How to Get SDVOSB / VOSB Certified
Veteran-owned firms get federal contracting preferences through the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification program (VetCert). A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) can win set-aside and sole-source contracts across the whole federal government; a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) can win set-asides at the VA. Certification moved from the VA to the SBA in 2023 — and you must be certified to bid on these set-asides.
Who qualifies for SDVOSB
- check_circleBe a small business under the SBA size standard for the contract's NAICS code.
- check_circleBe at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans — or, for SDVOSB, service-disabled veterans.
- check_circleHave a veteran (or service-disabled veteran) run day-to-day operations and hold the highest officer position.
- check_circleFor SDVOSB: have the service-connected disability documented by the VA.
How to get SDVOSB certified
- 1
Register on SAM.gov
Get an active registration with your UEI and NAICS codes.
- 2
Sign in to the VetCert portal
Sign in through MySBA Certifications at certifications.sba.gov with a Login.gov account.
- 3
Complete the application
Provide ownership, control, and veteran-status details; SBA verifies veteran and service-disability status with the VA.
- 4
Upload documents
Attach ownership and formation records, and proof of veteran or service-disabled status if requested.
- 5
Submit
SBA has cleared its backlog and now averages about 12 days to process applications. There is no fee to apply.
Typical timeline: As of 2026 the SBA averages roughly 12 days to process VetCert applications. Certification is free and lasts three years.
Common mistakes to avoid
- errorSince 2023, certification is handled by the SBA (VetCert), not the VA — and self-certification no longer qualifies you for set-asides. You must be certified before you bid.
- errorVOSB certification gets you VA set-asides; SDVOSB certification gets you government-wide set-asides. Make sure you're applying for the right one.
- errorFor a veteran with a permanent and severe disability, a spouse or permanent caregiver may run day-to-day operations — but the rules are specific, so document it carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still certify with the VA?expand_more
No. Since January 2023 the SBA runs veteran certification through VetCert. Firms that were VA-verified transitioned into the SBA program; new applicants apply at the SBA.
What's the difference between VOSB and SDVOSB?expand_more
A VOSB is veteran-owned and can compete for VA set-asides. An SDVOSB is owned by a service-disabled veteran and can compete for SDVOSB set-asides across the entire federal government.
How much does VetCert cost?expand_more
Nothing — the SBA does not charge to apply. As of 2026, processing averages about 12 days.
Can I bid on SDVOSB contracts if I only self-certified?expand_more
No. Self-certification no longer qualifies you for SDVOSB set-asides. You must hold an active SBA SDVOSB certification before you bid.
Set-Aside Pro is an independent publication, not affiliated with the SBA or any federal agency. Certification rules and thresholds change — confirm the current requirements on the official SBA SDVOSB program page before you apply.