Military service members can now get reimbursed for IT certification programs with Cisco Systems (“Cisco”) by using their GI Bill benefits. Announced in January 2009, Cisco’s certification programs are part of the Department of Defense education program DANTES (Department Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support), which supports off-duty, voluntary education programs.

Cisco Systems is a market leader in technology, a maker and seller of IP-based networking products for the telecommunications and information technology industry. Its certification programs are widely respected and valued by networking professionals and the companies they serve.

DANTES’ collaboration with Cisco bodes well for military personnel returning from active duty and who are looking to reenter the civilian workforce. Cisco certification gives them the opportunity to develop and differentiate themselves in the growing field of networking and information technology. It is intended to provide more relevant skills and competencies for veterans and can open up more career opportunities.