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Veterans Certifying Official Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lead School Certifying Official (SCO) works with Park University staff, faculty, and students ... The Lead SCHO assists the military and veteran market by providing expertise in VA Educational ...

... veterans' educational programs, including laws and regulations impacting benefits or reporting requirements. Complete annual training requirements to remain eligible as a school certifying official.

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Veterans Certifying Official information

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How much do veterans certifying official jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterans certifying official in the United States is $18.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Veterans Certifying Official do?

A Veterans Certifying Official (VCO) is responsible for assisting military veterans, service members, and their dependents in accessing educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They certify students' enrollment status, monitor academic progress, and ensure compliance with federal regulations. VCOs also act as a liaison between the educational institution and the VA, helping students understand and navigate the benefits application process. Their work ensures that eligible students receive the financial support and resources they need for their education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterans Certifying Official, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterans Certifying Official, you need a comprehensive understanding of VA education benefits, regulatory compliance, and institutional policies, often supported by relevant training or experience in higher education administration. Familiarity with VA-ONCE, student information systems, and FERPA regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing complex documentation and assisting student veterans. These skills ensure accurate certification, regulatory compliance, and supportive service to veteran students navigating their educational benefits.

What are some common challenges Veterans Certifying Officials face when processing educational benefits, and how can they be managed?

Veterans Certifying Officials often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and frequently updated regulations, ensuring timely submission of certifications, and managing high volumes of student cases during peak enrollment periods. To manage these, it's essential to stay current with VA updates, maintain organized records, and communicate proactively with both students and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Collaborating closely with admissions and financial aid offices can also help resolve discrepancies efficiently and provide the best support to veteran students.

What is the difference between Veterans Certifying Official vs VA Benefits Specialist?

AspectVeterans Certifying OfficialVA Benefits Specialist
Required CredentialsVeterans Affairs certification, knowledge of VA policiesVA benefits training, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, military organizationsVA offices, government agencies, veteran service organizations
Employer & IndustrySchools, colleges, military institutionsVeterans Affairs, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding certifying roles for veterans' benefitsAssisting veterans with benefits claims

Veterans Certifying Officials primarily focus on certifying veterans' education benefits, working within educational institutions or military organizations. VA Benefits Specialists assist veterans directly with benefits claims and are employed by VA offices or government agencies. While both roles support veterans' benefits, their work environments and responsibilities differ, making each role distinct in the veterans' benefits ecosystem.

More about Veterans Certifying Official jobs

What states have the most Veterans Certifying Official jobs?

States with the most job openings for Veterans Certifying Official jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Veterans Certifying Official jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterans Certifying Official jobs are:

Infographic showing various Veterans Certifying Official job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,289 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Veterans School Certifying Official

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$35.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Posting Title
Veterans School Certifying Official
Overview
The School Certifying Official (SCO) serves as the university's primary administrator for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits programs and is responsible for ensuring
institutional compliance with federal regulations governing veteran and military-affiliated student benefits. The SCO provides comprehensive support to veteran, active-duty military, reservist, National
Guard, and eligible dependent students by certifying enrollment, maintaining accurate records, advising students regarding educational benefits, and coordinating services across the university. The School
Certifying Official will serve as a key asset in coordinating a data-driven strategy for distilling enrollment information to support recruitment and retention of veteran and military-affiliated students.
As a student-centered professional, the SCO promotes the Catholic University of America's commitment to service, academic excellence, and support for military-connected students while ensuring compliance
with all applicable federal, state, VA, and institutional policies. Service is delivered in person, by telephone, and via e-mail and other electronic media.
The projected hourly pay range for this position, which represents the full range of anticipated compensation, is: $32.97 per hour ($60,000) to $35.71 per hour ($65,000)
Responsibilities
1. Provides comprehensive customer service to all constituents in the areas of student records and student accounts.
2. Performs service functions in accordance with standards set by the Director and Assistant Directors in the areas of:
-Enrollment Services (including Consortium, Study Abroad, and Dual Enrollment)
-Third-party Billing
-Military and Veteran Student Services
-Student Accounts
-Enrollment and Degree Verifications
-Class Scheduling and Course Catalog
3. Serves as the university's primary School Certifying Official for students receiving
education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This task includes
the duties below, among others:
-Reports student enrollments to the VA in accordance with Federal guidelines
-Tracks and submits updates to student course enrollment
-Ensures students are only taking authorized courses and are enrolled only in
authorized programs
-Monitors funds received by the VA, validates and verifies all payments are
received, and processes overpayments and school debt letters.
-Maintains VA files for annual review purposes
-Advises and assists students with VA education benefit applications
-Maintains required level of training per VA requirements
-Monitors VA and Federal guidelines to ensure the university and students are
adhering to current regulations
4. Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) Point of Contact:
-Maintain the University's applicant-facing DoD Tuition Assistance portals (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) in order to maximize
the university's enrollment potential
-Confirm university practices comply with the United States Department of Defense
Submit application and re-enrollment packets with Army Human Resources Command (in relation to Army Advanced Civil Schooling Graduate Students),
Naval Postgraduate School (in relation to Navy Mid-Career Graduate Students) and Air Force Institute of Technology (for Air Force Mid-Career Graduate Students)
5. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of and is able to explain academic and financial
policies and procedures to all constituents, including FERPA, federal and DC
regulations, and university policies.
6. Interacts with other university offices as necessary to provide quality customer
service and referrals.
7. Maintains a collaborative working environment with all team members.
8. Responds to constituent needs through a variety of channels including, but not
limited to, phone and email.
9. Represents the Office of Military & Veteran Student Services at outreach events
including, but not limited to, resource fairs, orientation, recruitment sessions, etc.
10. Maintains working knowledge of policies and procedures in other university offices as they relate to the student experience.
11. Provide general assistance to the University Veterans Upward Bound Program as
required.
12. Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with one to two years of general administrative experience.
Experience as a VA School Certifying Official preferred
In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, 5 years of work experience in a student services discipline or higher education administrative office or 2 years of work experience as a SCO will be considered.
Experience working in an academic environment preferred.
Military experience preferred but not required.