List of GI Bill Trade Schools and Certifications for Veterans!

Main Takeaways

• GI Bill Coverage: The GI Bill supports more than traditional four-year degree paths. You can use your GI Bill for trade or technical schools and certification programs for a variety of fields, including healthcare, business, IT, or skilled trades. 

• Trade Schools, Technical Schools, and Vocational Schools: Programs at trade, vocational, or technical schools offer hands-on training, sometimes accompanied by an apprenticeship, in high-demand trades such as welding, automotive repair, and HVAC services. 

• Certifications: A certification can help you increase your expertise in a specific field, like healthcare, IT, or project management. They’re usually self-paced and quicker to complete than trade programs. 

• List of GI Bill-Approved Certifications: The most important part of selecting a certification program is making sure you can use your GI Bill to pay for it. Check out these VA-approved certifications.  

GI Bill for Trade Schools and Certifications

Your GI Bill doesn’t have to be used for traditional higher education. The benefit can also be applied to technical schools, vocational schools, and certificate programs. 

Types of Trade Schools That Accept the GI Bill

Trade schools cover everything from vocation and technical training to apprenticeships. Lasting anywhere from a couple of months to two years, these schools offer training programs that focus on a specific job or skill. 

Here are some types of trade schools that are covered by the GI Bill:  

• Vocational Schools: Culinary arts, cosmetology and barbering, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrician training, plumbing, and more.  

• Apprenticeship Programs: These combine on-the-job training with classroom education and cover fields like construction, electrical work, welding, and HVAC.  

• Technical Schools: Automotive repair, aircraft maintenance, industrial machinery, and IT/cybersecurity certifications.  

• Online Trade Schools: Offering flexibility for veterans who need to balance school with other responsibilities, online programs are available in fields like computer programming, web development, graphic design, and digital marketing. 

Types of Certifications That Accept the GI Bill

For veterans looking to get certified in a specific field, the GI Bill can cover the cost of certain certifications. These certifications not only validate your level of expertise, but they can also set you apart when it comes to promotions or career advancement in high-demand fields. 

List of GI Bill-Approved Certifications

Here’s a list of some of the most prevalent GI Bill-approved certifications: 

Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity

• CompTIA A+  

• CompTIA Network+  

• CompTIA Security+  

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)  

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)  

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)  

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect  

>> View Open IT Jobs HERE << 

Healthcare Certifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 

• Registered Nurse (RN)  

• • View Open Nursing Jobs HERE 

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)  

• Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)  

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 

• • View Open EMT Jobs HERE 

Project Management & Business

• Project Management Professional (PMP)  

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)  

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt  

Skilled Trades

• HVAC Certification  

• • View Open HVAC Jobs HERE 

• Plumbing Certification 

• • View Open Plumbing Jobs HERE 

• Welding Certification 

• • View Open Welding Jobs HERE 

• Auto Mechanic Certification (ASE) 

• • View Open Automotive Jobs HERE 

Creative & Design

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)  

• Graphic Design Certifications  

• Environmental & Sustainability 

• LEED Green Associate  

• Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) 

>> View All Open Design Jobs HERE <<

Three Steps to Using the GI Bill for Trade Schools and Certifications

Using your GI Bill benefits for trade school or certifications doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow these three simple steps:  

1. Find Accredited Programs: Find and compare VA approved schools and certification providers through the VA website.  

2. Submit Your GI Bill Benefits Application: Apply through the VA website or work with the school’s VA liaison.  

3. Track Your Benefits: Don’t forget to keep track of how many months of benefits you have left; trade school programs typically require more time than certifications. 

Conclusion

Your GI Bill is one of the most powerful benefits you earned through service. And it doesn’t lock you into the traditional college path. Whether you want to launch a career in healthcare, IT, skilled trades, or business, the GI Bill can help cover the cost of training, certification, and even apprenticeships. 

If you’re ready to put your skills to work, explore current openings in high-demand fields on HireVeterans.com, the leading job board connecting veterans with top employers nationwide. 

View All New Job Openings

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

Does the GI Bill cover online trade schools and certifications?

Yes, many online trade schools and certification programs are eligible for GI Bill benefits, providing flexible options for veterans. 

Does the GI Bill pay for certification exams?

Yes. The VA reimburses the cost of approved licensing and certification tests, such as CompTIA, PMP, and EMT exams. This allows veterans to validate their skills with industry-recognized credentials without paying out of pocket. 

Can I use the GI Bill for both a trade school and a certification?

Yes, many trade schools offer programs that integrate certifications into their curriculum. 

Are vocational, technical, and trade schools the same?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, “trade schools” typically focus on skill-based fields like plumbing, welding, and HVAC, while “technical schools” may include more specialized fields like IT and engineering. However, all three use practical, career-focused training to prepare students for the workforce.   

How do I verify if a trade school or certification is GI Bill-approved?

You can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool on the VA’s website.  

Related: The GI Bill Comparison Tool — 4 Features Every Veteran Should Know! 

Can the military pay for trade school?

Yes, veterans can use the GI Bill to pay for trade school and vocational programs. 

What qualifications can I get through flight training?

GI Bill Flight Training qualifications include:  

• B747-400  

• Dual engine  

• Flight engineer  

• Rotary wing  

For more about using your GI Bill for flight school, click HERE.   

Can I Use the GI Bill for HVAC Training?

Yes, the GI Bill can be used to cover the cost of HVAC training at accredited trade schools, vocational programs, and apprenticeships, allowing veterans to gain hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications in this high-demand field.  

What fields offer the best return on investment for veterans using GI Bill benefits?

Fields like IT, healthcare, skilled trades, and project management tend to offer strong job prospects and high earnings potential for veterans. 

Can dependents use GI Bill benefits for certifications?

Yes. Under Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance), eligible dependents can also use benefits for certain trade programs and certifications.