How much will my GI Billu00ae pay?

Only VA can determine the amount. Students should review their decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility, the current VA rate tables and National Training's current published tuition and fees before making an enrollment decision.

Are you approved for the training of veterans?

Yes, most of National’s training programs are approved for the training of veterans, including all of the Heavy Equipment Operator Programs. If you are eligible to receive GI Bill® benefits, you can use them to pay for your course. For more details, visit our website page on this by clicking here.

How do I enroll in a HEOS course and apply for Veterans Benefits?

Individuals who want to use their VA or GI Bill® entitlement must enroll in an eligible course, provide a copy of their DD-214, and complete the VA 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits). NTI will then submit your application for benefit payment.

Can WIOA help pay for heavy equipment training?

WIOA funding may help pay for approved heavy equipment training programs for eligible students. Funding approval, covered costs, and payment authorization are determined by the local CareerSource center or workforce agency.

Does National Training, Inc. approve WIOA funding?

No. National Training, Inc. does not determine WIOA eligibility or approve funding. Eligibility and funding approval are handled by the applicable CareerSource center or workforce agency.

Is WIOA funding guaranteed?

No. WIOA funding is not guaranteed. Approval depends on eligibility, available funding, local workforce board policy, program approval, and required documentation.

What heavy equipment training may be available?

National Training, Inc. offers entry-level heavy equipment operator training that may include bulldozers, excavators, tractor loader backhoes, and articulated loaders, depending on the program and schedule.

Is there a minimum age for attending the training?

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old.

How long is the Heavy NOW course?

National Training, Inc.’s Heavy Now program consists of 208 clock hours and is normally completed in four weeks of full-time training. Students must satisfy all attendance, academic-progress, assessment, skills, and program-completion requirements stated in the school catalog..

How much does the Heavy NOW Course cost?

Heavy Now tuition is $14,995, or $15,095 including the $100 administrative fee, plus any individually applicable outside costs. Each individual Bulldozer, Excavator, Tractor Loader Backhoe, or Articulated Loader course is $4,995 in tuition, or $5,095 including the administrative fee, plus any applicable outside costs. Applicants should review the current school catalog and enrollment agreement before enrolling.

Where do I go for financial assistance?

For qualified students concerned with tuition, National Training, Inc. offers a variety of financial resources for financial aid in addition to our low tuition costs, regardless of your credit status. Below we’ve highlighted the most popular types of financial aid used by our students. We strive to do all we can to make our financial aid programs as accessible as possible. Our Admissions Representatives will walk you through the qualifications and the types of tuition funding available to you, answering your questions along the way. Call us at (800) 488-7364 or contact us today to explore your options! Please note that although National Training, Inc. participates in many financial aid programs, we do not participate in any Federally sponsored student loan or financial aid programs, also known as Title IV loans).

Veterans Heavy Equipment Training: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Veterans use the GI Billu00ae for heavy equipment training?

Eligible Veterans may be able to use GI Billu00ae education benefits for an approved heavy equipment training program. VA, not the school, determines the student's eligibility, remaining entitlement and payment amount. Confirm the specific National Training program in VA's education tools before enrolling. Learn more on our GI Billu00ae heavy equipment training page.

Below are direct answers to common questions from Veterans, service members and dependents about VA education benefits, the Heavy Now program, credentials, admissions, housing and job-placement assistance at National Training, Inc.

Eligibility and payment are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not by the school, for those who qualify. For a full overview, start with our Veterans and VA benefits page.

VA education benefits may be available to eligible students enrolled in National Training programs that are currently approved for the applicable benefit. VA determines individual eligibility and payment. Program approval may change, so students should confirm the exact program before enrolling.

Excavator during heavy equipment training at National Training in Green Cove Springs, Florida

VA Benefits

Can Veterans use the GI Bill® for heavy equipment training?

Eligible Veterans may be able to use GI Bill® education benefits for an approved heavy equipment training program. VA, not the school, determines the student’s eligibility, remaining entitlement and payment amount. Confirm the specific National Training program in VA’s education tools before enrolling. Learn more on our GI Bill® heavy equipment training page.

Is National Training approved for Veterans training?

>National Training is listed in VA education data for its Green Cove Springs, Florida, location. However, VA approval is program-specific and may change. Prospective students should confirm the exact campus and program in VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool shortly before enrolling.

Does the GI Bill® cover all tuition and housing costs?

Not necessarily. Coverage depends on the benefit chapter, eligibility percentage, remaining entitlement, approved charges, training rate and current VA rules. Housing, transportation, meals and other living expenses are not automatically covered in every case.

How much will my GI Bill® pay?

Only VA can determine the amount. Students should review their decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility, the current VA rate tables and the National Training’s current published tuition and fees before making an enrollment decision.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, is a VA decision document that identifies the education benefit for which a person is eligible and may show remaining entitlement or eligibility percentage. The school may need this information to certify enrollment.

Which VA benefit chapters may apply?

Depending on the student and approved program, possible benefits may include Chapter 30, Chapter 33, Chapter 31, Chapter 35 or Chapter 1606. Eligibility and program authorization must be confirmed for the individual student.

Applying and Admissions

How do I apply for VA education benefits?

Apply through VA.gov using the form appropriate to your status and benefit. VA recommends confirming eligibility, gathering military and education history, and identifying the school or training facility before submitting the application. See our full Veterans admissions process.

What happens after I apply for benefits?

VA reviews the application and sends a decision letter. If approved, the student may need to provide the decision letter or COE to the school’s certifying official before benefits can be used.

Can I attend while VA payment is pending?

Certain students using Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 benefits may be protected from late fees, denial of access to classes or facilities, or a requirement to borrow money solely because an expected VA tuition payment is delayed. To receive these protections, the student must provide the required eligibility or authorization documentation, submit a written request to use the benefit, and provide the information necessary for National Training to certify enrollment. Students remain responsible for charges that VA is not expected to pay.

What should I bring to admissions?

Common items may include identity and contact information, military and education history, benefit decision documents, program choice and requested start date. National Training will provide a current checklist and secure method for transmitting sensitive documents.

How do I verify the school and program?

Use VA’s GI Bill® Comparison Tool and confirm the facility, campus and specific program. Because the VA database is updated regularly, verification should occur close to the enrollment date.

Who should I contact at National Training?

Ask for the Military and Veterans Admissions Representative or School Certifying Official for benefit and certification questions, and the program admissions representative for curriculum, schedule, tuition and campus information. You can reach the team through our contact page.

Can I combine VA benefits with financing?

Financing may be available for charges that VA is not expected to pay. However, financing does not increase a student’s VA entitlement and may create a separate repayment obligation. Before signing a financing agreement, confirm the expected VA payment, uncovered tuition and fees, refund procedures, and what will happen if VA pays less than anticipated or denies payment. See Financial Aid for options.

VR&E and Chapter 31

What is Veteran Readiness and Employment?

Veteran Readiness and Employment, also called VR&E or Chapter 31, may help eligible Veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment. VA determines basic eligibility. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor then evaluates entitlement to services and determines whether a particular training program should be included in the individual rehabilitation plan. Learn more on our VR&E heavy equipment training page.

Can National Training approve my VR&E benefits?

No. National Training can provide program, tuition and enrollment information, but the assigned VA counselor determines whether training is authorized under the Veteran’s rehabilitation plan.

Spouses and Dependents

Can military spouses use education benefits?

Some military spouses may qualify through transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, the SpouseWorks Scholarship or other programs. Eligibility, transfer rules, approved programs and available amounts must be confirmed with the responsible federal program. See our military spouse and dependent training page.

What is the SpouseWorks Scholarship?

The SpouseWorks Scholarship, formerly known as MyCAA, may provide financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing an approved license, certification, associate degree, or qualifying continuing education. The spouse, school, program, and Education and Training Plan must satisfy current SpouseWorks requirements. National Training cannot determine eligibility or guarantee program approval or payment.

Can eligible dependents use Chapter 35?

Eligible spouses or children may receive Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance under Chapter 35. VA determines individual eligibility. In addition, the exact National Training program must be currently approved for Chapter 35 before the School Certifying Official can certify the student’s enrollment.

What is the Fry Scholarship?

Certain surviving spouses and children may qualify for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. VA determines eligibility. The student must also select a National Training program that is currently approved for the applicable benefit. National Training cannot determine eligibility or guarantee payment.

Program Facts

How long is the Heavy Now program?

National Training’s Heavy Now program is 208 clock hours and is normally completed in four weeks of full-time training. The published curriculum identifies 72 classroom hours and 136 hours of hands-on equipment projects and exercises. See the Heavy Now page.

Is the training hands-on?

Yes. Heavy Now combines classroom instruction with practical equipment projects and exercises. Published program information identifies 136 hands-on hours, subject to the approved curriculum, schedule, equipment availability and student participation.

What equipment may students train on?

Students may train with bulldozers, excavators, tractor loader backhoes and articulated wheel loaders. The exact machines, projects and schedule depend on the approved curriculum, class plan, equipment availability and safety conditions.

Does the program include simulators?

National Training states that its program may combine classroom, simulator and hands-on training. Simulator use supports familiarization and practice but does not replace required hands-on instruction.

Does the program teach GPS machine controls?

Students may be introduced to GPS-guided grading technology where applicable. Actual equipment, software, exercises and availability vary, and introduction does not imply advanced certification or guaranteed mastery.

What safety topics are taught?

Training may include pre-operation inspection, start-up and shutdown procedures, basic controls, jobsite awareness and equipment-specific safety practices. Employers remain responsible for job-specific training and evaluation after hire.

Do I need previous heavy equipment experience?

Prior experience may not be required for entry-level training, but applicants must meet the school’s current admissions and participation requirements. Military or civilian equipment experience does not automatically replace the approved curriculum.

Credentials

Will I become a licensed heavy equipment operator?

National Training does not issue a Florida occupational license for general heavy-equipment operation. Completing Heavy Now does not make a graduate a state-licensed heavy-equipment operator or qualify the graduate for every machine, employer, or jobsite.

Will I become a certified heavy equipment operator?

Program completion does not create a universally certified heavy equipment operator. Graduates who meet school requirements may receive an NTI Certificate of Completion and, where applicable, NCCER Registry credentials for completed modules.

What credentials may I receive?

Graduates who satisfy National Training’s program requirements may receive an NTI Certificate of Completion and academic transcript. Where applicable, students may also earn NCCER Registry credentials after successfully completing required modules and assessments. See our NCCER accreditation page.

Are NCCER credentials automatically awarded?

No. NCCER Registry credentials are not automatically awarded simply because a student attends or completes the overall program. Applicable module, assessment, attendance and administrative requirements must be satisfied.

Career Services and Employment

Does National Training guarantee employment?

No. National Training does not guarantee employment, wages, benefits, employer selection, work location or a specific placement outcome. Hiring decisions are made by employers.

What job-placement assistance is available?

Eligible graduates may request résumé help, employer referrals when available, job-lead information, interview preparation and career-search guidance. Availability of assistance does not guarantee an interview or job offer. See Career Services.

Are Veterans guaranteed preference from employers?

No. Some employers value military experience or participate in Veteran hiring programs, but each employer sets its own requirements and makes its own hiring decisions.

What transferable military skills may help?

Safety discipline, teamwork, communication, equipment accountability, logistics, situational awareness and following procedures may support training. The relevance of any military experience depends on the civilian role and employer. See military to heavy equipment operator.

Does my military occupational specialty determine admission?

Not by itself. Admissions and benefit eligibility are based on the school’s requirements and the applicable government program. A related MOS may provide useful experience but does not guarantee admission, credit or employment.

Can military experience shorten the Heavy Now program?

Only if the school has an approved and documented prior-learning policy that applies to the program. Students should not assume military experience will reduce required clock hours.

Housing and Out-of-State Students

Can a Veteran attend from outside Florida?

Yes, students may travel from other states to attend, subject to admissions, program and benefit requirements. Review travel, lodging, transportation, schedule and uncovered living costs before enrolling. See Veterans housing and campus.

Does National Training provide housing?

National Training may identify lodging options, but availability, cost, rules and transportation should be confirmed in writing before enrollment. Housing is not free and is not automatically paid by VA.

Does VA pay the school for my housing?

Housing-related payments, when available, are governed by the student’s benefit and VA rules. Do not assume that lodging is paid directly to the school or that any payment will cover the full cost.

Before You Choose

What should Veterans compare before choosing a school?

Compare verified program approval, total clock hours, actual hands-on hours, equipment types, tuition and fees, lodging costs, credentials, instructor qualifications, career services, refund policy, complaint history and all written outcome disclosures.

For general (non-Veteran) school questions, see our main FAQs page.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available through the official U.S. government website.

Important School Documents

Ready to Get Started?

Verify your benefits and speak with our Military and Veterans Admissions Team.

VA education benefits are available for those who qualify. Eligibility is determined by the VA.

Start Your Benefit Verification

Veterans and VA Benefits Overview

Questions? Contact us

Written by: Andrew McLoughlin
Reviewed by: Tal Miller, School Certifying Official, National Training, Inc.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sources:
GI Bill® Comparison Tool,
How to Apply for Education Benefits,
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
Found an error? Contact us at inforequests@nationaltrainingschools.com
National Training, Inc. | 5660 County Road 209 South Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 | (904) 272-4000 Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 335.