Get Reimbursed for License and Certification Testing through the G.I. Bill

Getting licensed or certified can help you get ahead in your career. Did you know that the G.I. Bill will cover the cost of these types of tests?

In many professions a license is required, while in other fields a certification can give you the ability to stand out and get ahead. However, the cost of these tests can be high. The G.I. Bill License and Certification Program will reimburse you up to $2,000 per test. There are no limitations on how many tests you can take—your ambition is the limit!

Note that the cost of the test reduces your G.I. Bill education benefits accordingly. For instance, if your test cost $537 and your full-time student payment rate is $1,075, then you would have used one-half month of your G.I. Bill entitlement.

Who is eligible? If you are eligible for G.I. Bill Active Duty benefits (not available to Reservists), VEAP or Dependents’ Educational Assistance, then you are also eligible to receive reimbursement for tests through the G.I. Bill License and Certification Program.

How Do I Apply?
Send a copy of your test results to the VA office for your state along with either the VA Form 22-1990 (for veterans and active duty) or VA Form 22-5490 (for dependents). Under the “remarks” section of the form, indicate your request for test reimbursement. You should also include your social security number, the name of the test, the date of the test, the name and address of the organization issuing the license or certificate, the cost of the test, and the statement: “I authorize release of my test information to the VA.”

There is no official application for this benefit, but you can see an example to help make the process clearer by visiting this webpage.

For more information about this benefit, contact your local VA Regional Processing Office. You can also visit www.gibill.va.gov and click on the Licensing and Certification page or call 1-888-GIBILL-1.