If seeking reimbursement for or planning to register for an approved licensing and certification test and/or preparatory (prep) course, search WEAMS for the name of the of program by selecting ‘both’ for the LAC Category Type from the dropdown. If searching a licensing or certification test and/or prep course offered in a specific state, narrow the search by clicking the state on the map. If the licensing or certification test and/or prep course is approved by the SAA (State Approving Agency), then the licensing or certification test and/or prep course will be found on this table; a licensing or certification test and/or prep course must be listed on this table before proceeding to one of the steps below:

AT AN IHL (INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING):

The SAA approves licensing and certification tests as well as prep courses at participating two- and four-year institutions of higher learning (IHL).

• Click here for guidance on licensing or certifications testing fees at an IHL.
• Click here for guidance on prep course fees at an IHL.

The links above will open another tab on your browser to VA’s website which has additional information required to move forward.

WHEN APPROVED PREPARATORY COURSE, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATION IS OFFERED BY OTHER TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS:

Once confirmed that the prep course or licensing/certification test completed is listed on WEAMS, and if the prep course or licensing/certification test is offered by an organization that is not an IHL, you may request a reimbursement: To submit a request for reimbursement of an approved licensing or certification test and/or prep-course fee, download and save (to your personal device) before completing the appropriate fillable PDF VA form below.

Instructions on how to complete and submit (completed) reimbursement forms to VA are on the forms themselves.

If a prep-course, license, or certification is not listed on WEAMS, please email education@veterans.idaho.gov to request more information.

The GI Bill® can be used in support of OJT (On-the-Job Training) and Apprenticeships, provided the training program is approved by the State Approving Agency.  This is industry-based training in which a Veteran or eligible beneficiary earns a regular wage while training for a designated skill or trade and also receives tax-free GI Bill® benefits. OJT’s and Apprenticeships offer a variety of training experiences, and a majority of trades are approvable providing that the establishment can satisfy the approval criteria.

• An OJT program is acceptable in length when it is at least six months, but not more than two years of full-time training per 38 CFR 21.4262(c)(3). 
• An APP is a program that ranges from two years to five years, or 2,000 to 10,000 hours in length and requires related training from an institution.

Use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to compare facilities and which GI Bill® chapter works best for you.

EMPLOYERS
Organizations that hire veterans have higher retention rates because veterans:

• possess proven leadership skills
• have a strong work ethic
• possess an ability to work well under pressure

If you are an Idaho employer and would like more information on the OJT or Apprenticeship program approval process, email your request for information on the application process in Idaho to education@veterans.idaho.gov.

Being a veteran-ready organization requires employers to meet standards of excellence in recruitment, hiring, and retention of America’s military veterans. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Medallion Award, see the Hire Veterans | Apprenticeship.gov webpage.

IHL (Institute of Higher Learning): Universities, colleges, community colleges, technical and/or business schools, offering instruction at the post-secondary level, which leads to an associate (or higher) degree. To be eligible for approval, the institution must be empowered by the appropriate state education authority (under state law) or accredited by a recognized accrediting agency to grant such degrees. This designation also includes hospitals that offer educational programs at the post-secondary level.

NCD (Non-College Degree programs): This category includes certificate programs, which do not lead to a standard college degree (program or course completion that is acknowledged by certificate or diploma). NCD programs are normally offered at community colleges, cosmetology institutions, business institutions, hospitals, trade, vocational, or career schools.

• High Schools are also able to apply with the Idaho SAA to have their program approved under Title 38 USC §3675 as an NCD. If your dependent is eligible for Survivors & Dependent Education Assistance (aka – DEA or Chapter 35), those students may qualify to receive up to five extra months of benefits in addition to the 36 months while enrolled an approved high school.

Use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to compare facilities and which GI Bill® chapter works best for you.

To apply to become an approved IHL or NCD, please email education@veterans.idaho.gov to request an application.

Courses in bartending, yoga instruction, and personality development are avocational as well as recreational in character and are specifically prohibited from approval by law; 38 CFR 21.4252(a).