You've got questions.
We've got answers.

With over 120 campuses across the United States, Job Corps provides free career training and education for low-income 16- through 24-year-olds. Here, students get the experience they need to begin a career or apprenticeship, go on to college, or join the military. The best part? It’s free.

The first step to enroll in Job Corps is filling out the MyJobCorps Express Interest Tool to get connected to an Admissions Representative! They’ll help you navigate the application process and find a campus that fits your needs. You may also call 800-733-JOBS (5627) or walk into your local Admissions office. Learn more about the enrollment process here.

Job Corps is always FREE for students. The program is fully funded by the federal government.

Job Corps has more than 120 campuses across the United States and Puerto Rico. Chances are, there’s one near you. Find the closest campus to you.

The length of training depends on the type of training, your learning pace and whether you pursue additional Advanced Training opportunities. Job Corps students can be in training anywhere between eight months and three years.

With 10 industries to pick from and countless careers to explore, Job Corps has an opportunity for anyone who is ready to work hard and focus on their goals. See which career paths are a great fit for YOU by taking this quiz or by exploring the possibilities available to you.

In addition to career training, Job Corps can also help you earn your high school diploma or the equivalent and a driver’s license. Job Corps will also provide in-depth career planning, on-the-job training, job placement assistance, housing, food, health and dental care, a biweekly basic living allowance, and basic uniforms and equipment for your career training. All for FREE. Learn more about Job Corps’ benefits.

No, Job Corps currently does not offer virtual training. 

While each campus has its own set of rules designed for your safety, Job Corps has a national, zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol and all other drugs. Our policy for marijuana use does not penalize students for past drug use upon entering the program. When a student joins Job Corps, they will be drug tested. If the results are positive, they will enter prevention and education services. Under some circumstances, Job Corps refers students to external programs for additional support. 

Throughout your training, you will receive a biweekly basic living allowance. As your training progresses, your living allowance will increase. After you graduate, Job Corps can help you get started on your journey with a transition allowance. This allowance is based on your academic and career technical training achievement while in Job Corps.

Completing the Express Interest Tool will connect you to an Admissions Representative, which is the first step in the enrollment process. You can fill out the Express Interest Tool for yourself, or someone you know can fill it out on your behalf. 

Completing an application happens after you fill out the Express Interest Tool. Once you submit your interest you will be able to create a MyJobCorps account, where you will then be able to start your application and check your status once you’ve completed it. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to use the same email address you used to fill out the Express Interest Tool when you create your MyJobCorps account so the information from the Interest Tool gets transferred to your account.  

If you have general questions about the benefits of Job Corps, campus life, training programs and support that have not been answered on this FAQs page, you can submit your questions here or through the chat box in the bottom right corner.  

If you need technical support for your MyJobCorps account or if you lose touch with your Admissions Representative, contact the MyJobCorps Applicant Help Center.  

If you need help with any of the following topics below, reach out to your Admissions Representative.

• Requesting language translation assistance or other accommodations
• Questions about your specific application or application status  
• Getting required documents for your application
• Understanding forms that require signatures  
• Rescheduling orientations or other admissions meetings

Your Admissions Representative’s email address can be found in your Express Interest confirmation email and in your MyJobCorps account. 

Once you submit your interest you be asked to create a MyJobCorps account, where you will then be able to start your application and check your status once you’ve completed it. 

Your Admissions Representative is your personal guide to support you throughout the admissions process. Your assigned Admissions Representative will contact you directly to learn more about you and your goals for enrolling in Job Corps. They will work with you to make sure you have everything you need to successfully enroll in Job Corps, including access to language support services if needed.  

If you have questions or concerns during the Job Corps application process, reach out to your Admissions Representative. Your Admissions Representative’s contact information can be found in your Express Interest confirmation e-mail. If you lose touch with your Admissions Representative, please contact the MyJobCorps Applicant Help Center.   

Your Admissions Representative’s e-mail address can be found in your Express Interest confirmation e-mail.  

Pro Tip: Save their e-mail and telephone number in your phone, so you know how to reach out with any questions. If you lose touch with your Admissions Representative, please contact the MyJobCorps Applicant Help Center.

Orientation is scheduled with the local Admissions team. Please reach out to your Admissions Representative to schedule or reschedule your orientation. 

Once you submit your interest you be asked to create a MyJobCorps account, where you will then be able to start your application and check your status once you’ve completed it. 

Your Admissions Representative will review your application and let you know if you’re eligible for Job Corps. Generally, Job Corps students are low-income 16- through 24-year-olds who are U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents or residents of a U.S. territory, and/or individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. You may NOT be eligible for Job Corps if you:  

• Use drugs illegally under federal law  
• Exhibit behavioral problems that could prevent you or others from success in Job Corps  
• Have certain criminal convictions or require court supervision  

Get the inside scoop on Job Corps eligibility or speak to your Admissions Representative for more information.

Income requirements are determined by your household’s total income. If you live with your parents and are their legal dependent, your parents’ income will be considered. If you do not live with your parents and are not claimed as a dependent, only your income will be considered.

Because each applicant’s circumstances are unique, the wait time for an acceptance decision varies. Usually, this process takes about two months. If you’ve selected a high-demand training area and there is a waitlist, your process could look a bit longer. You may qualify for expedited enrollment if you’re experiencing homelessness, are a victim of severe trafficking or are affected by natural or man-made disasters.

The most common reason for a delay is needing to update inaccurate or out-of-date information in your application. Other factors that may slow the process include gathering required documents (if not immediately available) and review of medical information. Your Admissions Representative will be able to discuss this timeline with you, including options to fast-track your application, based on your specific circumstances.

Generally, you will need:

1. Citizenship or residency status documentation

   Such as: birth certificate, U.S. passport, valid foreign passport, Social Security card, green card (I-551, Permanent Resident Card) or Employment Authorization Document (I-766).

2. Form of identification

   Government-issued and includes your legal name and date of birth (like a driver’s license).

3. Social Security number (if applicable)

Your Admissions Representative may also request documentation related to your income over the last six months, or documents related to family income. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian (or other approved delegate) will need to provide consent for you to enroll in Job Corps. 

Keep track of everything you need for your application with this checklist. 

You can upload your supporting application documents directly to your MyJobCorps account. Make sure the images are clear and easy to read and that you save files with names that clearly state what information each contains. For example, if you upload your birth certificate, you should name the file Birth Certificate.

If you need help finding documents or need other options for proof of eligibility, you can submit your application without your documents. Your Admissions Representative will then work with you to get what you need to complete the process and verify eligibility. 

Once you’ve submitted your application and your Admissions Representative has confirmed your eligibility, you will have an interview with your Admissions Representative. In this meeting, they will ask questions to make sure Job Corps is the best path for you, such as:  

• What’s your education and employment history?  
• What opportunities do you want to get through coming to Job Corps?  
• How do you feel about following rules and requirements?
• Have you ever worked as part of a team or group?  

Your Admissions Representative will also review your health information* and help you select a training area. 

*Providing it is voluntary. Admissions Representatives collect the health information, but only qualified health and wellness staff review it to ensure Job Corps can meet your health needs.  

After answering all questions and signing all agreements, you can submit your application in your MyJobCorps account. You can upload all documents before you submit your application or, if you have need help tracking down documents, you can submit your application and then talk to your Admissions Representative about alternative proofs of eligibility. 

Interviews are scheduled as a final step to review your application, documents and goals for Job Corps with your Admissions Representative. Please reach out to your Admissions Representative to schedule or reschedule your interview. 

Interviews typically take place in person, usually in an Admissions office or at a Job Corps campus. However, it can be done online if you are in a remote area. Reach out to your Admissions Representative to confirm the location of your interview. 

You can track the status of your application in your MyJobCorps account dashboard. You can also reach out to your Admissions Representative with any questions about your specific application, including status. They will have the most up-to-date information about your application. 

Once you submit your application, your MyJobCorps account will show you your next steps, including setting up an interview with your Admissions Representative to review your application, finalize your eligibility documents, make sure Job Corps is the right path for you and discuss your training area.  

If you’re eligible for Job Corps, your Admissions Representative will then send your application to a Job Corps campus for one more review. This step makes sure you’re assigned to the campus that’s the best fit for you. The campus review can take up to 30 days.  

You can reach out to your Admissions Representative if you have questions or need updates while you wait. Your Admissions Representative will let you know when you’ve received an official enrollment offer. 

Reviewing the application can take several weeks, but Admissions and campus staff are working as quickly as possible to help everyone through the process. If you’ve selected a training area that many students are interested in and there is a waitlist, your process could look a bit longer.

The most common reason for delays is needing to update inaccurate or out-of-date information in your application. Reach out to your Admissions Representative if you need to update your information or if you have questions about your application status.

Once the Job Corps campus reviews and accepts your application, your Admissions Representative will reach out with your final enrollment offer. Your final offer includes your start date and travel documents (if appropriate).

If you are not accepted by a specific campus, your Admissions Representative may recommend another campus.  

If you are not eligible for Job Corps and receive a physical denial letter, you may file a written appeal within 180 days to the Department of Labor Civil Rights Center. If needed, reach out to your Admissions Representative for more details.

While you might not be able to attend Job Corps, an American Job Center may be able to help you find a program that can meet your needs. To explore all your options, you can visit your local American Job Center (find the center nearest you by visiting www.careeronestop.org) or go to http://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/ for information about apprenticeship programs.