If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member exploring ways to build skills in technology, the VET TEC 2.0 program may be worth a close look. This VA benefit is designed to help eligible veterans pursue approved VA high-tech training — and it may cover more of your costs than you’d expect.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what the VET TEC 2.0 program is, what it may cover, who may be eligible, and how it connects to approved IT training for veterans at ICOHS College in San Diego.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or benefits advice. Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Please visit va.gov for the most current requirements and application information.
What Is the VET TEC 2.0 Program?
The VET TEC 2.0 program — short for Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses 2.0 — is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefit that may help eligible veterans and qualifying active-duty service members develop skills in high-demand technology fields.
According to the VA, VET TEC 2.0 is designed to help eligible veterans and active-duty service members develop skills to start or advance their careers in a high-tech industry.
This is a newer iteration of the original VET TEC program. The new program has different eligibility requirements and entitlement rules from the program VA offered before, so it’s important to review current VA guidelines even if you explore the original version.
5 Key Benefits of the VET TEC 2.0 Program
Here’s a plain-language overview of what the VET TEC 2.0 program may offer to eligible participants.
1. Tuition and Fees May Be Covered
For eligible participants, the VA pays tuition and fees directly to the training provider — not to the student. This means that if you are approved and enrolled in an eligible program, you would not need to pay those costs out of pocket. Program approval status should always be confirmed using the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool before enrolling.
2. A Monthly Housing Allowance During Training
Eligible participants may receive money for housing during their training. This VA housing allowance can help offset living costs while you focus on completing your program. You’ll need to verify your enrollment every month to continue receiving this allowance.
3. Books and Supplies May Be Included
In addition to tuition and the VA housing allowance, the program may also cover books and supplies required for approved training. This removes another common barrier for veterans who want to pursue IT training for veterans without additional out-of-pocket expense.
4. No Prior VA Education Benefit Required
This is one of the most important aspects of the VET TEC 2.0 program for many veterans. You don’t need to have qualified for any VA education benefit in the past to participate. Even if you’ve already used the maximum of 48 months of VA education benefits, you can still participate.
5. Covers High-Demand Technology Training Areas
Training areas covered include computer programming, computer software, data processing, information sciences, and media applications. This makes VA high-tech training through this program well-aligned with fields where qualified professionals are actively sought across industries.
Who May Be Eligible for the VET TEC 2.0 Program?
Eligibility for the VET TEC 2.0 program is determined entirely by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. ICOHS College can provide guidance, but VA makes all eligibility and approval decisions.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following service conditions: you’re a veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or you’re an active-duty service member who is within 180 days of separating from service.
In addition, you must have served at least 36 months on active duty and be under 62 years old when VA approves your application.
Important participation note: This program is limited to 4,000 paid participants in a fiscal year, though Congress may adjust the number of participants at any time. Checking current availability directly through VA is always recommended.
VET TEC 2.0-Eligible Programs at ICOHS College
ICOHS College, based in San Diego, CA, is an approved provider for the VET TEC 2.0 program. ICOHS College is listed as a preferred provider by VA and offers distance learning options.
Two programs are currently approved for VET TEC 2.0 funding at ICOHS College:
| Program | Focus | Approximate Duration |
| CompTIA A+ Training | Foundational IT support and hardware | ~15 weeks |
| CompTIA Network+ Training | Networking fundamentals and protocols | ~10 weeks |
Both programs are oriented towards CompTIA certification training, which is widely recognized in the IT industry. Veterans should confirm current program approval status using the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool before taking any enrollment steps, as approval status is subject to change.
CompTIA A+ Training
The CompTIA A+ module is designed to prepare students for certification-focused training in foundational IT support. This approximately 15-week program covers hardware, software troubleshooting, and core IT support concepts relevant to entry-level IT roles. It is one of two programs at ICOHS College currently eligible for VA high-tech training funding through VET TEC 2.0.
CompTIA Network+ Training
The CompTIA Network+ module is approximately 10 weeks and focuses on networking knowledge and preparation for CompTIA Network+ certification training. Networking is a foundational skill area within IT training for veterans who may want to pursue roles in network administration, support, or infrastructure.
Both programs are approved for this veteran tech training benefit as of the publication of this article. Program eligibility is subject to ongoing VA review.
How to Apply for the VET TEC 2.0 Program
Below is a general overview of the process. For the most current steps and timing, always refer to the official VA website.
- Confirm program approval — Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify that the specific program you want to enroll in is currently approved for VET TEC 2.0.
- Submit your VA application — Apply through VA.gov. Applications for VET TEC 2.0 are expected to open in June 2026; check the official VA VET TEC 2.0 page for the latest status.
- Contact ICOHS College — After receiving your Certificate of Eligibility, reach out to the ICOHS Admissions Team. The School Certifying Official will complete your enrollment certification with VA.
- Verify monthly — You’ll need to verify your enrollment every month to keep receiving your monthly housing allowance.
You can contact the ICOHS Admissions Team at admissions@icohs.edu or request VET TEC 2.0 information directly on the ICOHS VET TEC page.
VET TEC 2.0 vs. the Original VET TEC Program
If you participated in — or researched — the original VET TEC program, it’s important to know this is not the same benefit. You cannot use a Certificate of Eligibility from the previous program to connect with a training provider and receive benefits through VET TEC 2.0. A new application is required.
Eligibility requirements and entitlement rules have also changed. Reviewing the current requirements on va.gov and speaking with ICOHS’s Veterans Team is the best way to understand what applies to your situation.
Conclusion
The VET TEC 2.0 program is a VA benefit designed to help eligible veterans pursue approved VA high-tech training — potentially covering tuition, a monthly VA housing allowance, and books for qualifying participants. ICOHS College in San Diego is an approved preferred provider offering two CompTIA certification training programs currently eligible for this veteran tech training benefit: CompTIA A+ (approximately 15 weeks) and CompTIA Network+ (approximately 10 weeks).
If you’re a veteran or qualifying service member interested in IT training for veterans, the VET TEC 2.0 program may be a pathway worth exploring. Visit the official VA VET TEC 2.0 page for current eligibility and application details, or contact the ICOHS Veterans Team to learn how these benefits may apply to approved programs.
Outcomes vary by individual. Program approval for VET TEC 2.0 is subject to VA review and may change. Eligibility requirements are established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
FAQs
Q: What is the VET TEC 2.0 program?
A: The VET TEC 2.0 program (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses 2.0) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefit that may help eligible veterans and qualifying active-duty service members pursue approved high-tech training. For eligible participants, it may cover tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and books and supplies. Eligibility is determined by VA.
Q: Who may be eligible for the VET TEC 2.0 program?
A: According to VA, you may be eligible if you are a veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or an active-duty service member within 180 days of separation — and you have served at least 36 months on active duty and are under 62 years old at the time VA approves your application. VA determines all eligibility decisions. Visit va.gov for current requirements.
Q: What IT training programs at ICOHS College are approved for VET TEC 2.0?
A: As of this publication, two programs at ICOHS College are approved for VET TEC 2.0 funding: the CompTIA A+ Module (approximately 15 weeks) and the CompTIA Network+ Module (approximately 10 weeks). Program approval is subject to ongoing VA review. Veterans should confirm status using the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool.
Q: Do I need remaining GI Bill benefits to use VET TEC 2.0?
A: No. No prior VA education benefit is required. Veterans who have already used their full 48 months of VA education benefits may still be eligible to participate in the VET TEC 2.0 program. Eligibility is determined by VA.
Q: When do VET TEC 2.0 applications open?
A: VA VET TEC 2.0 applications are expected to open in June 2026. Timing is set by VA and may change. Visit the official VA VET TEC 2.0 page for the most current information.
Q: Is the VET TEC 2.0 program the same as the original VET TEC program?
A: No. VET TEC 2.0 has different eligibility requirements and entitlement rules. A Certificate of Eligibility from the original program cannot be used for VET TEC 2.0. A new application through VA is required.
Disclaimer:
- Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
- ICOHS College does not guarantee funding or employment.
- GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
