{"id":796,"date":"2021-01-12T22:13:48","date_gmt":"2021-01-12T22:13:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cfwvconnect.com\/veterans-education\/?page_id=796"},"modified":"2025-02-28T13:09:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T13:09:34","slug":"approval-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cfwvconnect.com\/veterans-education\/approval-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Approval Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overview<\/h4>\n

State Approving Agencies (SAA) are responsible for the approval of education and training programs in their respective states. They are the pathway into VA for a program's recognition and identification as being eligible for the payment of VA education benefits. Colleges, universities, and other training establishments seeking to provide VA eligible training programs should begin by contacting their SAA.<\/p>\n

Please note, approval is a complex and ongoing process. The following information is only meant to serve as a base level overview.<\/p>\n

School officials should contact OVET for specific questions or issues.<\/p><\/div>

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Approval Process<\/h4>\n

Step 1: SCO Preparation<\/h6>\n

The School Certifying Official (SCO) acquires the necessary documentation to be submitted as part of the Application for Approval. Such documentation includes but is not limited to: catalog, student handbook, program changes, and addenda.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Submit Application<\/h6>\n

The SCO submits an Application for Approval<\/a><\/p>\n

Step 3: OVET Review<\/h6>\n

OVET staff will review the application and all applicable materials and policies to ensure the facility's compliance with local, state, and federal laws pertaining to GI Bill® program approval.<\/p>\n

As necessary, OVET staff will follow-up with the facility to request clarification on items, supplemental materials, etc.<\/p>\n

Once OVET staff have confirmed the facility's compliance with all approval requirements, a completed approval package is sent to the VA for review. A copy is also sent to the SCO for the facility's records.<\/p>\n

Step 4: VA Review & Confirmation<\/h6>\n

Upon receipt of a completed approval from OVET, the WV Education Liaison Representative (ELR) will review the approval for completeness and accuracy.<\/p>\n

The ELR then updates the VA's approved program database, WEAMS, as necessary. An updated WEAMS listing (VA Form 22-1998) is sent to the facility.<\/p>\n

Step 5: SCO Confirmation & Updates<\/h6>\n

Upon receipt of the approved WEAMS listing from the ELR, the SCO will make any necessary programmatic updates in VA-ONCE. This is done to ensure that all program information mirrors WEAMS as the VA will only issue payments for approved programs as shown in WEAMS.<\/p><\/div>

Approval is a continuous process<\/span>. SCOs should promptly notify OVET of any changes which may impact approval. Such changes include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n