5/30/2001 -- Microsoft announced last week that veterans can now use their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exam fees.

According to the release, individuals eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32) and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits may receive reimbursement. The benefits do not limit the number of tests a candidate may take and includes tests that are retaken, tests needed for renewal of certifications, and exams taken in foreign countries. The program will applies to exams taken as early as March 2001.

"We are proud to be one of the first high-tech certification programs to become eligible under the new guidelines," Anne Marie McSweeney, acting director of certification and skills assessment at Microsoft, said in a printed statement. "We are experiencing an ever-increasing demand for skilled IT professionals. The MCP program is designed for individuals who want to be recognized as leaders in cutting-edge technology. U.S. veterans are an amazing resource, and we are very pleased that this benefit could help them reach their certification goals."

Veterans can receive reimbursement for Microsoft certification exams by providing the VA with the following information:

• Name
• Social Security number
• Copy of the test results
• Name and number of the exam and date taken
• Name and address of the organization (Microsoft) issuing the license or certificate
• Cost of the exam
• The following signed statement: "I authorize release of my test information to the VA."

For more on Microsoft's MCP program, click here. For more on VA benefits, click here. -B.N.