Military veterans working in the park and recreation profession bring many skills to their agencies — the ability to lead a team with clear communication, a knack for remaining calm in crisis and a superlative level of dedication to public service. One benefit of military service is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which many service members use to fund their formal undergraduate and graduate educations. But did you know the Post-9/11 GI Bill can also be used for certification programs?

NRPA’s Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CRPE) exams were recently approved as Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible. Veterans pay the CPRP/CPRE exam fees and are reimbursed once they successfully pass the exam, with one re-examination attempt allowed. NRPA’s certification manager, Molly Sullivan, worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Jason Lang, director of parks and recreation for East Goshen Township (PA) and a U.S. Army veteran, to make this a reality.

You have no excuse for not getting certified! You served your country — now use your veterans benefits to best serve your park and recreation career!

To determine GI Bill eligibility, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 888.GIBILL.1 (888-442-4551) between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday–Friday.