VA Credentialing Assistance (CA): What Veterans Need to Know

Veterans exploring career-focused training options often hear about the GI Bill, but fewer are aware of VA Credentialing Assistance (CA) — a separate VA education benefit designed specifically for professional certifications and credentials.

This guide explains what VA Credentialing Assistance is, how it works, and how it may apply to certificate-based programs at Western States K-9 College.

What Is VA Credentialing Assistance?

VA Credentialing Assistance (CA) is a Department of Veterans Affairs education benefit that allows eligible veterans to use VA funding to pay for approved certificate and credential-based training programs.

Unlike the GI Bill, Credentialing Assistance is intended for career-focused certifications, not degree programs. It does not require enrollment in a college degree program and does not require GI Bill school approval.

Western States K-9 College offers professional certificate programs that may qualify under VA Credentialing Assistance, depending on individual eligibility, career goals, and VA approval.

How VA Credentialing Assistance Works

Credentialing Assistance funding may be used to cover:

• Tuition for approved certificate programs

• Required course materials

• Credential or certificate issuance fees

Key details to understand:

• Credentialing Assistance is separate from the GI Bill

• Veterans may receive up to $4,000 total in CA funding

• Many veterans are initially approved for $2,000

• Programs may be completed online

• Approval is handled directly through the VA, not through GI Bill school approval

Eligibility and funding amounts are determined by the VA based on the veteran’s individual situation.

Eligible Programs at Western States K-9 College

VA Credentialing Assistance may be applied toward select certificate-based programs, including but not limited to:

• Professional Dog Trainer Certificate

Program eligibility is determined by the VA based on the veteran’s career goals and available funding.

Western States K-9 College is happy to provide required documentation to support a veteran’s Credentialing Assistance request.

Important Information for Veterans

Before applying, veterans should be aware of the following:

• Western States K-9 College is not currently approved for GI Bill funding

• Credentialing Assistance is a separate VA benefit and does not require GI Bill approval

• Credentialing Assistance cannot be used for degree programs

• Funding approval and reimbursement are managed by the VA

How VA Credentialing Assistance Payments Work

The Most Common Method: Reimbursement to the Veteran

In most cases, VA Credentialing Assistance works as follows:

1. The veteran applies for Credentialing Assistance approval through the VA

2. The veteran pays tuition directly to the school

3. The veteran submits proof of payment and completion (or enrollment, depending on approval)

4. The VA reimburses the veteran up to the approved amount

This is the most common scenario and the one veterans should plan for.

Less Common Method: Direct Payment to the School

In some cases, the VA may issue payment directly to the school if:

• The VA explicitly authorizes direct payment

• The invoice is submitted exactly as requested

• The funding is tied to a credentialing vendor process

Direct payment to the school is not guaranteed and varies by VA office and by how the veteran’s funding was approved.

What This Means for Students

As a best practice:

• Tuition is paid by the student

• VA Credentialing Assistance is typically reimbursed directly to the veteran

This approach protects students and schools from delays, partial approvals, and administrative issues related to VA processing timelines.

How to Use Your VA Credentialing Assistance

To use Credentialing Assistance:

1. Confirm your eligibility through the VA

2. Select an eligible certificate program at Western States K-9 College

3. Request approval through your VA education portal

4. Submit any required documentation

5. Upon approval, enroll and begin your program

Questions or Need Help?

If you have questions about whether VA Credentialing Assistance may apply to one of our certificate programs, or if you need documentation to support your request, please contact us directly.

Western States K-9 College
Email: joe@westernsatesk9college.com
Phone: 801-703-3870

We’re happy to help you understand your options and determine whether Credentialing Assistance may support your training goals.

Final Note

VA Credentialing Assistance is a veteran-managed benefit. Approval, funding amounts, and reimbursement decisions are made by the Department of Veterans Affairs and may vary by individual.