Can I use the GI Bill for trade school?

Yes. Approved non-college-degree programs at trade and technical schools are covered; Post-9/11 pays tuition up to the annual cap plus MHA and book stipend, and MGIB pays a flat monthly rate.

Do I get paid during an apprenticeship or OJT?

You earn wages from the employer and VA adds a housing allowance that steps down every six months: 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, then 20% of MHA under Post-9/11, or 75%, 55%, 35% under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Does VA reimburse certification exams?

Yes. VA reimburses approved licensing and certification tests up to $2,000 per test; only the entitlement equal to the cost is charged. File VA Form 22-0803.

A high-tech training program that pays tuition, housing and supplies for approved coding, data and IT certificate programs. Veterans with 36+ months of active duty who are under 62 can use it, and it is capped at 4,000 paid participants a year.

Should I use VR&E instead of the GI Bill?

If you have a service-connected disability of 10% or more and an employment handicap, VR&E can fund training up to 48 months without spending GI Bill entitlement and adds job placement support.

Careers and job training

VA Career Training Programs: Your Options Beyond a Degree

Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below

On this page

Your VA training options compared (table)
Using the GI Bill at trade and technical schools
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training: wages plus VA housing pay
VET TEC 2.0 for tech bootcamps
Licensing and certification exam reimbursement
VR&E (Chapter 31) for veterans with a service-connected disability
VA work-study and DOL programs (SkillBridge, JVSG, HVRP)
How to choose and how to apply
What your state adds
Common questions