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Education and Training

School Certifying Official (SCO) Training

School Certifying Official Training Countdown!
October 1, 2021 - August 31, 2022

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This site is the primary training resource for School Certifying Officials (SCOs) and school administrators assisting students using their VA benefits to pursue education and training programs.

School Certifying Official Handbook

On this page:

● School Certifying Official Training Overview
● Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impact – SCO Training
● School Certifying Official Training Countdown
● SCO Online Training Portal
● SCO Annual Training Schedule
● Education Service Webinars and Training Events
● SCO Training FAQs

● SCO Annual Training – Get Started!

● Existing - School Certifying Officials
● New - School Certifying Officials
● Read Only – School Certifying Officials
● Transferring – School Certifying Officials

● Existing SCO Training by Facility Type

● Existing SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL)
● Existing SCOs - Non-College Degree (NCD)
● Existing SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs
● Existing SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning with Flight Programs
● Existing SCOs - On-the-Job Training (OJT)
● Existing SCOs - Apprenticeship Programs
● Existing SCOs - Vocational Flight Programs
● Existing SCOs - High School Programs
● Existing SCOs - Residency Programs

● Consequences for Non-Compliance (Existing SCOs Only)

● New SCO Training by Facility Type

● New SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL)
● New SCOs - Non-College Degree (NCD)
● New SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs
● New SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning with Flight Programs
● New SCOs - On-the-Job Training (OJT)
● New SCOs - Apprenticeship Programs
● New SCOs - Vocational Flight Programs
● New SCOs - High School Programs
● New SCOs - Residency Programs

School Certifying Official Training Overview

Section 305 of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also known as the “Colmery Act,” requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in consultation with the State Approving Agencies (SAAs), to develop and administer required training for School Certifying Officials (SCOs) at Covered Educational Institutions effective August 1, 2018.

A “Covered Educational Institution” is an educational institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals during a calendar year, using VA educational assistance under Title 38, United States Code. This includes main, branch and extension campuses approved by the SAA. Verify your school is on the Covered Educational Institutions list. Questions regarding covered educational institutions should directed to the ELR of
jurisdiction.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impact – SCO Training

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Coronavirus (COVID-19) an international pandemic. To stop the spread of coronavirus, health and government officials recommended avoiding large gatherings and maintaining 6-feet from other people, commonly known as, social distancing.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; training for SCOs at national, regional, and local conferences may be postponed or cancelled; which may impede SCO’s ability to fulfill their annual training requirement by August 31st (the end of the training cycle). To support and assist SCOs in fulfilling the annual training requirement, VA’s Education Service will provide a variety of training opportunities to include:

  • Virtual Instructor Led Conference Training
  • Virtual Instructor Led VA Training
  • Virtual ELR Sponsored Local Workshops
  • Self-Paced Training via the SCO Training Portal

SCO Annual Training - Getting Started!

1. Log Into the SCO Training Portal
2. Existing SCOs – Enter your Email Address and Facility Code.  Update your profile as needed.
3. New SCOs – Create A New User Account
4. Take the training based on your facility type
5. Need Additional Information:

a. Online Instructions
b. Training FAQs

6. Need Technical Support using the Portal? – Contact VBA Support Team


SCO Annual Training Schedule

  • October 1st: Annual Training Window Opens. Updated training requirements for all new SCOs and continuing education requirements for existing SCOs are effective.
  • June 2nd: 90-Day Training Alert!  Notifications and reminders of the approaching August 31st continuing education deadline will be posted on the GI Bill website and sent to SCOs via Gov Delivery notice.
  • July 2nd: 60-Day Training Alert!  Notifications and reminders of the approaching August 31st continuing education deadline will be posted on the GI Bill website and sent to SCOs via Gov Delivery notice.
  • August 1st: 30-Day Training Alert!  Notifications and reminders of the approaching August 31st continuing education deadline will be posted on the GI Bill website and sent to SCOs via Gov Delivery notice.
  • August 31st: Annual Training Window Closes! Continuing education requirements for existing SCOs completed.
  • September 1st-30th:
    • EXISTING SCOs - NO TRAINING IN PROGRESS (September 1st-30th)
    • NEW SCOs - TRAINING IS CONTINOUS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
    • Covered institutions list generated and posted on the SCO Training portal for FY’21 training cycle.
    • SCO training compliance reported to:
      • Covered Institutions and SCOs
      • State Approving Agencies (SAAs)
      • VA Leadership & Stakeholders
    • Update SCO Training requirements for FY’23
    • Upload new SCO Training materials for FY’23

Existing SCO Training Requirements

Existing SCOs at Covered Educational Institutions that enrolled twenty (20) or more individuals using educational assistance under title 38, United States Code are required to complete VA specified training applicable to their facility type.

An existing SCO is an individual who began work prior to the beginning of the annual training cycle (October 1st) and has access to VA systems for the purposes of certifying student enrollments.

Existing SCOs:

New SCO Training Requirements

New SCOs at educational institutions that enrolled one or more individual(s) using educational assistance under title 38, United States Code are required to complete VA specified training applicable to their facility type.

A new SCO is an individual who began work as a SCO on or after the beginning of the annual training cycle (October 1, 2020).

New School Certifying Officials:

  • Are required to complete the online training modules specific to their facility type prior to being authorized to certify to the VA.
  • Are required to self-register in the SCO Online Training Portal.
  • Must submit the VA Form 22-8794 (Designation of School Certifying Officials) and a copy of their training certificates to their ELR of Jurisdiction prior to being authorized to certify VA student enrollments.
  • Will not be authorized to certify VA student enrollment until training is completed.
  • That complete the initial training have fulfilled the requirement for the fiscal year and will be required to take existing SCO training during the next training cycle beginning October 1st.

Complete the training according to their facility type:

● New SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL)
● New SCOs - Non-College Degree (NCD)
● New SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs
● New SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning with Flight Programs
● New SCOs - On-the-Job Training (OJT)
● New SCOs - Apprenticeship Programs
● New SCOs - Vocational Flight Programs
● New SCOs - High School Programs
● New SCOs - Residency Programs

Read Only – SCOs

A Read-only SCO is an individual at an educational institution with permission to access enrollment information, request information, and submit inquiries to VA to assist an authorized SCO with obtaining accurate information to certify student’s enrollment. The educational institution must provide the ELR with the name(s) of the Read-Only SCOs on the VA Form 22-8794 before their information is entered in WEAMS.

Read-Only SCOs:

  • Are not required to take SCO training
  • Are not authorized to certify student’s enrollment to VA.

Transferring SCOs

Transferring SCOs who successfully completed the annual training and transfer to another institution of the same facility type before the end of the training cycle are not required to retake the training.

  • These SCOs should contact their ELR of jurisdiction to inform him or her of the impending change.
  • Keep all training certificates for their records
  • Who transfer to a different facility type (i.e. IHL to NCD), must complete the online training modules specific to their facility type prior to being authorized to certify to the VA.
  • Must submit the VA Form 22-8794 (Designation of School Certifying Officials) and a copy of their training certificates to their ELR of jurisdiction prior to being authorized to certify VA student enrollments.

Existing SCO Training by Facility Type

Existing SCOs - Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL): A college, university, technical, or business school offering post-secondary level academic instruction that leads to an associate degree or higher degree.

  • Existing SCOs at IHLs must complete four (4) training modules:
    • Take One (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to the IHL facility type located on the SCO Online Training Portal
    • Choose Three (3) elective modules
    • The SCOs may choose any modality to complete the electives modules to include:
      • Self-paced online training located on the SCO training portal
      • SCO Approved training events (virtual or in-person instructor led) presented by or co-presented with a VA employee at:
        • Online Training Events
        • National or Regional Conferences
        • Local Workshops or
        • One-On-One Training with the ELR of jurisdiction
        • To obtain credit for SCO Approved training events:
          • Log onto the SCO Training Portal
          • Certify they completed the conference training
          • Print the certificate and keep for your records
    Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
    1 Institutions of Higher Learning Program (Only)

     

    Existing SCOs – Elective Modules: Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
    1 New School Certifying Official Training
    2 Advanced School Certifying Official Training
    3 Compliance Surveys
    4 Flight School Program at IHLs
    5 Certification Process for Non-College Degree (ND) Programs
    6 Education Programs and Benefits
    7 Program Approval and the State Approving Agency
    8 Yellow Ribbon
    9 Work-Study Allowance and Public Law 116-140
    10 School Liability
    11 Debt Management Center
    12 VA-ONCE for Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
    13 VA-ONCE for Non-College Degree Programs
    14 85/15 Updates and Reminders

    Existing SCOs - Non-College Degree (NCD) - Refer to a course or program of education or vocational training which does not lead to a standard college degree. Non-college degree training includes programs that produce career-specific diploma or professional certifications.

    • Existing SCOs at NCDs must complete four (4) training modules:
      • Take One (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to the NCD facility type located on the SCO Online Training Portal
      • Choose Three (3) elective modules
      • The SCOs may choose any modality to complete the electives modules to include:
        • Self-paced online training located on the SCO training portal
        • SCO Approved training events (virtual or in-person instructor led) presented by or co-presented with a VA employee at:
          • Online Training Events
          • National or Regional Conferences
          • Local Workshops or
          • One-On-One Training with the ELR of jurisdiction
        • To obtain credit for SCO Approved training events:
          • Log onto the SCO Training Portal
          • Certify the completed the conference training
          • Print the certificate and keep for your records
      Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: Non-College Degree Programs (NCD)
      1 Non-College Degree Programs (NCD)

       

      Existing SCOs – Elective Modules: Non-College Degree Programs (NCD)
      1 New School Certifying Official Training
      2 Advanced School Certifying Official Training
      3 Compliance Surveys
      4 Flight School Program at IHLs
      5 Certification Process for Non-College Degree (ND) Programs
      6 Education Programs and Benefits
      7 Program Approval and the State Approving Agency
      8 Yellow Ribbon
      9 Work-Study Allowance and Public Law 116-140
      10 School Liability
      11 Debt Management Center
      12 VA-ONCE for Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
      13 VA-ONCE for Non-College Degree Programs
      14 85/15 Updates and Reminders

       

      Existing SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs - A college, university, technical or business school offering post-secondary level academic instruction that leads to an associate degree or higher. Additionally, it offers NCD programs or programs of education of vocational training which does not lead to a standard college degree.

      • Existing SCOs at an IHL with NCD Programs must complete four (4) training modules:
        • Take One (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to the IHL facility type located on the SCO Online Training Portal
        • Choose Three (3) elective modules
        • The SCOs may choose any modality to complete the electives modules to include:
          • Self-paced online training located on the SCO training portal
          • SCO Approved training events (virtual or in-person instructor led) presented by or co-presented with a VA employee at:
            • Online Training Events
            • National or Regional Conferences
            • Local Workshops or
            • One-On-One Training with the ELR of jurisdiction
          • To obtain credit for SCO Approved training events:
            • Log onto the SCO Training Portal
            • Certify the completed the conference training
            • Print the certificate and keep for your records
      Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: IHL with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs
      1 IHL with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs

       

      Existing SCOs – Elective Modules: IHL with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs
      1 New School Certifying Official Training
      2 Advanced School Certifying Official Training
      3 Compliance Surveys
      4 Flight School Program at IHLs
      5 Certification Process for Non-College Degree (ND) Programs
      6 Education Programs and Benefits
      7 Program Approval and the State Approving Agency
      8 Yellow Ribbon
      9 Work-Study Allowance and Public Law 116-140
      10 School Liability
      11 Debt Management Center
      12 VA-ONCE for Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
      13 VA-ONCE for Non-College Degree Programs
      14 85/15 Updates and Reminders

      Existing SCOs - Vocational Flight Programs - Non-College Degree (NCD) programs that lead to a vocational objective in aviation.

      •  Existing SCOs at Vocational Flight Programs must complete four (4) training modules:
          • Take One (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to the IHL facility type located on the SCO Online Training Portal
          • Choose Three (3) elective modules
            • The SCOs may choose any modality to complete the electives modules to include:
            • Self-paced online training located on the SCO training portal
            • SCO Approved training events (virtual or in-person instructor led) presented by or co-presented with a VA employee at:
              • Online Training Events
              • National or Regional Conferences
              • Local Workshops or
              • One-On-One Training with the ELR of jurisdiction
            • To obtain credit for SCO Approved training events:
              • Log onto the SCO Training Portal
              • Certify the completed the conference training
              • Print the certificate and keep for your records

           

          Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: Vocational Flight Programs
          1 Vocational Flight Courses

           

          Existing SCOs – Elective Modules: Vocational Flight Programs
          1 New School Certifying Official Training
          2 Advanced School Certifying Official Training
          3 Compliance Surveys
          4 Flight School Program at IHLs
          5 Certification Process for Non-College Degree (ND) Programs
          6 Education Programs and Benefits
          7 Program Approval and the State Approving Agency
          8 Yellow Ribbon
          9 Work-Study Allowance and Public Law 116-140
          10 School Liability
          11 Debt Management Center
          12 VA-ONCE for Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
          13 VA-ONCE for Non-College Degree Programs
          14 85/15 Updates and Reminders

           

          Existing SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHLs) with Flight Programs – A college, university, technical or business school offering post-secondary level academic instruction that leads to an associate degree or higher. Additionally, it offers degree programs that include flight training.

          •  Existing SCOs at IHLs with Flight Programs must complete four (4) training modules:
            • Take One (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to the IHL facility type located on the SCO Online Training Portal
            • Choose Three (3) elective modules
            • The SCOs may choose any modality to complete the electives modules to include:
              • Self-paced online training located on the SCO training portal
              • SCO Approved training events (virtual or in-person instructor led) presented by or co-presented with a VA employee at:
                • Online Training Events
                • National or Regional Conferences
                • Local Workshops or
                • One-On-One Training with the ELR of jurisdiction
                • To obtain credit for SCO Approved training events:
                  • Log onto the SCO Training Portal
                  • Certify the completed the conference training
                  • Print the certificate and keep for your records
              Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: IHL with Flight Programs
              1 IHLs with Flight Courses

               

              Existing SCOs – Elective Modules: IHL with Flight Programs
              1 New School Certifying Official Training
              2 Advanced School Certifying Official Training
              3 Compliance Surveys
              4 Flight School Program at IHLs
              5 Certification Process for Non-College Degree (ND) Programs
              6 Education Programs and Benefits
              7 Program Approval and the State Approving Agency
              8 Yellow Ribbon
              9 Work-Study Allowance and Public Law 116-140
              10 School Liability
              11 Debt Management Center
              12 VA-ONCE for Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
              13 VA-ONCE for Non-College Degree Programs
              14 85/15 Updates and Reminders


              Existing SCOs -               On-the-Job Training (OJT) - Training done while performing a job and earning wages. Examples of OJT training include union plumber, hotel management, or firefighter.

              • SCOs at OJTs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: On-the-Job Training (OJT)
              1 On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship Programs

              Existing SCOs - Apprenticeship Programs - Combines OJT with classroom instruction to prepare workers for a job. Often after completing an apprenticeship, the student receives a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Examples of apprenticeship training include machinist, land surveyor, or baker.

              • SCOs at Apprenticeship Programs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: Apprenticeship Programs
              1 On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship Programs

              Existing SCOs High School Programs - A non-college degree programs that produce a high school diploma.

              • SCOs at High School Programs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: High School Programs
              1 Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs

              Existing SCOs - Residency Programs - Non-college degree training programs that produce career-specific diploma or professional certifications.

              • SCOs at Residency Programs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              Existing SCOs – Mandatory Module: Residency Programs
              1 Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs

              Consequences for Non-Compliance (Existing SCOs Only)

              If SCOs at Covered Institutions fail to complete the annual training, VA will:

              • Remove the SCO's ability to certify enrollments
              • Refer the institution to the SAA to determine withdrawal actions
              • Non-Compliant SCOs at covered institutions will be required to take the “New SCO” training specific to their facility type to restore their ability to certify enrollments to the VA.

              New SCO Training by Facility Type

              New SCOs - Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL): A college, university, technical, or business school offering post-secondary level academic instruction that leads to an associate degree or higher degree.

              New SCOs – Mandatory Modules: IHLs
              Module - 1 Introduction to the School Certifying Official Role
              Module - 2 Enrollment Certifications
              Module - 3 Veteran Affairs Payment Information
              Module - 4 Changes to Certification
              Module - 5 The SCO Responsibilities to the State Approving Agency (SAA)
              Module - 6 VA-ONCE Administrative Functions
              Module - 7 Certifying Enrollments with VA-ONCE
              Module - 8 Changes to Certifications with VA-ONCE
              Module - 9 Certify Enrollment with VA Forms
              Module - 10 Changes to Certifications with VA Forms

              New SCOs - Non-College Degree (NCD) - Refer to a course or program of education or vocational training which does not lead to a standard college degree. Non-college degree training includes programs that produce career-specific diploma or professional certifications.

              New SCOs – Mandatory Modules: NCD
              Module - 1 Introduction to the School Certifying Official Role
              Module - 2 Enrollment Certifications
              Module - 3 Veteran Affairs Payment Information
              Module - 4 Changes to Certification
              Module - 5 The SCO Responsibilities to the State Approving Agency (SAA)
              Module - 6 VA-ONCE Administrative Functions
              Module - 7 Certifying Enrollments with VA-ONCE
              Module - 8 Changes to Certifications with VA-ONCE
              Module - 9 Certify Enrollment with VA Forms
              Module - 10 Changes to Certifications with VA Forms


              New SCOs - Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) with Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs -               A college, university, technical or business school offering post-secondary level academic instruction that leads to an associate degree or higher. Additionally, it offers NCD programs or programs of education of vocational training which does not lead to a standard college degree.

              • New SCOs at IHL with NCD Programs are required to complete the ten (10) self-paced type located on the SCO Online Training Portal
              New SCOs – Mandatory Modules: IHL with NCD Programs
              Module - 1 Introduction to the School Certifying Official Role
              Module - 2 Enrollment Certifications
              Module - 3 Veteran Affairs Payment Information
              Module - 4 Changes to Certification
              Module - 5 The SCO Responsibilities to the State Approving Agency (SAA)
              Module - 6 VA-ONCE Administrative Functions
              Module - 7 Certifying Enrollments with VA-ONCE
              Module - 8 Changes to Certifications with VA-ONCE
              Module - 9 Certify Enrollment with VA Forms
              Module - 10 Changes to Certifications with VA Forms

              New SCOs - On-the-Job Training (OJT) - Training done while performing a job and earning wages. Examples of OJT training include union plumber, hotel management, or firefighter.

              • New SCOs at OJTs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              New SCOs – Mandatory Module: On-the-Job Training (OJT)
              1 On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship Programs

              New SCOs - Apprenticeship Programs - Combines OJT with classroom instruction to prepare workers for a job. Often after completing an apprenticeship, the student receives a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Examples of apprenticeship training include machinist, land surveyor, or baker.

              • New SCOs at Apprenticeship Programs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              New SCOs – Mandatory Module: Apprenticeship Programs
              1 On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship Programs

              New SCOs - High School Programs - A non-college degree programs that produce a high school diploma.

              • New SCOs at High School Programs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              New SCOs – Mandatory Module: High School Programs
              1 Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs

              New SCOs - Residency Programs - Non-college degree training programs that produce career-specific diploma or professional certifications.

              • New SCOs at Residency Programs must complete one (1) mandatory self-paced online training module specific to their facility type located on the SCO training portal
              New SCOs – Mandatory Module: Residency Programs
              1 Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs

              Technical Issues

              Contact us if you are experiencing technical issues with accessing the training modules.

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