VA Form 28-1905c: Training Hours, Wages & Progress Guide

VA Form 28-1905c: Training Hours, Wages & Progress Guide – If you are a veteran participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program through on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeship, or non-paid work experience, or if you are a trainer or certifying official at a training facility, VA Form 28-1905c plays a critical role in documenting your monthly training hours, wages, and progress. This official form ensures continued access to VR&E benefits under Chapter 31 of Title 38 U.S.C. and supports eligible dependents training under Chapter 35.

VA Form 28-1905c, titled Certification of Training Hours, Wages, and Progress, serves as the primary paper alternative when electronic certification systems are not available. Timely and accurate completion helps VA track satisfactory progress toward your rehabilitation goals and supports proper payment of subsistence allowances.

What Is VA Form 28-1905c and Why Is It Important?

VA Form 28-1905c is used to certify attendance hours, report wages paid (for paid OJT and apprenticeship programs), and document overall progress in approved training programs. It helps maintain adequate records as required under 38 U.S.C. 3677 and supports the VA’s oversight of VR&E services designed to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for and obtain suitable employment.

The form is completed monthly by the trainer or certifying official at the training establishment. It is especially relevant for:

  • On-the-Job Training (OJT)
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Non-paid work experience
  • Certain specialized or community-based training programs under VR&E

Accurate monthly reporting protects your benefits and helps your VR&E counselor monitor your rehabilitation plan.

Who Must Complete VA Form 28-1905c?

The trainer or certifying official at the OJT site, apprenticeship sponsor, rehabilitation facility, or training provider completes and signs this form. Veterans and trainees typically do not fill it out themselves. The certifying official must have direct knowledge of the trainee’s attendance, performance, and wages.

This form is required when electronic options (such as VA-ONCE or Enrollment Manager systems used by some schools) are not available or applicable to the specific OJT or apprenticeship setting.

When and Where to Submit VA Form 28-1905c?

Submit the completed form no later than the 10th day of the month immediately following the month for which wages or training hours are being reported. For example, the certification for January training and wages is due by February 10.

Mailing address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
VR&E Intake Center
P.O. Box 5210
Janesville, WI 53547-5210

Always confirm the preferred submission method with the veteran’s assigned VR&E counselor, as electronic submission may be available or required in some cases. Late or incomplete submissions can delay benefit processing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing VA Form 28-1905c

The current version of the form is VA Form 28-1905c (JUN 2023). You may complete it online (fillable PDF) or by hand in ink, printing neatly and legibly. Completely fill in all applicable boxes and circles.

Section I: Claimant’s Identification Information

Provide the veteran’s or eligible person’s full name, VA file number (if known), the name and complete address of the training facility, and the specific name of the training program. Accuracy here ensures the form reaches the correct VR&E case file.

Section II & III: Training Program Information and Type of Training

Select the appropriate category such as On-Job-Training (OJT), Apprenticeship, Non-Paid Work Experience, or other specialized programs (Adult Basic Education, Community Based Work Experience, Cooperative Course, etc.). Include the facility code when applicable. These selections tell VA exactly what type of VR&E training is being certified.

Section IV: Training Enrollment

Certify the claimant’s attendance status for the reporting period. Include term details, type and number of hours (semester, quarter, clock/shop, etc.), training time (full-time, ¾ time, ½ time, or less), begin and end dates, and any reductions in training hours or terminations. This section confirms ongoing enrollment or documents changes/withdrawals with reasons and last date of attendance.

Section V: Training Progress (Most Critical for OJT/Apprenticeship)

This section captures monthly progress for apprenticeship, paid OJT, and non-paid work experience:

  • List the specific job objectives from the training agreement.
  • Report the month being certified and total hours completed that month.
  • For apprenticeships, include cumulative hours completed in the entire program.
  • Provide a performance rating: Outstanding (O), Satisfactory (S), or Unsatisfactory (U).
  • Document initial and any updated hourly or monthly wage rates for the trainee and journeyman level (do not include overtime as a rate change). Note the begin date of each rate and reason for changes (start of training, increase, etc.).
  • Include the number of hours that constitute a standard full-time workweek at your establishment.
  • Provide a written summary of training progress and skill development covering attendance, punctuality, ability to accept supervision and instruction, cooperation with co-workers, performance of assigned duties, any issues, or changes in status. This narrative is essential for VA to evaluate satisfactory progress.

Section VI & VII: VR&E Counselor Contact and Certification/Signature

Include the name, email, and phone number of the assigned VR&E counselor. The trainer or certifying official must print their name, provide contact information, sign, and date the form. The certification statement includes a warning about penalties for submitting false information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling VA Form 28-1905c

  • Missing the monthly deadline (10th of the following month).
  • Incomplete wage information for paid OJT or apprenticeship programs.
  • Failure to provide a detailed narrative summary of skill development and progress.
  • Using an outdated version of the form (always use JUN 2023 or later).
  • Submitting without the required signature of the trainer/certifying official.
  • Not updating wage rates when changes occur during the training period.

Related VA Forms and Official Resources for VR&E and Training Certification

Here are trusted, current official resources to support your use of VA Form 28-1905c and overall VR&E participation:

How Timely Submission of VA Form 28-1905c Supports Continued VR&E Benefits?

Consistent monthly certification through VA Form 28-1905c helps your VR&E counselor confirm satisfactory progress toward your approved rehabilitation goal. This documentation directly influences the continuation of subsistence allowances and other support services during OJT or apprenticeship training. Delays or incomplete forms may result in interruptions to benefits or additional requests for information.

Training providers who submit accurate, on-time forms build strong partnerships with VA and contribute to successful veteran employment outcomes.

Best Practices for Employers and Training Providers Partnering with VR&E Veterans

Employers and training facilities play a vital role in veteran success. Maintain clear records of hours, wages, and skill progression from day one. Communicate regularly with the assigned VR&E counselor about any changes in training status, performance concerns, or wage adjustments. Use the narrative section of VA Form 28-1905c to provide meaningful, specific feedback rather than generic statements. This helps VA make informed decisions and supports the veteran’s long-term career goals.

Many employers find that participating in VR&E OJT and apprenticeship programs brings motivated, trained workers while offering meaningful support to those who served.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 28-1905c

Can the veteran complete VA Form 28-1905c?
No. The trainer or certifying official at the training site must complete and sign the form.

What if the training program has no wages (non-paid work experience)?
Complete all applicable sections for hours and progress. Wage-related items apply primarily to paid OJT and apprenticeship programs.

Is there an electronic version or alternative to this paper form?
Electronic certification through VA systems may be available depending on the program and facility. Contact the veteran’s VR&E counselor to confirm the preferred method.

What happens after I submit the form?
VA reviews the certification for completeness and satisfactory progress. This information helps determine ongoing eligibility for benefits and supports case management.

Where can I get help filling out the form?
Contact the veteran’s VR&E counselor or call VA toll-free at 800-827-1000 (or 711 for TDD). You can also visit va.gov/contact-us for additional options.

Download VA Form 28-1905c and Stay Up to Date

Always use the most current official version of the form. Download the latest VA Form 28-1905c directly from the Veterans Benefits Administration:

Download VA Form 28-1905c – Certification of Training Hours, Wages, and Progress (PDF)

Check va.gov/vaforms periodically for updates, and consult with the veteran’s VR&E counselor for any program-specific requirements.

By submitting complete and timely VA Form 28-1905c certifications, training providers and veterans work together with VA to achieve successful rehabilitation and meaningful employment outcomes.