VA Updates IBM SkillsBuild Signup for Veterans' Free Tech Training
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The VA is updating the online application for the free IBM SkillsBuild training program, which helps Veterans, service members, and their families learn IT skills like Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. This change makes signing up easier and faster, with applications accepted online first-come, first-served. Comments on this update are open until October 26, 2026, with no cost to participants.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Free IBM SkillsBuild IT training
You can access no-cost, self-paced online IT training through the IBM SkillsBuild program for Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. The program is available to Veterans, Service members, spouses, children, and caregivers and provides credentials intended to meet employer needs in the high-technology industry.
Online-only, first-come sign-up
You must register and submit the IBM SkillsBuild intake application exclusively online via the VA.gov website. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and the change is described as making signing up easier and faster.
Short, one-time 10-minute application
The VA estimates the intake form takes about 10 minutes to complete and is submitted once. VA estimates 12,029 respondents annually, for a total estimated annual burden of 2,005 hours.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11973, Implementing Regulation for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Environmental Effects of the Department of Veterans Affairs Actions
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating how it checks the environmental impact of its projects to be faster, clearer, and more in line with new laws passed since 1989. This change affects VA staff and veterans by improving planning and making sure VA actions protect the environment while delivering care. The new rules start June 15, 2026, and the VA welcomes feedback until July 15, 2026.
2026-03940, Rescission of Interim Final Rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication
The VA is canceling a new rule about how medication affects disability ratings and going back to the old rules right away. This change affects veterans applying for benefits, making sure their claims are handled like before without confusion or delays. The switch happens immediately and won’t change any money owed but keeps things steady while legal questions get sorted out.
2025-21242, Extending Deadline for Debtor To Request a Waiver
The VA is giving veterans more time—up to one year instead of 180 days—to ask for a waiver on debts related to benefits. This change, effective January 26, 2026, helps reduce stress by giving veterans extra breathing room to handle their debt issues. It doesn’t cost veterans extra money but makes the process friendlier and fairer.
2025-18827, Extension of Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Eligibility for Legacy Participants and Legacy Applicants
The VA is giving family caregivers of veterans more time to stay in their special support program by extending the deadline from 2025 to 2028. This means caregivers and veterans who joined the program earlier (the legacy group) can keep getting help for three more years. No changes to money or benefits, just extra time to enjoy the support they deserve!
2025-14687, Reproductive Health Services
The VA is planning to stop covering abortions and abortion counseling again, reversing a 2022 change. This affects veterans and their families who use VA and CHAMPVA health benefits. The change aims to focus VA services on what they consider essential care, with no new costs or timing details shared yet.
2026-19410, Agency Information Collection Activity: VA Reimbursement Claim Forms
The VA is updating its reimbursement claim forms for Veterans who pay out-of-pocket for medical and pharmacy costs. They want your feedback by November 23, 2026, to make sure the forms are clear and easy to use. This update affects Veterans filing claims and aims to speed up the process without adding extra hassle or cost.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19552, Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
Starting October 25, 2026, some products and services will be added to or removed from the government’s special Procurement List. This list supports nonprofit agencies that employ people who are blind or have severe disabilities, helping them get government contracts. These changes mean certain federal purchases will now come from these nonprofits, boosting their opportunities without extra cost to the government.
Next: 2026-19556, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Generic Clearance for FNA Quick Response Surveys (FNA QRS)
The Food and Nutrition Administration wants to update its quick surveys for state and local agencies running food and nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. They’re asking for public feedback by November 23, 2026, to make sure these surveys stay useful and easy to complete. This helps improve how they support programs that feed millions without adding extra paperwork or costs.