office address

When you submit your completed form, you’ll need to include these:

  • A copy of the receipt for the testing fee, and
  • A copy of the test results or a copy of your license or certification

Prep courses for licensing and certification tests

You can use your VA education benefits to pay for courses that help you prepare for licensing and certification tests. We approve only prep courses for licensing and certification tests that we’ve already approved. We’ll prorate the entitlement charges based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the prep course.

To use your education benefits to pay for prep courses, you must have already applied and been approved for one of these benefits:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), or
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Find out how to apply for VA education benefits

How many prep courses can I get paid back for?

We’ll pay for as many prep courses as you want to take as long as you have remaining entitlement and use your benefits within the time limit.

How do I get paid back for prep courses for licensing and certification tests?

Fill out a Request for Reimbursement of Preparatory (Prep) Course for Licensing or Certification Test (VA Form 22-10272).

Get VA Form 22-10272 to download

Submit your form in one of these 2 ways:

Option 1: Upload your form online through QuickSubmit

Upload your completed form using QuickSubmit on AccessVA

When you submit your completed form, you’ll need to include these:

  • A copy of the receipt for the prep course, and
  • Proof of enrollment from the school or other educational program provider

Option 2: Mail your form to us

Mail your completed form to the VA regional processing office for the state where you live.

Find your regional processing office address

When you submit your completed form, you’ll need to include these:

  • A copy of the receipt for the prep course, and
  • Proof of enrollment from the school or other educational program provider

How to contact us if you have questions

You can contact us in either of these ways:

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