VET TEC Returns in 2026: What Veterans Need to Know to Launch a Tech Career with ACI Tech Academy

What’s the deal with VET TEC in 2026?

Current status: Still not funding new training (as of early 2026)

You may have seen headlines saying “VET TEC is coming back” — and that’s partially true. In December 2024, Congress passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which included a reauthorization of VET TEC. But even in 2026, the program still isn’t fully up and running — and veterans are still waiting for the VA to finalize the details needed to restart new enrollments.

Here’s where things stand:

• The original VET TEC pilot officially ended on April 1, 2024, and no new enrollments were accepted after that.
• The VA continued supporting students already enrolled through fiscal year 2024, with housing, tuition, and fees covered even if their term extended beyond April.
• The Dole Act, signed in early 2025, authorizes VET TEC again and directs the VA to re-establish the program under updated rules.
• However, key details are still unresolved and implementation is still in progress, including:
  • How many training spots will be available each year (some proposals suggest 4,000 per year).
  • How much of your GI Bill benefit will be used.
  • Which training providers will be approved — pilot-era providers won’t automatically be grandfathered in.
  • When new student cohorts will actually begin.
• Some proposals extend VET TEC through 2026 or 2027 as a bridge while Congress and the VA work out the full rollout.
• Advocates have warned that restarting VET TEC could take months due to provider approvals, new Certificates of Eligibility, and system updates.

Bottom line:

Yes — VET TEC has been reauthorized on paper, but it’s not yet fully operational. As of early 2026, the program still isn’t funding new training or accepting new enrollments the way it did during the pilot.

Think of it as “approved to return, but still not fully relaunched.” We’re tracking updates closely and will revise this page as soon as the VA releases official rollout details.

Status note: As of January 2026, VET TEC is still not actively funding new training.

Sources:

• VA announcement on the VET TEC pilot ending (April 2024)
• Press release on the Dole Act reauthorization
• Course Report: What’s new for VET TEC in 2025
• NextGov: VET TEC renewal and accountability

What Is VET TEC?

VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses) is a program from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs designed to help veterans gain the skills they need to work in high-demand tech jobs — without draining your GI Bill® benefits.

This program provides:

• Short-term, full-time tech training (6–28 weeks)
• A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
• A focus on career outcomes, not just classroom time
• Partial use of GI Bill® entitlement starting in 2025 (exact amount TBD)

Unlike traditional degree programs, VET TEC pays training providers based on your success. That means they’re only fully reimbursed once you graduate and land meaningful employment — ensuring they stay focused on results, not just enrollment.

What We Know So Far (2026 Update)

With the planned relaunch, VET TEC 2.0 is expected to include some important updates:

• Limited funding: some proposals suggest only 4,000 spots available nationwide each year
• Partial GI Bill® usage may be required (unlike the pilot phase)
• Training providers will likely need to be reapproved under updated requirements
• A new official start date has not been clearly confirmed, and the program is still not fully open for new enrollments

Suffice it to say, we’re tracking it closely and we’ll share updates as soon as the VA confirms next steps.

Want to be ready when it opens? Check out this guide for military learners:
https://www.acitechacademy.com/blog/answering-the-top-training-questions-from-military-members/

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for VET TEC, you must:

• Be a military veteran with at least one day of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill® entitlement

• Apply for and be approved by the VA

• Attend full-time training with an approved provider

• Pursue a career in a high-demand field like:

• Information Technology

• Cybersecurity

• Networking

• Data processing or software development

Note: Spouses using transferred benefits and some active-duty service members are ineligible.

Why Choose ACI Tech Academy?

ACI Tech Academy is a VET TEC-approved training provider with a strong track record of helping veterans transition successfully into civilian IT careers. We don’t just train — we partner with you every step of the way.

Your Career Starts Here

Our VET TEC eligible programs include:

• Computer User Support Specialist

• Network Support Specialist

• Information Security Analyst

Each program is designed to prepare you for industry-recognized certifications like:

• CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• ITIL® Foundation

Real Support from Day One

You’ll learn in small-group, instructor-led classes taught by professionals with real-world experience. But training is just the beginning.

We’ve also launched ACI CareerConnect — your all-in-one, post-training job search toolkit.

Learn more here:
https://www.acitechacademy.com/blog/introducing-aci-career-connect-your-launchpad-to-a-tech-career/

Introducing ACI CareerConnect

Once enrolled, you’ll get full access to CareerConnect — a personalized, tech-powered platform to help you land your dream job faster. It includes:

• Unlimited 1:1 coaching with Career Mentors

• Smart AI tools to help build resumes, optimize LinkedIn, and prep for interviews

• A curated job board built for career changers like you

• A mobile app so you can apply and track jobs on the go

Best part? It’s included in your training at no extra cost.

VET TEC vs. GI Bill®: What’s the Difference?

How to Apply for VET TEC

Applying is simple — but timing is everything.

Step 1: Apply for VET TEC through the VA:
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/

Step 2: Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.

Step 3: Contact ACI Tech Academy to enroll in a program that fits your goals.
https://www.acitechacademy.com/blog/vet-tec-returns-in-2025-what-veterans-need-to-know-to-launch-a-tech-career-with-aci-tech-academy/#contact-form

We’ll guide you through every step and make sure your transition into tech is smooth, supported, and successful.

Your Future in Tech Starts Now

Whether you're still on active duty planning ahead or a veteran ready to dive into something new, VET TEC and ACI Tech Academy can help you build the civilian tech career you deserve.

Spots aren't open yet — but don’t wait to prepare. Get your paperwork in order, explore your options, and reach out to our team to plan your training path today.

Additional Resources

• ACI CareerConnect:
  https://www.acitechacademy.com/blog/introducing-aci-career-connect-your-launchpad-to-a-tech-career/

• Top Training Questions from Military Members:
  https://www.acitechacademy.com/blog/answering-the-top-training-questions-from-military-members/

• Everything You Need to Know About IT Certifications:
  https://www.acitechacademy.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-certifications