VA Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Who it's for
- Service members within 6 months of discharge, veterans discharged within the past year, anyone currently eligible for a VA education benefit, and eligible dependents
Open to: veterans, active duty / transitioning service members, spouses, family or caregivers. - Cost
- Free
- Free with no benefit?
- Yes: no GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC benefit needed.
- What you get
- Free educational and career counseling, planning and resources from VA counselors
- Type
- Support or counseling service
- Credential strength
- 2/5: Free career coaching, mentoring or hiring events; no credential.
- Duration
- Varies
- Format
- Online or in person (Online or in person (apply with VA Form 27-8832))
- Location
- Nationwide
- Deadline
- Rolling / varies
- Next start
- Varies
- Jobs it can lead to
- Depends on your target role (job-search support)
- Official page
- va.gov/careers-employment/education-and-career-counseling
- Last checked
- Oct 4, 2026