Get the Facts
FAQ
Pearson VUE answers your frequently asked questions about certification, tests and testing centers.
There is not a test center on my military installation; what should I do now?
How can I use my certification towards promotion points?
How Promotion Points are Awarded
Certification Requirements
Do I need to take leave to certify?
How much does certification cost?
How do I prepare for certification?
Which certification is right for me?
When will I know my exam score?
Do I have to pass a test to receive reimbursement?
What if I don’t pass the test?
Does Certification qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
If I’m approved for the transferability option for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, who can I transfer my benefits to?
How do I know if I qualify for funding?
How long is my certification valid?
What certifications are available to me?
There is not a test center on my military installation; what should I do now?
- If your base does not currently offer Pearson VUE testing, visit http://www9.pearsonvue.com/vtclocator/ to schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE commercial test center.
- To have the benefits of an on-base test site, contact your Education Service Officer to inquire about Pearson VUE testing on base.
- Please click here to request convenient, on-site testing at your installation.
Can I use my certification towards promotion points?
- In a continuing effort to improve the enlisted promotion system, the army G1 has approved the initiative to award promotion points for technical certifications to soldiers competing for promotion to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant.
How Promotion Points are Awarded
- Ten promotion points are awarded for each technical certification
- A maximum of 50 promotion points are authorized for technical certifications
- No additional promotion points are authorized for re-certification
- Promotion points will be awarded under civilian education on the DA Form 3355
- The certification must be listed on the approved TRADOC matrix that can be accessed at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/select/TechCert.htm.
- Soldiers interested in a certification that is not included on the TRADOC matrix should contact their personnel proponent SGM.
- The certification must be current as required by the certifying authority.
Do I need to take leave to certify?
- No; Pearson VUE offers hundreds of on-site testing centers on military installations around the world. Contact your local DANTES Education Center for on-base test center information.
How much does certification cost?
- The price of certification test vouchers varies. Please click here to see a full price list.
How do I prepare for certification?
- Pearson, the world’s largest education publisher, now offers federal government workers direct access to its full inventory of books and training content. Click here to visit the Pearson Government Bookstore.
Which certification is right for me?
- Pearson VUE offers hundreds of exams that provide certification for both military and civilian careers. Click here to review the exams available at on-base test centers. Pearson VUE offers additional exams through commercial sites and Pearson Professional Centers. Click here to see the full list of exam offerings and find the certification that is right for you.
When will I know my exam score?
- In most cases you will receive a copy of your exam score report at the completion of your exam. The format of your results vary. Depending on the exam program sponsor, you may receive a Pass/Fail, an actual score, or in some cases results are held for validation
Do I have to pass a test to receive reimbursement?
- In many cases you can be reimbursed for tests that you do not pass; however, benefit program reimbursement policies may vary.
What if I don’t pass the test?
- Not to worry if you don’t pass your test the first time you take it. You can retake failed tests and you may still qualify for reimbursement on the test you retake.
Does certification qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
- Certification programs are payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Payment under this provision may only be authorized one time and the payment will be the lesser of the cost of the test or $2,000. Reimbursement amount varies depending on many factors. See the GI Bill Website for more information.
- If your branch of service approves you for the transferability program, you can transfer your unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to immediate family members who meet certain criteria. Click here to access detailed transferability information via the GI Bill Website.
How do I know if I qualify for funding?
There are several programs available that provide veterans, active and reserve military personnel, spouses and dependents with reimbursement opportunities.
You can apply for reimbursement of a test by sending a reimbursement request form to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Click here to download the application for reimbursement.
If you need help in completing this application, call VATOLL-FREE at 1-888-GI-BILL-1(1-888-442-4551).
You must apply separately for VA education benefits if you have not already done so. You can receive reimbursement of a certification test fee if you qualify for VA benefits under one of the following programs:
- Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (MGIB) (Chapter30)
- Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter32)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter35)
- Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve Program (MGIB-SR) (Chapter1606)
- Montgomery GI Bill-Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter1607)
Click here to apply for education benefits online or obtain a hard copy of the application form.
You can apply for reimbursement of a test by sending a reimbursement request form to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Click here to download the application for reimbursement.
If you need help in completing this application, call VATOLL-FREE at 1-888-GI-BILL-1(1-888-442-4551).
How long is my certification valid?
- Certification length of validity varies; some certifications require recertification while others require continuing education. Certifications typically need to be renewed every one-to-three years. Renewal fees range from $10 to $150 and if you have applied for and are eligible for education benefits your renewal is covered under the certification program and you can apply for reimbursement.
What certifications are available to me?
- Click here to review the exams available at on-base test centers. Pearson VUE offers additional exams through commercial sites and Pearson Professional Centers. Click here to see the full list of exam offerings and find the certification that is right for you.