USAW Certs Now Eligible for GI Bill® Exam Reimbursement

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COLORADO SPRINGS - USA Weightlifting is proud to announce that the Level 1 and Level 2 Certification Exams are approved for reimbursement through U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® benefits. This approval expands access to nationally recognized coaching credentials for veterans pursuing careers in sport, fitness, and strength and conditioning. Veterans may register for USA Weightlifting Level 1 or Level 2 coaching certifications through the standard registration process and, after completing the exam, apply for reimbursement of the exam fee through the VA.


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The certification exam fee is $525 and is eligible for reimbursement through GI Bill benefits. In addition, USAW has kept the required training cost highly accessible. The following is the total certification cost after reimbursement for eligible veterans:

  • $24 for existing USA Weightlifting members
  • $129 total for non-members (cost includes a USAW membership)

After completing the exam, veterans may apply for reimbursement directly through the VA by submitting VA Form 22-0803 (Request for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees) along with:

  • Proof of exam completion
  • Proof of payment (receipt)

Reimbursement is processed by the VA, not USA Weightlifting, and may be available under several VA education benefit programs, including:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
  • Other qualifying VA education programs

Eligibility is ultimately determined by the VA.


“Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and a service-oriented mindset that aligns perfectly with coaching and athlete development. We are thrilled to remove financial barriers and open clearer pathways for veterans to build impactful careers in weightlifting, sport, fitness, and strength and conditioning,” said Dr. Anna Swisher, Director of Coach Development and Sport Science at USA Weightlifting. “This is an important milestone for USA Weightlifting in our efforts to support active and retired military personnel in their pursuit of careers in coaching and training.” 


USAW certifications are widely recognized across the strength and conditioning, fitness, and sport performance industries and emphasize athlete safety, movement fundamentals, communication skills, and program design. The Level 1 course has been offered for over 30 years, and the Level 2 course is nationally accredited through the National Committee for Accreditation of Coach Education (NCACE).


“This initiative is about more than certification,” added Dr. Swisher. “It’s about honoring veterans’ experience, supporting their next chapter, and strengthening our coaching community with leaders who understand accountability, resilience, and service.”

 

For VA-specific questions, veterans should visit the VA’s Licensing and Certification Benefits page or contact the VA directly at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).