VA Form 22-0803: Get Licensing Test Fee Reimbursement – If you are a veteran, service member, or eligible dependent who has paid fees to take a licensing or certification test, you may qualify for reimbursement through your VA education benefits. VA Form 22-0803 (Request for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees) is the official form used to request repayment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
This guide explains who qualifies, what costs VA covers, how to complete and submit the form, and the best ways to get your money back quickly. All details are based on current official VA resources.
Download Here: VA Form 22-0803
What Is VA Form 22-0803?
VA Form 22-0803 allows eligible individuals to request reimbursement for fees paid to take approved licensing or certification tests while using VA education benefits (GI Bill).
The current version of the form is VA Form 22-0803 (January 2026). It supersedes earlier versions (such as the August 2020 edition). You can download it directly or fill it out using VA’s online tool.
Note: There is a separate form — VA Form 22-10272 — for reimbursement of approved preparatory (prep) courses that help you study for these tests.
Who Is Eligible to Use VA Form 22-0803?
You must have remaining entitlement under one of these VA education benefit programs:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
You can request reimbursement for tests required for jobs that need a license or certification (examples include many trades, healthcare, IT, transportation, and technical fields). VA will pay even if you fail the test, need to retake it, or retake a previously passed test for recertification or license maintenance.
Important: You must already be (or simultaneously apply to become) eligible for the specific VA education benefit under which you want reimbursement. If you have not yet applied for benefits, do so first at the official VA education benefits application page.
What Tests Qualify and How Much Does VA Reimburse?
VA reimburses the cost of the test itself (including required registration and administrative/proctoring fees), up to $2,000 per test. There is no limit on the total number of tests you can receive reimbursement for, as long as you have remaining entitlement and are within your delimiting date.
VA covers:
- The actual test fee
- Required registration and administrative fees necessary to take the test
VA does NOT cover:
- Fees to obtain the physical license or certificate document after passing
- Pre-test or practice exam fees
- Expedited scoring or optional add-on fees
- Costs unrelated to taking the approved test
Tests must be approved for GI Bill use. Use VA’s search tool to check specific tests. Even if a test is not listed, it may still qualify — submit the form with your documentation and VA will review it.
How to Find Approved Licensing and Certification Tests?
Visit the official GI Bill Comparison Tool – Licenses, Certifications, and Prep Courses page. Enter keywords related to the profession or test name (for example, “barber,” “nurse,” or “CDL”) and select the appropriate category. This tool helps you identify tests that VA has already approved.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Reimbursement with VA Form 22-0803?
- Confirm eligibility and remaining entitlement — Log into your VA.gov account or contact VA to verify your benefits status and remaining entitlement.
- Take the test and keep all documentation — Pay the fee and obtain a detailed receipt. After testing, get your official test results (or the license/certification if issued).
- Complete VA Form 22-0803 — The easiest and fastest method is to use VA’s official online tool, which guides you through the form and lets you download a completed version. Alternatively, download the PDF version and fill it out manually.
- Gather required supporting documents:
- Completed and signed VA Form 22-0803
- Copy of your payment receipt showing the test fee
- Copy of your test results or a copy of the license or certification you received
- Any additional explanation if needed (attach extra sheets with your name and VA file number)
- Submit your package — Upload everything using QuickSubmit (recommended) or mail it to the correct VA Regional Processing Office.
How to Fill Out VA Form 22-0803? (Key Items)
The form includes detailed instructions on page 2. Here are the most important fields:
- VA File Number — Usually your Social Security Number (or the qualifying veteran’s file number plus payee number for Chapter 35).
- Test Information — Full name of the test, date you took it, and the complete name and mailing address of the organization that issues the license or certificate.
- Cost — Enter only the required test fees (attach the receipt). Do not include optional or non-test-related charges.
- Signature and Date — Required for processing.
If you have never applied for VA education benefits, you must do so separately (VA will not process reimbursement until eligibility is established).
Tip: Using the official online fill tool reduces errors and ensures you provide all required information.
How and Where to Submit VA Form 22-0803?
Recommended method (fastest):
Fill out the form using the official online tool, download the completed PDF, then upload it along with your supporting documents through QuickSubmit.
Mail option:
Send your completed form and documents to the VA Regional Processing Office that serves your home address (not a school address). There are two main offices:
Muskogee Regional Processing Office
Department of Veterans Affairs
PO Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
Covers: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and certain territories.
Buffalo Regional Processing Office
Department of Veterans Affairs
PO Box 4616
Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
Covers: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District of Columbia, and certain other areas.
Always double-check the most current addresses on the official VA page for GI Bill Regional Processing Office addresses before mailing.
What Happens After You Submit?
VA will review your request and supporting documents. If approved, they will reimburse you directly for the eligible test fees (up to the $2,000 limit per test). Your GI Bill entitlement will be charged based on the amount reimbursed. You can check claim status through your VA.gov account or by calling the GI Bill hotline.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Process
- Apply promptly while you still have remaining entitlement.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Even if your test is not listed in the search tool, submit the form — many tests are still reimbursable.
- Reimbursement is available for retakes and recertification tests.
- Contact VA if you need help: Call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) (TTY: 711) or use Ask VA.
Official Resources
Here are trusted, current sources directly from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
- Official VA Form 22-0803 information page
- Direct download of VA Form 22-0803 (PDF)
- Fill out VA Form 22-0803 online (recommended)
- Licensing and Certification Tests and Prep Courses overview
- Search approved licensing and certification tests
- GI Bill Regional Processing Office addresses
- Licensing and Certification Test Reimbursement Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Apply for VA education benefits
This article provides general guidance based on official VA information current as of 2026. Policies and forms can change, so always verify the latest details and download the most current form directly from va.gov before submitting. For personalized assistance with your claim, contact VA directly or consult a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).