VA Form 22-6553D-1
Monthly Certification of On-the-Job Training
Who fills it
veteran
Journey phase
Education & Training
Estimated time
10-15 minutes per month.
When to file
Monthly, by the deadline specified by VA. Late certification delays payment.
You are using GI Bill benefits in an apprenticeship or OJT program and need to certify your training hours each month to receive benefits.
Gather before you start
—Number of OJT/apprenticeship hours completed during the month
—Employer/program supervisor to sign
—Month and year being certified
Section I - Trainee Identification
Blocks 1-4Name, SSN, GI Bill chapter, certification periodPII
Your information and the specific month/year you are certifying. One form per month.
Example
(name, SSN, chapter, month/year)
Common mistakes
- Submitting late - this delays your monthly GI Bill payment.
Section II - Hours Certification
Blocks 5-8Total training hours completed this month
Exact number of OJT or apprenticeship hours completed during the certification month. Both you and your employer or program supervisor must certify the hours independently.
Example
e.g., 160 hours (full-time OJT in July 2026)
Common mistakes
- Estimating hours instead of tracking them - keep a timesheet.
- Certifying hours for a partial month without noting it is partial.
Section III - Signatures
Blocks 9-11Trainee and employer supervisor signaturesPII
Both the trainee (you) and the employer or program supervisor must sign each monthly certification.
Example
(both signatures required)
Common mistakes
- Only trainee signs - employer signature required every month.
Statutory & regulatory authority
38 USC 3011 - Chapter 30 educational assistance basic entitlement.