Frequently asked questions
Plain answers about free training, VA benefits and how this list works. 293 programs are listed; 239 are free with no VA benefit needed. Benefit facts checked on the cited VA and DoD pages on Oct 4, 2026. Benefit rules change, so confirm with VA before you apply.
Is Skills for Vets free? What does "Free" mean on a listing?
Yes. The site is free, with no sign-up, ads or tracking. On listings, "Free" means the program says it is free with no VA benefit needed (you don't spend GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC entitlement). "Free with benefit" means it is paid for through a benefit such as the GI Bill, VR&E (Chapter 31) or VET TEC 2.0. "Free (may include exam voucher)" means training is free and an exam voucher may be included or offered. Some free courses still charge for an optional certification exam, so check each listing. See free training with no benefit needed.
What is VET TEC 2.0, and is VET TEC open right now?
VET TEC 2.0 (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses 2.0) is a VA program for non-college-degree training in high-tech areas such as computer programming, software, data processing, information sciences and media applications. VA pays tuition and fees to the training provider and pays a monthly housing allowance and money for books and supplies. It is a new program, not the original VET TEC pilot, which ran from 2019 to 2024; a Certificate of Eligibility from the old program does not carry over. VA says you can apply online now, that it is limited to 4,000 paid participants per fiscal year (VA showed 4,000 openings available, last updated October 1, 2026), and that it is funded through September 30, 2027. VA lists eligibility as: a Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or an active-duty service member within 180 days of separating; at least 36 months of active duty; and under 62 when VA approves the application. It can't be used for a degree program. Sources: VA: VET TEC 2.0, VA: VET TEC 2.0 training provider FAQs. See VET TEC 2.0 listings.
What is VR&E (Chapter 31)?
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31), formerly Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, helps Veterans and service members whose service-connected disability limits their ability to work. VA says a Veteran can apply if they did not receive a dishonorable discharge and have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%; a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor then determines whether you are entitled to services. Some service members can qualify before discharge (for example with a 20% or higher pre-discharge rating). Services can include job training, education at a college or vocational school, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and help finding a job. VA says using VR&E does not deduct entitlement from your Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill. Source: VA: VR&E eligibility. See VR&E listings.
Can I use the GI Bill for training that isn't a college degree?
Yes. Besides college, VA says GI Bill benefits can be used for approved non-college-degree programs (trade, vocational and technical schools), on-the-job training and apprenticeships, and other approved training such as flight training and licensing and certification tests. Eligibility depends on your service; for example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill generally requires at least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001, and there are other qualifying routes. Using the GI Bill uses up entitlement, so it can make sense to look at free programs first. Sources: VA: About GI Bill benefits, VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA: non-college degree programs, VA: on-the-job training and apprenticeships, VA: flight training, VA: licensing and certification tests. See GI Bill listings.
What is SkillBridge?
DoD SkillBridge is a Department of Defense program (not a VA benefit) for service members who are still on active duty. It offers industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service, and service members can get up to 180 days of permissive duty with their unit commander's approval. Approval is at the command's discretion, not an entitlement, and services can set shorter limits by rank (for example, Marine Corps MARADMIN 280/24). Some SkillBridge partners also offer programs for veterans, Guard and Reserve members and spouses, but DoD does not fund those. Sources: DoD SkillBridge, Military OneSource: DOW SkillBridge, MARADMIN 280/24 (PDF on skillbridge.mil). See SkillBridge listings.
VET TEC vs VR&E vs GI Bill vs SkillBridge: which one fits me?
In short: SkillBridge is for service members in their last 180 days of service, with commander approval. VET TEC 2.0 is for high-tech, non-degree training for Veterans (and service members within 180 days of separating) with at least 36 months of active duty, and has limited openings. VR&E is for Veterans and service members with a service-connected disability (at least 10% for Veterans) and is built around a plan with a counselor. The GI Bill covers college, trade schools, apprenticeships and more, depending on your service, and uses entitlement. Rules interact (for example, VET TEC 2.0 charges GI Bill entitlement if you have any left), so confirm your own eligibility with VA or your transition office. Many programs on this site need none of these: see free with no benefit needed.
How are listings checked? What does "Verify details" mean?
Every listing comes from the program's official page (or the VA or government agency that runs it) and links to it. Each listing shows the date it was last checked. "Verify details" means some eligibility, cost or format details were not clearly stated on the official page, so the program is still listed but you should confirm those details before you apply. Programs change often, so always confirm on the official page.
What does "credential strength" mean?
Credential strength (1 to 5) is our estimate of how much a credential or benefit is likely to count in a job search: 5 = proctored, industry-standard certification or accredited graduate degree from a well-known school; 4 = recognized certification, accredited degree, paid fellowship or major funding benefit; 3 = certification prep, vendor credential or hiring pathway; 2 = course certificate, badge, career services or small scholarship; 1 = learning materials or closed programs. Support services are not scored.
How do I report an error or suggest a program?
Email info@skillsforvets.org. Every program page also has a "Report a problem" link. Suggestions are checked against the official page before they are added.
Is Skills for Vets affiliated with the VA? Who runs it?
No. Skills for Vets is an independent project by ET Labs (etlabs.app), built by a veteran. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense or any government agency, and it is not endorsed by any listed program. There are no ads, sign-ups, cookies or tracking.
Can I download the whole list?
Yes. The Excel spreadsheet has every program with the same questions and sort as the finder. It needs Excel 365 / 2021 or newer, or LibreOffice 24.8 or newer, for the live list.
I'm in crisis or worried about a veteran. Where can I get help now?
Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net. It is free, confidential and available 24/7, and you don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Source: Veterans Crisis Line.