Can You Use the GI Bill for Scuba Certification? Here's How It Works
Christie Davis Sep 15, 2026
If you've served, you've probably heard of the GI Bill for college. What a lot of people don't know is that the VA can also pay you back for certification test fees, and that includes scuba certifications.
Here's how it works at Astoria Scuba, in plain English.
The short version
We're a disabled veteran-owned shop, but we don't run a direct-bill VA program. That means you pay upfront, then ask the VA to reimburse you. The paperwork is a form called VA Form 22-0803.
You can complete all of our recreational and professional instructor tracks here. See the full list on our courses page.
What the VA reimburses
VA Form 22-0803 is the VA's request for reimbursement of licensing or certification test fees. The VA says it covers the cost of the test, including registration and administrative fees, up to $2,000 per test.
It does not cover fees tied to getting the actual license or certification document.
One thing to know: this is about exam and registration fees. It isn't necessarily everything you pay for a class. If you're not sure what part of your course counts, call us before you sign up.
Who qualifies
You need to already be enrolled in one of these VA education benefits:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
The VA's site has the full eligibility rules, so check there to be sure.
The four steps
- Confirm your benefits. Make sure you're enrolled in an eligible VA education benefit at va.gov.
- Pay upfront and keep your receipt. The VA requires a receipt for your testing fees.
- Finish your certification. Keep your test results or a copy of your certification. The VA wants one of them.
- File VA Form 22-0803. Send it in with your receipt and results. You can upload everything through the VA's QuickSubmit portal or mail it to your regional processing office.
The VA's test fee reimbursement page has the form and the latest instructions.
Can you use it more than once?
Yes. The VA says you can claim as many licensing and certification tests as you want, as long as you have entitlement left and you're within the time limit. That means you can keep going from Open Water as far as you want to take your training.
NAUI also has its own GI Bill program
NAUI runs a separate reimbursement program through NAUI-approved VA testing centers. It lists certification packages at $1,500 each (Basic, Advanced, Rescue, and Master Scuba Diver) and professional licenses at $2,000 each. NAUI says its VA reimbursements are currently taking about 30 to 60 days.
That's a different path from the one at our shop. If you're curious which route fits you, give us a call and we'll talk it through.
A discount, too
Separately from the VA, we offer a discount to active duty military, veterans, and law enforcement. Call us at (503) 741-3070 or email dive@astoriascuba.com to claim it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Astoria Scuba bill the VA directly?
No. We're a disabled veteran-owned shop, but we don't run a direct-bill VA program. You pay upfront and ask the VA to reimburse you using VA Form 22-0803.
What is VA Form 22-0803?
It's the VA's request for reimbursement of licensing or certification test fees.
What will the VA reimburse?
The VA says it covers the cost of the test, including registration and administrative fees, up to $2,000 per test. It does not cover fees related to getting the actual license or certification document. Call us if you're not sure what part of your course counts.
Who is eligible?
You need to be enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), or Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35). Check the VA's site for the full rules.
What do I need to send with the form?
A receipt for your testing fees, plus your test results or a copy of your certification. You can upload everything through the VA's QuickSubmit portal or mail it to your regional processing office.
How long does reimbursement take?
The VA's page doesn't give a timeframe, so we can't promise one. NAUI says reimbursements through its own program are currently taking about 30 to 60 days, but that's a separate route.
Can I use it for more than one certification?
Yes. The VA says you can claim as many licensing and certification tests as you want, as long as you have entitlement remaining and you're within the time limit.
Which courses can I take at Astoria Scuba?
You can complete all of our recreational and professional instructor tracks here. Browse them on our courses page.
Does Astoria Scuba offer a military discount?
Yes. We offer a discount to active duty military, veterans, and law enforcement. Call (503) 741-3070 or email dive@astoriascuba.com to claim it.
Where to read more
Everything above comes from the VA's test fee reimbursement page, NAUI's GI Bill reimbursement page, and the VA's GI Bill site. Program details can change, so check there before you plan around any dollar amount.
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.
