Use Veteran Education Benefits for ABYC Exams
Veterans can now use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits toward reimbursement of exam fees for nine American Boat & Yacht Council certification exams, taken on or after December 10, 2025.
How Veterans Can Request VA Reimbursement for ABYC Certification Exams
Veterans and eligible dependents may be able to receive reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for approved ABYC certification exam fees. Below is a step-by-step overview of how to submit a reimbursement request using VA Form 22-0803.
Step 1: Take an Approved ABYC Certification Exam
Pay for and successfully complete one of the VA-approved ABYC certification exams. Be sure to keep all documentation related to your exam, including receipts and confirmation emails.
Step 2: Complete VA Form 22-0803
VA Form 22-0803, Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees, is used to request reimbursement for certification exam costs.
You can access the form at: www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-22-0803
Step 3: Gather Required Information
When completing the form, you will need:
- Your personal and VA benefit information
- The name of the certification organization (American Boat & Yacht Council)
- The name of the ABYC certification exam taken
- The exam date and cost
- Proof of payment (receipt or invoice)
Step 4: Submit the Form to the VA
Submit VA Form 22-0803 and supporting documentation directly to the VA using one of the submission options listed on the form (online upload, mail or in person at a VA regional office).
Step 5: VA Review and Reimbursement
The VA will review your submission. If approved, reimbursement will be issued according to your VA education benefit eligibility and remaining entitlement.
Helpful Notes
- Reimbursement applies to exam fees only and does not cover preparatory courses or study materials unless otherwise specified by the VA.
- Processing times may vary.
- Eligibility and reimbursement amounts are determined by the VA, not ABYC.
Questions?
For questions about ABYC certifications, contact [email protected].
For questions about VA education benefits or reimbursement status, contact the VA Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 or visit www.va.gov/education.
Program FAQs
What ABYC certifications are currently approved for VA education benefits?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved nine ABYC certification exams for reimbursement of exam fees. These exams are listed in the VA’s Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS) under the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).
These include:
- Advanced Marine Electrical
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Marine Composites
- Marine Corrosion
- Marine Electrical
- Marine Engines and Fuel Systems
- Marine Standards
- Marine Systems
- U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boat Regulations
How will ABYC appear in the VA system?
NOTE: Addition of ABYC to VA website is currently pending.
When searching in WEAMS or completing VA Form 22-0803, veterans should reference:
Certification organization: American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)
Certification type: Licensing and Certification Exams
Delivery format: Proctored certification exam
Each approved exam is listed individually in WEAMS. Veterans should select the specific ABYC exam taken when submitting reimbursement requests.
What does VA approval mean for me?
VA approval means eligible veterans, active-duty military members, and select dependents or family members may apply for reimbursement of ABYC certification exam fees after successfully completing an approved exam. Reimbursement is administered by the VA, not ABYC.
Does the VA cover the full ABYC certification or just the exam?
At this time, VA education benefits apply to reimbursement of approved certification exam fees only. ABYC is actively pursuing additional approvals related to certification prep course pathways and will share updates as they become available.
Do I need to apply for VA benefits before taking the exam?
You do not need pre-approval from the VA to take an ABYC certification exam. However, you must be eligible for VA education benefits to receive reimbursement. Veterans are encouraged to confirm their eligibility with the VA before testing.
How do I apply to be found eligible for VA education benefits?
You must apply separately and be found eligible for VA education benefits if you have not already done so. You may submit an application for VA Education benefits on-line at va.gov/education/how-to-apply.
Active-duty military members are eligible to use VA Education benefits. For dependents or family members, the veteran must have transferred those benefits while on active duty.
How do I request reimbursement after taking the exam?
After completing an approved ABYC certification exam, submit VA Form 22-0803, along with proof of payment, and exam results, directly to the VA through the online portal at ask.va.gov. Pass/fail status does not matter. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
ABYC does not submit reimbursement requests on behalf of veterans.
How long does reimbursement take?
Processing times vary and are determined by the VA. Veterans should allow several weeks for review and payment. ABYC is not able to track or expedite individual reimbursement requests.
What costs are eligible for reimbursement?
VA education benefits may reimburse:
- ABYC certification exam fees
The VA does not reimburse preparatory courses or study materials unless otherwise specified by the VA.
Why are ABYC certifications valuable to employers?
ABYC certifications are widely recognized across the marine industry as a benchmark for technical competence and safety. They are trusted by boat manufacturers, repair facilities, marinas, surveyors, insurers and government agencies as proof of a technician’s ability to meet nationally accepted standards. Many employers actively seek ABYC-certified professionals.
Can I use VA benefits for multiple ABYC exams?
Eligible veterans may request reimbursement for more than one approved certification exam, subject to VA benefit availability and remaining entitlement.
Where can I get help?
For questions about ABYC certification exams, contact [email protected].
For questions about VA education benefits or reimbursement status, contact the VA Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 or visit va.gov/education.