You may not have to pay full price — or anything — out of pocket. This is one official route that can help fund certification training and exams, with every detail sourced and dated. Eligibility and amounts vary; verify with the program.
Category: Veterans & service members. Administered by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
See also: what a certification really costs · how to study for free.
Who it's for
Honorably discharged veterans (or active-duty within 180 days of separation) with at least 36 months of active duty, under age 62 when approved. Notably, you do NOT need other GI Bill eligibility to qualify.
What it can cover
High-tech, non-degree training only — computer programming, software, data science/processing, information science, media applications. It pays tuition/fees directly to the approved provider, plus a housing allowance and books/supplies during training.
How to get it
The application is VA Form 22-0994 on VA.gov. Training must be with an approved VET TEC 2.0 provider.
Start at the official page: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/vet-tec-2/
Important caveats
RE-CHECKED ON THE OFFICIAL VA PAGE 2026-08-02: VET TEC 2.0 is now OPEN. Under the heading "How do I apply for VET TEC 2.0?" the VA page states, verbatim: "You can apply online right now." That page reports itself last updated July 31, 2026. This supersedes the status captured 2026-06-14, when the same page said the application was not yet open and to check back in June 2026. The VA page also states, verbatim: "This program is limited to 4,000 paid participants in a fiscal year, but Congress may change the number of participants at any time." Carried over from the 2026-06-14 capture and NOT re-confirmed on 2026-08-02: the original 2019–2024 VET TEC pilot ENDED in April 2024, funding was recorded as running only through September 30, 2027, and prior pilot-era certificates can't be reused. A capped program being open is not the same as a seat being available — verify current status on the VA page.
What it can fund here
Funds high-tech training programs (not standalone exam vouchers); pair with the test-fee reimbursement route for the exam.
This is planning information, not financial advice, and not a guarantee of funding. Eligibility, coverage, and amounts vary and change — confirm the current terms with the program before you rely on them.