What is the Licensing and Certification Benefit?
The new licensing and certification benefit allows the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) to reimburse you, if you are eligible, for a test to acquire certification. You can receive reimbursement for certification tests taken on or after November 1, 2007.
Note: The VA only pays for the cost of the test and not other fees associated with obtaining the licensing or certification.
Will This Benefit Really Be a Good Deal for Me?
In today’s business and regulatory climate, having a license or certification can open doors for you. Certification is voluntary, but frequently sought after. That’s because getting a certification can help you get, keep or advance in a job.
How Much Can I Receive?
You can receive up to $2,000 per test, but not more than the actual cost of the test. You can receive benefits to retake a test you failed. The number of tests you can take is unlimited, except that you can’t receive benefits to retake a test that you passed.
Am I Eligible?
You May Receive This Benefit if You are Eligible for:
- The Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty (also called the MGIB or Chapter 30; unfortunately this benefit is not available for the MGIB for Reservists), or
- VEAP (Also called Chapter 32), or
- Dependants Educational Assistance (also called DEA or Chapter 35)
Note: You generally have ten years after your discharge from active duty to use your benefits. To find out if you might be eligible under any of these programs, go to: http://debt.org/veterans/federal-va-benefits-programs/gi-bill/. You can receive counseling services in regards to your career by following this link: http://gibill.va.gov/support/counseling_services/.
What Do I Have to Do?
Remember, this program provides reimbursement, so you must first pay the fee and take the exam.
If you have never previously filed a claim for VA education benefits, you will need to submit an online application for benefits.
|