Earning a real estate license opens up a potential career path that allows veterans to help people find homes. With military experience comes skills in communication, time management, leadership and more that can aid real estate success. But real estate school and licensing exams cost money. Can military education benefits like the GI Bill help pay these costs?
The short answer is yes, the GI Bill can pay for real estate school and licensing exams in most cases. However, veterans will need to research approved programs and follow procedures to claim benefits. This article explains GI Bill use for real estate licensing, approved testing reimbursement, application tips, and alternative funding options.
GI Bill Programs That May Cover Real Estate School
The following GI Bill programs allow funds to be used for approved licensing/certification tests
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
So if real estate school prepares you for an approved licensing exam, costs may be covered. The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers the most generous benefits. But all veterans should check eligibility for any GI Bill programs they qualify for.
Research Approved Exams in Your State
The key is your real estate license exam must be approved for GI Bill reimbursement The VA maintains a search tool to find approved tests Search for your state’s real estate salesperson and broker exams to check,
If the exam is approved, the search will show the associated test fees. These vary by state but may range from $100-$200 If your exam isn’t listed, don’t assume it’s not approved. Contact your VA Regional Office to confirm eligibility
Also research if your state requires real estate pre-licensing education from an approved school. If so, look for VA-approved programs. Many community colleges offer approved courses.
Apply for GI Bill Test Reimbursement
You’ll need to pay for and take your exam first, then apply to the VA for reimbursement. Submit a VA Form 22-0803 with proof of exam payment. Do this within one year of taking the test. If approved, you’ll be reimbursed the cost of the exam.
If you paid for real estate school first in order to qualify for the exam, you likely cannot get reimbursed for the course costs. But the exam fee itself is covered. Retaking a failed exam is also reimbursable.
Alternative Funding Options Beyond GI Bill
What if real estate school isn’t VA-approved? Check if your state veterans’ affairs department offers education benefits to cover licensing costs. Also research real estate scholarships through professional associations.
Many real estate schools offer flexible payment plans or tuition assistance programs. Look for discounted group rates if enrolling with peers. And inquire about credit for prior real estate or vocational coursework that may reduce your training requirements.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Using GI Bill for Real Estate Licensing
There are advantages and drawbacks to utilizing military education benefits for real estate school:
Pros
- GI Bill fully covers cost of approved licensing exams
- Allows vets to enter real estate field at zero tuition cost
- Makes earning required license more accessible for veterans
Cons
- Won’t reimburse actual real estate course tuition in most cases
- Counts against total months of GI Bill eligibility
- May not cover full scope of training/education needed
ultimately, each veteran must decide if tapping GI Bill funds for real estate licensing makes financial sense based on their specific circumstances and career goals.
Steps for Veterans to Claim GI Bill for Real Estate Exam Costs
Follow this checklist to tap your Post-9/11 or other GI Bill benefits to cover real estate license testing fees:
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Confirm eligibility for GI Bill program that offers licensing/certification reimbursement
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Research your state’s real estate license exam requirements and providers
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Verify the exact exam is approved for GI Bill reimbursement
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Enroll in required real estate pre-licensing coursework if needed
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Register, pay fee, and take the approved licensing exam
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Gather proof of exam payment and documentation
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Submit VA Form 22-0803 for reimbursement within one year of exam date
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Consider retaking failed exams since reimbursement is unlimited
Will the GI Bill Cover Real Estate School Too?
While the GI Bill will reimburse approved real estate license exams, in most cases it will not pay for prerequisite real estate courses themselves. Some community colleges with VA-approved programs are exceptions. But for private real estate schools, learners generally need to pay tuition out-of-pocket.
The reason is that the VA requires license exams to have both state education department and licensing agency approval to qualify. These strict requirements usually only apply to the actual license test, not private real estate school programs.
But veterans should still research just in case an accredited real estate program near them meets VA requirements. And be sure to utilize all other tuition assistance options, scholarships, and veterans’ education benefits available.
Key Takeaways on Using GI Bill for Real Estate Licensing
A few key tips on utilizing military education benefits to earn a real estate license:
- GI Bill pays for pre-approved license exams only
- Check your state VA office for eligible tests
- Take exam then apply for reimbursement after
- Retaking failed exams is also covered
- Consider state/association education benefits too
While the GI Bill may not cover total real estate school costs, tapping it for licensing exams can help veterans enter the real estate field. Proper planning and research is critical to leverage military benefits.
Real Estate Careers Provide Opportunity for Veterans
Becoming a licensed real estate agent or broker opens doors for veterans to begin rewarding second careers. Helping military families find homes, assisting fellow veterans with VA loans, and putting disciplined work ethic into action are just a few benefits.
Unlocking GI Bill funds to defray the costs of mandatory real estate testing can make earning required licenses more feasible. There are also many real estate scholarships and education assistance programs beyond VA benefits.
With proper planning and strategic use of all resources available to them, veterans can chart a path to real estate success.
How do I know if I qualify?
Everyone in the following Department of Veterans Affairs and GI Bill programs are qualified to avail of this benefit:
- The post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty and Selected Reserve
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance
- The Fry Scholarship
To find out whether you are eligible for any of these programs, visit the VA.gov website.
Can the GI Bill help me get a Real Estate Agent License?
The GI Bill is an education benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for members of Active Duty, Selected Reserve, and National Guard Armed Forces, as well as their families or dependents. It is aimed to help shoulder education or training costs in covered fields of study. While everyone knows the GI Bill will cover traditional college tuition, many people don’t realize that it will cover many certifications such as a real estate agent license.
Qualified recipients of the GI Bill can be reimbursed for any (covered) licensing and certification tests they take, regardless if they pass or fail. The maximum amount of reimbursement per test is $2000, and you can retake the test as many times as you need to. The cost of the test will be deducted from your total months of remaining benefits based on your monthly benefit rate for full-time training. This will apply each time you take a licensing or certification test, or retake one that you previously failed.
It is important to note that this only applies for the test costs, and not on any other licensing fees, such as registering with the State Board.
How To Use The GI Bill To Get A Real Estate License?
FAQ
What schooling does the GI Bill cover?
The Department of Veterans Affairs runs the GI Bill, which helps pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. GI Bill has been helping veterans and their families get money for school or training since 1944. It can cover all or some of the costs.
What trades can I use my GI Bill for?
Through this program, you can pursue a career in fields such as plumbing, firefighting, and hotel management. Many veterans have used the GI Bill to attend the Police Academy. *Spouses using transferred benefits are not eligible for this benefit.
How long does real estate school take in VA?
To become a real estate agent in Virginia, you don’t need a college degree, but you do need to take 60 hours of real estate education from a Virginia DPOR Board-approved provider. The basic real estate rules and methods you’ll need to know in order to be successful in the field are covered in your coursework.
Will the GI Bill pay for certifications?
Veterans and service members who are eligible can use the GI Bill to pay up to $2,000 for fees for licensing and certification exams in civilian jobs. Fees for re-testing and renewing licenses or certifications are also covered. Registration fees, preparation guides and processing fees will not be reimbursed.
Can GI Bill benefits pay for Real Estate certification?
The VA website says that GI Bill benefits can be used to pay for tests for licenses and certifications, such as real estate certifications that have been approved.
Can the GI Bill help you become a real estate agent?
The good news is that the GI Bill can help. If you were a veteran or got out of the military with honors, you can use your GI Bill benefits to pay for your real estate course and even your exam. We’ll break down exactly how the GI Bill benefits can help you, step by step. How do I become a real estate agent?.
Does the GI Bill cover real estate license costs?
You can take advantage of the benefits you are qualified for at any time. Just to review, the GI Bill can definitely help you pay for your real estate license. The VA will reimburse licensing costs, and the steps to get the reimbursement are easy.
How much does GI Bill Pay?
The amount you get depends on which GI Bill program you use and what school you go to. We pay you at the end of each month for the hours you’ve spent training. Post-9/11 GI Bill: We pay a monthly rate that depends on the type of school you’re enrolled in.
Does the VA pay for a GI Bill exam?
The VA will pay for licensing and certification tests that are specifically approved for VA education benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse you for these costs. The VA can only pay for the tests; they can’t cover any other costs that come with getting a license or certification.
Can I get education benefits through the GI Bill?
You may be eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill if you meet both of these requirements. Who is covered? What benefits can I get? Note: If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can also get a monthly housing allowance (MHA). How much money will I get?.