How to Use Your GI Bill® for Scuba Certification: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Use Your GI Bill to Earn Scuba Certifications and Licenses
The official process is three steps. Here's each one explained in more depth, including eligibility.
Step 1: Confirm You're Eligible
Not everyone qualifies automatically, and eligibility depends on which GI Bill chapter applies to you. The chapters that generally cover this benefit are:
- Chapter 33 — Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 30 — Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty)
- Chapter 1606 — Montgomery GI Bill® (Selected Reserve)
- Chapter 32 — Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program
- Chapter 35 — Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance
Each has its own service-history requirements, and your remaining entitlement (how much benefit you have left) depends on what you've already used.
VA.gov — GI Bill and Other Education Benefit Eligibility
If you're not sure whether you're eligible, or you haven't applied for a VA education benefit yet, call the VA Education Call Center directly:
VA Education Call Center: 1-888-442-4551 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Important: you must already be found eligible for a VA education benefit before you can submit a reimbursement request. If you haven't applied for benefits yet, do that first.
Step 2: Sign Up for a Program
Find an International Training dive center to register and pay for your certification or license:
Each approved certification and license has a specific reimbursement amount set by the program — ranging from smaller certifications like First Response Oxygen Administration ($150) up to professional licenses like SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor ($2,000). The full current list is on the official program page.
Keep your proof of payment — you'll need it later.
Step 3: Earn Your Certification or License
Complete all required coursework, knowledge development, and dives. Once finished, you'll receive your certification or a verification letter confirming you passed — you'll need this too.
Step 4: Submit VA Form 22-0803
Gather:
- The pre-filled VA Form 22-0803 for your specific certification — available directly on the official program page. (A blank version is also available here: VA Form 22-0803 (PDF).)
- Your proof of purchase/receipt
- Your certification or verification letter
Submit these to the VA either online through the VA website, or by mail to your regional VA processing office.
More Information from the VA on Test Fee Reimbursement
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Once submitted, the VA reviews the request and issues payment directly to you if approved. Processing times vary, so it helps to submit as soon as you have all your documents ready.
Questions Along the Way?
For questions about a specific certification or license and its reimbursement amount, check the official International Training program page or contact a participating dive center directly. For questions about your eligibility, entitlement, or the status of a submitted claim, the VA Education Call Center is the right call: 1-888-442-4551.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
