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Great News for U.S. Military Personnel and Veterans!
Active duty military personnel, veterans, and their family members taking exams in the Microsoft Office Specialist certification program can now use their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover examination fees.
Individuals eligible for Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits may receive reimbursement for Microsoft Office Specialist certification for Microsoft Office 97, Microsoft Office 2000 and Microsoft Office XP (2002) exam fees. Reimbursement eligibility extends to exams that are retaken, exams needed to update certifications to more recent versions of Microsoft Office, and exams taken in foreign countries. Individuals do not have to pass an exam in order to qualify for reimbursement, and may retroactively apply for reimbursement for exams taken on or after November 5, 2001.
By passing one Microsoft Office Specialist exam, individuals obtain a Microsoft Office Specialist certification and can then pursue premier Microsoft Office Specialist Master certification which signifies expertise in a broad range of Microsoft Office applications.
Microsoft Office Specialist certification is a proven method for increasing credibility with employers and co-workers, becoming more effective in work performed using Microsoft Office applications, and gaining the confidence to tackle challenging new assignments. VA reimbursement for Microsoft Office Specialist certification enables eligible individuals to save money while achieving their educational and career objectives!
Eligible individuals can apply for reimbursement by providing the following information to a Regional VA Office via regular, surface mail:
 Name and Social Security number
Copy of the exam results
Name and number of the exam and date taken
Name and address of the organization (Microsoft) issuing the license or certificate
Cost of the exam
The following signed statement: "I authorize release of my exam information to the VA."
To locate your Regional VA Office and view an example of a reimbursement claim, visit www.gibill.va.gov/education/SampleLCapp.htm.
For additional information regarding VA reimbursement visit:
Frequently Asked Questions and Application Process
www.gibill.va.gov/education/LCVets.htm
VA Licensing, Certification and Eligibility Web Site
www.gibill.va.gov/education/Lcweb.htm
Or call VA Education Customer Service office: 888-442-4551
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