You can use your GI Bill to pay for nationally approved tests, such as:
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
- AP (Advanced Placement Exam)
- CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
- ACT (American College Testing Program)
- DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
- MAT (Miller Analogies Test)
- MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)
- OAT (Optometry Admissions Testing)
- PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
- ECE (Excelsior College Examinations)
- PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) testing through Learningcounts.org
How Much Will You Receive?
The Department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse you the approved cost of the test. There is no limit to the number of tests you can take, and you may be reimbursed for retaking a test that you didn't pass. You can also retake tests you passed if the test is required for re-certification or to retain a license you already have.
The VA will reimburse you for the following fees:
- Registration fees
- Fees for specialized tests
- Administrative fees
The following fees are not normally reimbursed by the VA:
- Fees to take pre-tests (such as Kaplan tests)
- Fees to receive scores quickly
- Other costs or fees for optional items that are not required to take an approved test
You do not normally have to submit a receipt or proof of payment for the test. However, in these situations, proof of payment is necessary: DSST tests and certain situations related to CLEP, MAT, and PCAT tests.
How Do You Apply?
If you have not applied for GI Bill benefits, you must do that first. See our GI Bill Application page for helpful hints. Once you are eligible for the GI Bill, you should complete a VA Form 22-0810 (Application for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee). You do not normally have to submit a receipt or proof of payment for the test. However, some situations, such as DSST tests, CLEP, MAT, and PCAT tests, may require receipts. When in doubt, send a copy of any receipts in with your application.
How is Your GI Bill Entitlement Charged?
Your GI Bill entitlement will be charged proportionally based on the cost of the test.
You will be charged one month of GI Bill entitlement for each $2,260 you receive in GI Bill payments (increasing to $2,414.18 on Aug. 1, 2024).
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill or you want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
