Getting Started as an SCO
If you’re here, you’ve likely been asked to take on the role of School Certifying Official (SCO) at your organization. Whether you work at a traditional school, a training institution, a business, a police department, or a federal agency, this role comes with a shared goal: helping students, trainees, and apprentices access the VA education benefits they’ve earned.
This page will walk you through the first steps of becoming a designated SCO—what’s required, what to expect, and where to go next.
Looking for a quick reference?
Track your progress through each step, with the New SCO Checklist →Important: Use the same professional email address throughout your onboarding process.
This includes:
- Registering in the SCO Online Training Portal
- Entering your contact info on VA Form 22-8794
- Requesting access to Enrollment Manager
- Signing up for your GovDelivery email subscription
Keeping your email address consistent helps ensure you get credit for any qualifying training events you attend and that your access to VA systems is processed smoothly.
Step 1: Complete Required Training
Before anything else, you’ll need to complete the mandatory online training specific to your organization type. This ensures you understand the basics of VA education programs and your responsibilities as a certifying official.
- Training is available through VA’s SCO Online Training Portal
- You’ll need to create an account (if you don’t already have one)
- Once completed, download your certificate of completion
Tip: Save your certificate file—it’s required for the next step.
Important for newly approved organizations: An individual designated as a certifying official at newly approved organization that hasn't yet been assigned a VA facility code must complete the required new certifying official training using the generic facility code #1-2-3456-78. You, the SCO, must update the SCO Training Portal once the organization has received an official VA Facility Code or your organization won't receive credit for training in subsequent years.
Step 2: Submit the Designation of Certifying Official(s), VA Form 22-8794
VA uses the Designation of Certifying Official(s), VA Form 22-8794 to officially authorize you in the role.
- Complete the form online: Designation of Certifying Official(s), VA Form 22-8794
- Fill out the form and have it signed by your organization’s leadership. All designated certifying officials must be listed on this form every time it is submitted to VA.
- Include your training certificate with the form
Once you’ve gathered both the completed form and certificate, use the Education File Upload Portal to submit your designation package securely.
Note: At this time, Federal APP/OJTs should submit the 8794 and training certificates directly to the Federal and State Approvals Team via email.
Step 3: Wait for Designation Confirmation
It may take a few business days to receive confirmation. If you don’t hear back, reach out to your Education Liaison Representative (ELR) for support. Once VA processes your VA Form 22-8794 and training certificate, you’ll be officially designated as a School Certifying Official. You’ll receive confirmation and, if needed, further instructions to access VA systems.
Bookmark the Enrollment Manager login page—you’ll use it regularly.
Step 4: Create Your VA Education Platform Account
Before requesting access to Enrollment Manager, you’ll need an account in the VA Education Platform Portal, which requires signing in with either Login.gov or ID.me. Creating your Login.gov or ID.me account.
Make sure to:
- Check out this video for more information on how to create your account.
- After designation, use your credentials to access Enrollment Manager.
Reminder: You must use the same professional email to request access to EM that you listed on the 8794 and used to set up your account in the SCO Training Portal. This email address does NOT need to be the same email that you used to set up your Login.gov or ID.me account.
Step 5: Stay Informed with the GovDelivery email subscription service
VA shares important updates and announcements—such as system changes, reminders, webinar and training opportunities, and policy guidance—through its GovDelivery email subscription service.
We strongly recommend that all SCOs subscribe. Staying informed is key to supporting your students and remaining in compliance.
Note: Be sure to select “EDU School Certifying Officials” as your subscriber group to get the right updates.
Step 6: Attend Supplemental Training to Build Knowledge and Confidence
Supplemental training opportunities are available throughout the year to help you stay current, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of VA processes.
These sessions are optional but highly recommended--especially if you're new, work as the only SCO at your organization, or want extra support.
Quarterly Office Hours
Hosted by VA's National Training Team-Schools (NTT-S), Quarterly Office Hours provide direct updates on policy, system enhancements, and best practices. Each session includes a live Q&A where you can get answers from subject matter experts.
Who should attend: All SCOs
Format: Live virtual webinar on Teams
Topics: Enrollment Manager updates, regulatory guidance, compliance tips, system fixes, policy clarifications
When: Quarterly (subscribe to GovDelivery to ensure you receive email invitations)
Annual training credit: Yes; 1 module
How to get credit: Log into the SCO Training Portal and self-certify your participation
School Certifying Official Onboarding Preparation (SCOOP)
SCOOP is a series of onboarding webinars designed specifically for New SCOs. Sessions are grouped by program type (IHL, NCD, OJT/APP, Vocational Flight) and offer step-by-step guidance to help you begin certifying confidently.
Who should attend: New SCOs with fewer than 18 months experience
Format: Virtual instructor led or pre-recorded webinars
Where to watch: New SCOs are invited via GovDelivery or visit the SCOOP training page
Annual training credit: Yes; 1 module
How to get credit: Log into the SCO Training Portal and self-certify your participation
Helpful Tip: Bookmark Key Pages
Start building your own toolkit by bookmarking the pages you’ll visit most often:
- School Certifying Official (SCO) Handbook
- SCO Online Training Portal
- VA Education Platform Portal login
- Enrollment Manager User Guide
- Education File Upload Portal
- Resources for Schools
We’ll list all of these again later in the Resources and Support section.
What's Next?
Once you’re designated, and have access to Enrollment Manager, you can begin certifying enrollments. Explore the rest of the toolkit to learn more about your responsibilities and the tools available to you.
