United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Licensing & Certification
You can receive GI Bill reimbursement for licensing and certification tests. These tests must be specifically approved for the G.I. Bill. There is no limit to the number of tests you may take, or number of times you may take the same test. VA will pay for tests even if you fail them.
VA can pay only for the cost of the tests, up to $2,000.00 for each test. We cannot issue reimbursement for other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification. Payment is issued after you submit proof of payment, etc. to the VA.
For More Information
We have detailed information in our VA Licensing and Certification Pamphlet.
How To Receive Payment
If you have never filed an application for education benefits, you need to submit an application for benefits along with your request for payment for a test or tests. Click here for more information.
You should also complete the VA Form 22-0803 (Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test) and either mail it to us or submit an electronic copy via our "Ask A Question" website.
How to Find Approved License & Certification Tests
You can search for approved tests on our website.
NOTE: If the test is not listed it doesn't mean that it is not a valid test, it only means that we have not approved it yet.
Organizations Seeking Test Approval
If your organization offers licensing or certification tests, VA urges you to request approval of your tests so that veterans and other beneficiaries may receive reimbursement.
If you represent a State or local licensing board, the approval requirements are minimal. If you represent a non-governmental organization, your test must be generally accepted within the industry, must have been in existence at least two years, and must meet other requirements.
You will be doing our nation's veterans a big favor if you participate in this program. Please understand that all payments will be sent directly to VA beneficiaries and not to your organization. If you wish to seek approval for your organization's tests, find the State Approving Agency for the State where the headquarters of your organization is located and contact them.