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Will I be nationally certified when I graduate?
That is a good question and relates to both programs as described below; however, the term "National Certification" is misunderstood and misused. The term "national" is understood to be nationwide and/or accepted/required/recognized at the national level. At this time there is no "national" operator certification required for either heavy equipment or crane operators.
Unlike the that is a mandatory licensure/certification in all fifty states. There remains no requirement or "national certification" for heavy equipment and/or crane operators.
There is no mandatory "national certification" and/or CDL requirement for either heavy equipment operators and/or crane operators.
Yet, certification is important and sometimes required for employment; and the majority of crane operator jobs in the U.S. require certification through .
At GeorgiaCC we thought it would be best to inform interested parties of the meaning of national certification and certification in general. We have provided an in depth look at what certification means and how it applies to your training at GeorgiaCC, for detailed information on certification please visit our "" page.
- National Certification Links:
Why don't you teach CDL?
The main reason we don't teach CDL is because we want you to be an equipment operator and not a truck driver. We know from experience that graduates who possess a CDL end up hauling equipment instead of operating equipment.
If we wanted you to be a truck driver then we would teach CDL; but we don't. GeorgiaCC graduates are equipment operators and not truck drivers and that is the way we want to keep it. If an individual wishes to earn a CDL he/she would have to make other arrangements to obtain the training and testing for that licensure.
How much is tuition?
Tuition for each program are located on the web site under each program , please select your program of study from the left navigation menu and proceed from there.
Do I need a license to operate heavy equipment?
You do not need a license to operate heavy equipment. In fact, in most cases you don't even need a drivers license. This is crazy; however, equipment is not deemed to be a motor vehicle and therefore a drivers license is not required. A license requirement to operate heavy equipment is non-existent in the United States; however, crane operator licensing is now becoming required in numerous parts of the country, including many states and other municipalities. GeorgiaCC offers operational training in both heavy equipment and crane designed to allow graduates the opportunity to successfully pass a certification assessment in heavy equipment and crane.
Is the school licensed to teach this type of training?
Yes, the Georgia College of Construction (GeorgiaCC) is licensed by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) and has been licensed in good standing since 2005.
Do I need to be certified in heavy equipment to find employment?
No, certification as a heavy equipment operator is not necessarily required by an employer for employment; however, more and more employers are requiring some form of formal training as a pre requisite to employment. In the past, certification was almost meaningless; yet, today's industry is finding that insurance companies are requiring employers to hire operators that have received formal training, like that offered at GeorgiaCC.
Do I need to be certified in crane to find employment?
Yes, certification as a crane operator is generally required by an employer for employment. Even though some states do not yet require crane operators to be certified, most employers require crane operator certification, and CCO is the most widely recognized crane certification.
Where does my certification come from?
- Heavy Equipment Certification: Certification
- Crane Certification: NCCCO
Does the School guarantee employment?
No. GeorgiaCC does not guarantee employment as a result of training received. In fact, it would be illegal for any school to guarantee employment to incoming students and or graduates of the school.
GeorgiaCC does offer each graduate job placement assistance and publishes their pass rates for all to view. Our placement results do speak for themselves and potential students are encouraged to view them.
Does the School publish their job placement success rates?
Yes, the school voluntarily publishes their job placement success rates and their certification pass rates, (). This is a voluntary service to incoming students and is not very common in the higher education community; however, GeorgiaCC feels that incoming students need to be aware of the rates and the rate determination factors.
Is online learning difficult?
Taking classes online is no harder and no easier than attending a traditional class. You need to be organized, meet the requirements of the class and submit assignments on time – as you would in any traditional classroom setting. Online learning is just different – it’s neither harder nor easier.
What assistance is available?
Our support system for online learners helps students master the technology.
We provide all the help needed to ensure that each online learning experience is successful. You may wish to visit our online .
What programs are available online?
Currently we have one online degree program:
- Heavy Equipment Operations Degree
How do I get more information about online learning?
To find out how you can attend, call us today at 770-918-2577.
What GI Bill Do I Have?
It probably seems confusing but there are actually only two GI Bills that have been in use in recent years. When you enlist 10 you should have been given the option of contributing to the Montgomery GI Bill. The amount would have been $100 a month for your first year for a total of $1,200. If you contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill, then you should be eligible for the benefits from that GI Bill. If you elected not to contribute, then you are not going to be eligible for any of those benefits.
The second GI Bill is the Post 9/11 GI Bill and service members are eligible for its benefits if they serve at least 90 days on active duty after 10 September 2001. If they serve on active duty for at least 36 months after that date, then they are eligible for the full benefits of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
If you want to double check on your GI Bill eligibility you can go online to the VONAPP website, or call us today at 770-918-2577 for personal attention.
Can any school offer Post 9/11 VA Benefits?
No, only Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), designated by the Veterans Administration can offer Post 9/11 benefits to their students. An IHL is an Institute of Higher Learning such as a college, university, technical, or business school offering post secondary-level academic instruction that leads to an associate degree or higher. Examples of IHLs include:
- a 4 year university
- a community college
- an institution that grants advanced degrees
What is Basic Housing Allowance (BAH)?
A Basic Housing Allowance under the Post 9/11 GI Bill is referred to as the Monthly Living Stipend. As an eligible veteran or member of the National Guard or Selected Reserve you may receive a monthly housing allowance (living stipend) based on the ZIP code of the location of the school you are attending - not your home ZIP code. This stipend currently averages $1,200 a month, but can run as high as $2,700. Note, the zip code for the Georgia College of Construction in Conyers, GA is 30013. You can cut and past this into the BAH calculator link to determine your monthly living stipend.
How much money will I get each month for my housing allowance?
Post 9/11 students attending the Georgia College of Construction will receive a monthly "Living Stipend" based upon the year they are attending school, the zipcode of their school of attendance and their paygrade upon departure from the military. You can can see how much your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is by going to the BAH calculator at
How is the Post-9/11 Housing Allowance Paid?
Your housing allowance or BAH, from your Post 9/11 GI Bill will come monthly either by check or deposited into your bank account by direct deposit. As far as what it will say on your deposit, were not sure. It will come from the VA, though. You can find out how much you should get using the BAH calculator.
Your book stipend should come with your housing stipend or as a separate deposit. Once you have hit the cap of $1,000, then it will stop for the rest of the academic year.
You can add your housing allowance and book stipend together and look for a similar amount either by check or as a deposit. Keep in mind you are not authorized the housing allowance if you are taking all online classes or if you are still on active duty. Call your GeorgiaCC admissions rep to discuss more about your monthly living stipend at 800-824-9182.
Am I eligible for BAH while in training?
Monthly housing allowance equal to the BAH payable for an E-5 with dependents(located in the zip code of the educational institution). For Example, a vet with paygrade E-4 and children will receive $1,116.00 per month. See how much your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is by going to the BAH calculator at
Who is Eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
Veterans who have served on active duty at least 90 aggregate days after Sept. 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 and received a discharge for disability.
Officers who graduated from service academies or received ROTC scholarships qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. However, time spent satisfying the ROTC/service academy active duty obligation does not count toward the active duty service necessary to qualify for the benefits.
Am I Eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill If I Used All of My Benefits Under the Montgomery GI Bill?
If you used all 36 months of benefits under MGIB and you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may receive up to 12 months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, you cannot receive more than a maximum of 48 months of benefits under any combination of Department of Veterans Affairs education programs.
Can I Use the Post-9/11 GI Bill While on Active Duty?
Yes, but you cannot receive a housing allowance, or stipends for books and supplies.
You must have completed a minimum of 90 days of service (other than basic training), and the tuition payment cannot exceed the amount not paid by military tuition assistance and/or the total amount of tuition and fees.
Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill pay for vocational training programs?
GeorgiaCC is designated an Institution of Higher Learning; therefore, 100% of the programs offered at GeorgiaCC are covered under the Post 9/11 VA Benefits program
How Are Benefits Paid?
There are three different payments under the Post-9/11 GI Bill:
- Tuition and fees, paid directly to the school, not to exceed the maximum in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at a public institution.
- Monthly housing allowance, paid to the individual
- Books and supplies stipend, paid to the individual
How Do I Apply?
Electronic application forms can be completed and submitted online at
However, the online application can be difficult to navigate and understand. GeorgiaCC actually recommends that you call the GeorgiaCC admissoins office at 800-824-9182, and request assistance in completing the Application for VA Education Benefits, Form 22-1990. Additionally, you can download the pdf application by clicking the following link .
How Long Do I Have to Use the Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are payable for 15 years following the individual’s release from active duty.
What Benefits Does the Post-911 GI Bill Pay?
Tuition and Fees: Veterans may be eligible for full payment of their tuition and fees, not to exceed the maximum in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at a public Institution in the state in which the student is enrolled. Your enrollment at GeorgiaCC will be covered 100% by your Post 9/11 benefit including a monthly housing allowance, living stipend, or
Housing Allowance: The housing allowance is equivalent to Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents, based on the ZIP code of the school where the student is enrolled. However, active duty service members, anyone enrolled half time or less and those pursuing entirely distance learning are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance.
Books and Stipends: A books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year can be paid, which is prorated based upon the student’s payment rate. Active duty members are not eligible for this payment.
Tutoring: Benefits for tutorial assistance or up to $2,000 for the reimbursement of one licensing or certification test is available.
How do I prove I am a veteran?
You can prove you are a veteran by providing copy number 4 of your DD 214 to the closest VA Regional Office to your home. If you don’t know where the closest VA Regional Office is located, you can call 1-800-827-1000.
Can I transfer my VA benefit to someone?
For the first time in history, service members enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program will be able to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children starting Aug. 1, 2009. First you must go to the DoD transferability application website to determine if your dependents are eligible to receive the transferred benefits. This website is only available to military members. To learn more about this call an admissions representative at 800-824-9182.
Where do I request another DD214?
Contact your regional VBA office at 1-800-827-1000 and they will provide you with instructions on obtaining another copy of your DD 214.
What if I am a disabled Vet?
If you are a disabled vet then you may still be able to be eligible for admissions. We encourage you to call one our helpful admissions representatives and discuss your disability to determine eligibility.
If you are an active duty service member anticipating at least a 20% service-connected disability rating, or a veteran with a 20% disability rating or greater, you should first determine any benefits to which you are entitled under Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.
NOTE: If you need any help making your choice, VA Vocational and Employment counseling help is available to all veterans toll free at 1-800-827-1000. You also can discuss your options with a VA education benefits specialist by calling toll-free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
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