Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program Financial Resources

Below is information about how the Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program (OMVEP) offers financial support to help eligible educators gain licensure and employment in Ohio schools.

Service Verification

Applicants need to verify military service by uploading copies of the verification documents listed below. Service verification documents should be uploaded to the Educator Licensure and Records (CORE) app through their OHID account.

Service members

Applicants who are current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard can upload a copy of the front of their current military ID card. Current members of the Ohio Military Reserve or Ohio Naval Militia can upload a copy of their current State of Ohio Uniformed Services ID card.

Veterans

Applicants who are a veteran of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces can upload one of the following documents:

  • DD Form 214 including the Character of Service (must be Honorable), or
  • NGB 22 including the Character of Service (must be Honorable)

Military spouses

Applicants who are the spouse of an active duty member can upload one of the following documents:
  • DD Form 1173 (front and back) reflecting sponsor service status of AD (Active Duty), or
  • U.S. Department of Defense Next Generation USID card (front and back) reflecting a sponsor affiliation of Active Duty.

Veteran Spouses

Applicants who are the spouse of a veteran can upload one of the following documents:
  • DD Form 214 including the Character of Service (must be Honorable); or
  • NGB 22 including the Character of Service (must be Honorable); and
  • Marriage license

License Fee Waiver

To recognize the contributions of military families, the State Board of Education has eliminated fees for educator licenses. Fees for any initial Ohio educator license, permit, certificate, or renewal are fully waived for the following individuals:

  • Veterans with honorable discharges,
  • Current service members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard or Reserve, or the Ohio Military Reserve or Ohio Naval Militia (under the Ohio Adjutant General), and
  • Spouses of active duty service members.
    • Spouses of service members who are not actively serving are only eligible for the fee waiver when applying for the Alternative Military Resident Educator License.
    • Spouses of active duty service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders, are eligible for the fee waiver for all licensure applications.
To receive a fee waiver, applicants must upload a copy of the Military Service Fee Waiver Request Form and service verification documents to their Educator Licensure and Records (CORE) app via their OHID account.

Ohio Assessment for Educators Voucher

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce offers vouchers to pay for the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) required for licensure. Eligible educators can request up to three vouchers per testing year (Sept. to Aug.), with a maximum of five vouchers in total. Educators must request vouchers prior to registering for the exam.

Once received, visit the Ohio Assessments for Educators website to register for exams.

Vouchers can be used for any OAE exam date until the expiration date listed on the voucher. The Department cannot reimburse the cost of any past tests. Educators should request vouchers in a timely manner to meet registration deadlines.

  • Eligible educators beginning the alternative license process need to receive an email from the State Board of Education confirming they met degree and GPA requirements and need to take content area exams.
  • Eligible educators transitioning from an alternative license to a professional license can request an OAE voucher during the second year of having an alternative license to take Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Test 004 - Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Multi-Age (PK-12).
  • Eligible educators in a teacher preparation program can request vouchers for content and pedagogical exams at any time. 
To request a voucher, complete this request form and upload service verification documents to the Educator Licensure and Records (CORE) app through your OHID account.

Alternative Licensure Institute Subsidy

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce subsidizes the costs for the Alternative Resident Educator Institute or the Intensive Pedagogical Training Institute. This training is part of the Alternative Resident Educator License process. Applicants need to receive their Confirmation Registration Letter from the State Board of Education before applying for the subsidy. Applicants will then receive a letter from OMVEP confirming eligibility of the subsidy. Applicants will provide this letter to the vendor. The Department will be billed for the cost of the course.

To apply, complete the AREI/IPTI Subsidy Application and email it to OhioMVEP@education.ohio.gov. 

OMVEP Educator Preparation Program Grant

The EmpowerVetEd grant provides an opportunity for institutions of higher education to provide financial incentives and assistance to eligible military individuals to enroll in an educator preparation program. Several educator preparation programs across the state have been awarded the EmpowerVetEd grant. Visit the EmpowerVetEd webpage for more information.  

Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a reimbursement program for educational expenses, which can also include the cost of taking the Ohio Assessments for Educators. Visit the Licensing and Certification Tests webpage for more information.

Last Modified: 1/6/2026 10:49:06 AM