As part of the Tuition Benefits Program, you can also get reimbursed for credit-by-exam and certification and licensure exam fees up to a maximum of $350 per exam. There is no limit on the number of exams you can take. 
 

View the Eligibility, Deadlines, & Tax Implications before applying for your tuition benefits.

Passing college-level exams can help you earn credits and save time and money. It can shorten the time required to finish a degree program and help build your confidence to do college-level work. 
 

Eligible Credit-By-Exam Providers

Explore the major exam programs we cover below. Be sure to check with your provider first to confirm their participation. These programs offer college credit for the knowledge you have already acquired.

• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) 

  This is a nationwide credit-by-exam program that allows you to earn credit for what you already know. The exams cover topics that most students take in the first two years of college.
   

• DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) 

  This credit-by-exam program allows you to earn college credit for knowledge gained in the workplace, classroom, or through independent study. The exams cover various subjects, including physical sciences, social sciences, business, applied technology, humanities, and more.
   

• Thomas Edison College Examination Program (TECEP) 

  This program offers a wide range of exams for earning college credit. The exams are designed to allow you to demonstrate the college-level knowledge you have gained through work, independent reading, or other activities.

You can get reimbursed up to $350 per exam for unlimited certification or licensure exam fees in addition to your other tuition benefits.

This program is not intended to replace existing agency exam reimbursement programs. 
 

 Exam Criteria

To be eligible, a certification/licensure exam must meet the following criteria:

• Be job- or career-related.
• Lead to certification or licensure for an occupation in New York State service.
• Be administered by an accredited organization. 

Examples include:

• Boiler Inspector
• Certified Public Accountant
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator/Technician
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor
• Dental Hygienist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
• NCLEX
• Certain Nursing School Entrance Exams

• Exams for certification in specific software or hardware programs by COMPTIA, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, and others may also be covered.

   

Costs and fees NOT reimbursed by this program include, but are not limited to:

• Civil Service examination fees.
• Fees for exams leading to certification in a career not existing in NYS service.
• Academic and application fees.
• Study materials (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) and supplies.
• License and certification renewals.
• Exam fees that are reimbursable by the employee's agency.

Contact a Partnership Advisor to apply for, manage, or to make a change to Exam Fee Reimbursement at (800) 253-4332 Option 1 or [email protected].

View the Eligibility, Deadlines, & Tax Implications before applying for your tuition benefits. After you apply and receive reimbursement approval, you will receive a benefit approval form. You must follow the instructions on the front of the approval form. After completing and paying for the exam, return the completed approval form with the required documents to the Partnership by the deadline.