Posted on Jan 20, 2014
1LT(P) Jan I.
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Simple question: Can the GI Bill cover costs associated with pursuing industry credentials, such as CompTIA?

I've spent two hours bouncing between the multitude of military credentialing websites (eLearning, COOL, ATC), and I have yet to find a definitive answer. I'm pursuing a variety of IT security-related courses this year, and I'm trying to figure out if the military will help offset the cost.
Posted in these groups: Gibill 02 GI Bill02c7f6b5 Credentials
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Capt Blog Creator
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LT, the answer is that GI Bill will cover some CompTIA and other certification and licensing fees. Essentially, you get reimbursed for the cost of the test and VA reduces your remaining GI Bill benefits accordingly. To see which licensing and certificate tests are covered, go to: http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchLCCriteria.do  (for CompTIA I typed it in, selected "both" under licensing or certification, and then searched by country, instead of state) and to see how VA charges your GI Bill for the test, go to: https://gibill.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/29
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1LT(P) Jan I.
1LT(P) Jan I.
12 y
Exactly what I needed, thank you ma'am!
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Capt Blog Creator
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Education offices are great but the GI Bill is administered by the VA, not DoD, which is why they don't always have the correct answer for you. For questions pertaining to GI Bill, it's best to check out the official website http://www.gibill.va.gov or call the VA education line.
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1LT(P) Jan I.
1LT(P) Jan I.
12 y
Ma'am, thanks for this information, I didn't know that the education line even existed!
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Capt Blog Creator
Capt (Join to see)
12 y
Glad I could help.
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LTC Program Manager
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I asked the same question to the education guy here and he told me "only if it's thru a school" but I don't think he's the ATeam of education guys.
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Can the GI bill cover industry credential exams?
CW2 Network Management Technician
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My unit will pay for the certification exam if they feel that you are prepared for it.
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MAJ Health Services Systems Management
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From experience, I have not seen the GI Bill cover credentials offered at a testing center. You have the preparations for CompTIA via eLearning so my recommendation would be to do the eLearning courses and practice tests and then take the tests and itemize if possible on your taxes as a professional expense. If CompTIA is required for your position check with your mentor and you may be able to get your organization to cover the expenses. The GI Bill will be for technical schooling and if the certification is part of the program then it will be covered.
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1LT(P) Jan I.
1LT(P) Jan I.
12 y
Thank you sir - that's what I could discern from the various websites, but it wasn't really spelled out. My current position doesn't require it, but it's along my career path, so I'm trying to knock it sooner rather than later.
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