The Best Way for Veterans to Start GI Bill Benefits Training

5 min. read

A New Chapter Begins with the GI Bill

For many veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life, the question of “what’s next?” often brings uncertainty. Fortunately, the GI Bill offers a powerful answer. Through this landmark legislation, service members and veterans can access education and training benefits to build fulfilling post-military careers. But with so many programs available, it’s essential to understand the best way for veterans to start GI Bill benefits training. Whether you’re seeking a high-demand certification like PMP® (Project Management Professional) or a career-altering course in Agile, Scrum, or IT service management, getting started the right way can make all the difference.

Understanding the GI Bill and Its Benefits

The GI Bill—particularly the Post-9/11 GI Bill—provides comprehensive benefits to veterans, including tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. The bill supports a variety of educational paths such as college degrees, non-college degree programs, on-the-job training, and vocational training.

Training programs like those offered by Master of Project Academy are included under GI Bill-approved institutions. These programs provide veterans with practical, career-oriented skills that translate directly into job market advantages.

Before diving into any training, veterans must know which GI Bill benefits they’re eligible for and how to utilize them efficiently.

Step 1: Determine Your GI Bill Eligibility

Before enrolling in any training program, you should determine which version of the GI Bill you qualify for:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill: Most commonly used; covers 100% of in-state tuition at public institutions or a national maximum at private schools and training centers.

  • Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): Available for active-duty or selected reserve veterans, often used for vocational or certification training.

You can check your eligibility and apply for benefits via the VA’s Education Benefits portal on VA.gov. Veterans can also call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) for personalized guidance.

Step 2: Identify Your Career Goals

The GI Bill allows great flexibility in choosing a learning path, but the first step should always be identifying your career goals. Do you want to enter project management? Are you interested in technology and Agile methodologies? Or are you drawn to cybersecurity or healthcare project planning?

For example, many veterans find their leadership experience aligns perfectly with roles in project management. Enrolling in a PMP® certification training course or Scrum Master program through GI Bill-approved platforms like Master of Project Academy can lead to high-paying, in-demand careers.

Step 3: Choose a GI Bill-Approved Training Provider

Once you’ve set your sights on a career goal, the next step is selecting a GI Bill-approved training provider. This is crucial. Not every online or in-person course qualifies for GI Bill funding, so verify with the VA’s WEAMS (Web Enabled Approval Management System) database to ensure the program is eligible.

Master of Project Academy offers online, flexible, and veteran-supportive programs that align with GI Bill requirements. These training programs are built to fit around your schedule, ideal for working vets or those transitioning from military service.

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Let us send you links for our Free PMP Pack. Package includes:

- PMP Question Bank
- PMP Flash Cards
- PMP Prep Book Sample PDF
- Free PMP Overview Training
- PMP Cheat Sheets & more

Programs you might consider include:

  • PMP® Certification Training

  • Agile and Scrum Certification Courses

  • ITIL® Foundation Training

  • Lean Six Sigma Courses

Each course offers practical knowledge, career-boosting certifications, and step-by-step instruction designed for real-world application.

Step 4: Apply for Your Benefits and Enroll

Once you’ve selected your program, the next move is to apply your GI Bill benefits. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

  1. Apply for Education Benefits on VA.gov: Submit VA Form 22-1990 to initiate your GI Bill claim.

  2. Receive Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE): This will be mailed to you and should be submitted to your chosen training provider.

  3. Enroll in Your Program: Contact your school or training provider’s veteran support team to finalize enrollment using GI Bill benefits.

  4. VA Payment Processing: Once enrolled, the training provider coordinates with the VA for tuition payments, and you receive your housing and book stipends.

At this stage, many veterans find it helpful to speak directly with a Veteran Services Officer (VSO) to ensure all documents and forms are completed properly. Master of Project Academy also provides veteran support services to simplify the transition.

Step 5: Stay Engaged and Leverage Support Resources

GI Bill training isn’t just about getting through a course—it’s about launching a successful career. Staying committed to your training and taking full advantage of available support resources is essential. Some valuable resources include:

  • Veteran Support Groups & Forums: Connect with other vets for study support and encouragement.

  • VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E): Provides additional career counseling and job placement support.

  • LinkedIn Learning + Master of Project Certification Combo: Great for supplementing your course material with practical, real-world examples.

If you’re enrolled in a program like PMP®, you can also join professional networks and online communities to boost your job search and confidence.

Why Certifications Make Sense for Veterans

Certifications provide a streamlined path to employment. Instead of spending years in school, certifications can be earned in a matter of weeks or months. They validate your military-honed leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities.

Veterans trained in PMP®, Agile, or Lean Six Sigma are especially valuable in industries like:

  • Government contracting

  • Information technology

  • Healthcare systems

  • Logistics and supply chain

  • Construction management

Many employers actively recruit veterans with certifications, knowing they bring a unique work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Final Thoughts: Start Strong, Succeed Smart

The GI Bill is one of the most powerful tools available to veterans seeking a second career, and starting the journey correctly sets the stage for long-term success. The best way for veterans to start GI Bill benefits training is by understanding their eligibility, setting clear goals, selecting a reputable training provider like Master of Project Academy, and staying engaged throughout the process.

Whether you’re pursuing PMP®, Scrum, or Lean Six Sigma, your military experience gives you a unique advantage. Combine that with GI Bill-funded certification training, and you’re well on your way to a rewarding civilian career.

At Master of Project Academy, we’re proud to support veterans in unlocking their full potential—starting with the very first step of your training journey.

U.S. Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members —

Your military benefits may cover 100% of top certification programs with no out-of-pocket cost.

Email [email protected] to learn how you can get certified in:

  • PMP®CAPM®PMI-ACP®
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  • CSM®CSPO®Leading SAFe®
  • CISACISSP®, and more

Let Master of Project Academy help you turn your service into career-advancing credentials.