Earning a certificate can be a great way to quickly gain skills and increase your qualifications for many careers. Unlike lengthier degree programs certificate programs allow you to complete targeted training in less than two years. If you’re eligible for GI Bill benefits you may be wondering – can I use these education benefits to pay for a certificate program?
The short answer is yes! The GI Bill can cover the tuition and fees for many non-degree credential and certificate programs.
GI Bill Programs That Pay for Certificates
The two most common GI Bill programs that pay for certificate programs are:
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Post-9/11 GI Bill – This program pays tuition and fees for certificate programs, up to the maximum in-state undergraduate rate for public schools in your state. It also provides a monthly housing allowance and stipend for books/supplies
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Montgomery GI Bill – Both the active duty and selected reserve versions of the MGIB pay a set monthly rate based on your training time for certificate programs.
Other GI Bill programs, like the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program, can also be used for certificate training.
What Certificate Programs Are Covered?
The GI Bill will pay for accredited certificate programs offered by colleges, universities, technical schools, and even some employers and unions. Some examples of popular certificate programs covered include:
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Healthcare – Medical assistant, pharmacy technician, EMT, nursing assistant
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Trades – Electrician, plumbing, HVAC, welding
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Technology – Computer programming, cybersecurity, IT certifications
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Business – Bookkeeping, project management, administrative assisting
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Other – Cosmetology, commercial driving, paralegal studies
As long as your program meets VA approval, is offered by an accredited school, and does not exceed the undergraduate tuition cap, the GI Bill will cover the cost.
How Much of My Certificate Program Will the GI Bill Cover?
If you qualify for 100% of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, it will cover all of your tuition and fees, up to the maximum in-state undergraduate rate. For the 2022-2023 school year, that cap is $26,804.71.
If your program costs more than the GI Bill’s coverage, you may need to pay the difference out-of-pocket.
For other GI Bill programs like MGIB, you’ll receive a set monthly rate based on your training time. This may cover the full cost, or you may have a remaining balance.
What Factors Determine My Monthly Payment Rate?
The VA uses several factors to calculate your monthly GI Bill payment for certificate programs:
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Training Time – Payment rates are tiered for full-time, half-time, etc based on weekly clock hours
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Dates of Enrollment – Payments are prorated if a term covers less than a full month
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School Location – For Post-9/11 GI Bill, the tuition cap varies by state
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Service History – For Post-9/11 GI Bill, payment tiers depend on your length of active duty
So your class schedule, enrollment dates, school’s location, and your qualifying service will all impact your payment amount.
How Do I Apply to Use My GI Bill for a Certificate?
Follow these steps to use your GI Bill benefits for a certificate program:
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Find an approved program at a VA-accredited school and apply for admission.
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Apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to confirm your benefit eligibility.
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Submit your COE and VA form 22-1990 to the VA to set up your education benefits.
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Provide enrollment verification to the VA each term to receive payments.
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Make any required tuition/fee payments that are not covered.
Be sure to apply for benefits and submit paperwork well in advance of enrollment to allow time for processing. Check with your school’s certifying official if you need help navigating the application process.
Key Takeaways
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The GI Bill offers a great opportunity to get career training, earn a certificate, and enter the job market quickly – without taking on education debt.
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All Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill programs can be used for approved certificate programs of up to two years in length.
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Your benefit coverage will depend on the specific GI Bill you qualify for, your service history, enrollment details, and other factors.
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With some advance planning, you can use your hard-earned education benefits to cover the majority of costs for certificate programs in many fields.
Investing in a certificate program through the GI Bill can prepare you for in-demand jobs and expand your skills. Be sure to research program options, understand your benefits, and plan ahead to maximize your coverage.
How Much Money I Made Using The Post 9/11 GI Bill
FAQ
Can the GI Bill be used for certificates?
Does VA Chapter 35 pay for certificate programs?
Will the VA pay for CompTIA certs?
Does VA pay for GI Bill certification?
(U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alyssa M. Akers) The Department of Veterans Affairs provides reimbursement for licensing and certification tests that have been specifically approved for VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
How do I use my GI Bill benefits?
Here’s how to use your GI Bill Benefits for license or certification tests. The VA will only reimburse you for approved licensing, certification and testing. Before you commit to a test, check the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to ensure that it is VA approved.
How much does GI Bill Pay?
The amount you get depends on which GI Bill program you use and what school you go to. We pay you at the end of each month for the hours you’ve spent training. Post-9/11 GI Bill: We pay a monthly rate that depends on the type of school you’re enrolled in.
Can I use my GI Bill for a certification test?
You can use your GI Bill benefits for a variety of certification and licensing tests. The VA will pay up to $2,000 per certification test – even if you don’t pass. Your benefits may also reimburse you for national testing fees, such as registration and administrative fees, as well as the costs of the tests.
How do I get a GI Bill reimbursement from the VA?
The VA will only reimburse you for approved licensing, certification and testing. Before you commit to a test, check the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to ensure that it is VA approved. Complete VA Form 22-0803, Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees, and attach proof of payment of the fees.
Does GI Bill pay for college?
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, we pay: Find out if you can use GI Bill benefits for college as a Veteran, service member, or qualified dependent. Learn about payment rates for undergraduate and graduate degree courses at institutions of higher learning—like a 4-year university, community college, or graduate school.
