((a)) ** .—** An individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall also be entitled to payment for a covered preparatory course.

((b)) ** .—** The amount of educational assistance payable under this chapter for a covered preparatory course is the lesser of—

((1)) the fee charged for the covered preparatory course; or

((2)) the amount of entitlement available to the individual under this chapter at the time of payment for the covered preparatory course under this section.

((c)) ** .—** The number of months of entitlement charged an individual under this chapter for a covered preparatory course shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the covered preparatory course relative to the rate for 1 month payable—

((1)) for the academic year beginning on , $2,042; or

((2)) for an academic year beginning on any subsequent August 1, the amount for the previous academic year beginning on August 1 under this subsection, as increased by the percentage increase equal to the most recent percentage increase determined under section 3015(h).

((d)) ** .—** In this section, the term “covered preparatory course” means a course—

((1)) for a licensing or certification test that is required or used to enter into, maintain, or advance in employment in a predetermined and identified vocation or profession; and

((2)) that has been approved by the State approving agency concerned.