Ibrahim Gardner
Certification tests are an essential step in confirming that an individual has the specific knowledge or skills needed to do a job. While some certifications are available for free, others can cost up to $2,500. In the United States, some colleges provide financial support for students to take certification tests, particularly for veterans and those seeking IT certifications. For example, Microsoft offers discounted exam vouchers and practice assessments to eligible students, and veterans can use their VA education benefits to cover the costs of tests and preparatory courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of certification tests | Can be up to $2500, but some certifications are free. |
| Who pays for the tests | Some colleges pay for tests, employers may offer discounts or reimbursement, and government agencies and nonprofits offer free IT training programs. |
| Benefits of certification | Certifications can increase chances of higher pay, better job prospects, and new career opportunities. |
| Types of certifications | CPR/First Aid, Foreign Language, Leadership, Business Analyst, Project Management, IT, etc. |
| College credits for certification | Some colleges offer credits for passing certification exams. |
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What You'll Learn
- Veterans Affairs benefits can cover certification test costs
- Microsoft Certifications can earn students college credits
- IT certifications can be free or discounted for students
- Some employers reimburse employees for certification exams
- Certification can increase pay, job prospects, and career opportunities
Veterans Affairs benefits can cover certification test costs
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits can cover the costs of certain certification tests and preparatory courses, but only those approved for the GI Bill. The VA will pay for as many approved tests as you want to take, and you can take each test as many times as you need. However, the VA will not pay for fees related to obtaining the actual license or certification document.
To get reimbursed for a test, you must first check if it is approved for the GI Bill. If it is, you can use part of your entitlement to cover the cost of the test, including registration and administrative fees, up to $2,000 per test. If you are unsure whether a test is approved, you can submit an application for reimbursement.
You can also use your VA benefits to pay for preparatory courses, but only for those that are for already approved licensing or certification tests. The VA will prorate the entitlement charges based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the prep course. To use your benefits for a prep course, you must have already applied and been approved for one of the relevant benefits.
To get reimbursed for a test or prep course, you must fill out a Request for Reimbursement form (VA Form 22-0803 for tests and VA Form 22-10272 for prep courses) and mail it to the VA regional processing office for your state.
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Microsoft Certifications can earn students college credits
Students can now receive college credits for passing Microsoft exams and earning certifications. The American Council on Education (ACE) has reviewed and established credit recommendations for select Microsoft Certifications. ACE is a nationally recognized leader in the evaluation of workforce and military training, providing standards, practices, and tools that higher education institutions rely on.
Upon earning a credential for an ACE-recommended exam, students can send a verifiable link of their official Microsoft Learn transcript to their ACE member college or university and request credit for their certification. To apply for certification credit hours, students will need to email the following information to their school: a link to the applicable certification exam title and a verifiable link to their official Microsoft Learn transcript.
It is important to note that most institutions consider a certification or transcript official only if it comes from the organization awarding the certification. Therefore, students should not email a copy or attachment of their certification or transcript. Instead, they must send their transcript via a verifiable link.
Microsoft provides discounted exam vouchers and practice assessments to eligible students. Students can verify their enrollment at an accredited academic institution to access these benefits. Additionally, Microsoft Certifications can help students stand out to employers, as 91% of hiring managers use certifications as a criterion when evaluating candidates.
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IT certifications can be free or discounted for students
IT certifications can be costly, with some exams costing up to $2500. However, there are ways to obtain free or discounted IT certifications for students.
Free Certifications
Some online platforms, such as Coursera, Class Central, and CodeSignal, offer free IT certifications and courses. For example, Class Central provides over 2000 free certificate courses for software development, while CodeSignal offers 1200+ free courses with certifications in coding, AI, ML, and data science. Similarly, freeCodeCamp provides thousands of hours of free learning content, including certifications in web development and data science.
Discounted Certifications
Some organizations offer discounted IT certifications for students. For instance, CompTIA offers a discounted rate of $97 for students, and Google's Cybersecurity Professional Certificate program provides a 30% discount on the CompTIA A+ exam. Additionally, students enrolled in school may be eligible for discounted CompTIA training materials and certification vouchers through the CompTIA Marketplace.
College Credit for Certifications
In some cases, students can receive college credit for completing certain IT certifications. For example, Microsoft offers college credit for select Microsoft Certifications through the American Council on Education (ACE).
Special Programs
Some special programs offer free or low-cost IT training to specific groups, such as the unemployed, ethnic minorities, women, and military veterans. These programs are often geared toward entry-level IT professionals and can provide access to free or discounted certifications.
While free and discounted IT certifications are available, they may not include pre-exam training or full-fledged courses. Students may need to purchase an exam package that includes education, or they may need to explore alternative options if the cost of IT certifications is a concern.
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Some employers reimburse employees for certification exams
Certification courses and exams are a great way to advance your career and develop new skills. However, they can be expensive, and deciding to take a course is just one part of the process. The other part is figuring out how to pay for it. This is where employer reimbursement comes in. Many employers have reimbursement tuition programs to encourage their employees to continue learning and advancing in their careers.
Employer reimbursement programs may cover the entire cost of a certification course, or just a portion of it. Some employers will pay for certification books and your first attempt at a certification exam. Some companies will even pay for yearly dues and subscriptions. For example, Salesforce pays for certifications and offers study materials from its registered partners, while Amazon's Career Choice Program covers up to 95% of the cost of certifications and licensing programs in IT, manufacturing, and transportation trades.
It is important to note that some employers will require employees to pay for failed attempts at certification exams, with reimbursement only provided for passed exams. Additionally, some companies may require employees to commit to working for a certain period after the completion of their certification.
Employer tuition reimbursement is considered a voluntary benefit, and it is a fantastic way to empower employees to take charge of their career development. If you are considering going back to school to develop your career, it is worth checking with your employer's HR department to see if they offer any tuition reimbursement programs.
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Certification can increase pay, job prospects, and career opportunities
Certification can help you get a higher salary, better job prospects, and new career opportunities. Most industries offer certifications that can increase your chances of career advancement. For instance, if you're looking to get into IT, there are several entry-level roles that offer on-the-job training and certification.
Certifications are a great way to gain concrete knowledge and skills in your field. They help establish you as a thought leader and can open doors to leadership opportunities. Employers today are more focused on skills than degrees or job positions. Certifications are proof of your skill level and can help you land a well-paying job in fields like healthcare, technology, construction, and social services.
For example, if you're looking to get into project management, certifications like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) are in high demand. Similarly, if you're in human resources (HR), recruiters often seek candidates with the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
You can also gain certifications in fields like computer programming, dental assisting, landscaping, and licensed practical nursing. These certifications can be earned through colleges, universities, or self-study programs. They typically involve completing a training program, gaining industry experience, and passing an exam.
Overall, certifications are a valuable investment in your career, helping you gain new skills, establish credibility, and increase your chances of career advancement and higher pay.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the college and the type of certification test. Some colleges may offer discounts or reimbursement for certain certification tests, especially if they are related to a student's course of study.
You can contact your college's financial aid office or student services department to inquire about any available funding for certification tests. They will be able to provide you with specific information on what is covered and how to access those funds.
Yes, there are a few strategies you can explore to reduce the cost of certification tests. Some companies, like CompTIA, offer discounted exam vouchers and bundles that can help you save money. Additionally, government agencies and nonprofits sometimes offer free or low-cost certification programs.
In some cases, yes. For example, Microsoft offers college credit for passing certain Microsoft Certification exams. This is done through the American Council on Education (ACE), which provides credit recommendations that many colleges and universities recognize.
