Looking for ways to advance your career in state service? Look no further, we can help!

Now is the perfect time to start training for a promising career in NYS. There is a high demand for skilled professionals in the five career fields below. Additionally, there are other agency sponsored programs you may be able to explore.

With enrollment in an eligible training program, you may be able to receive up to two targeted tuition benefits. This is in addition to your two standard tuition benefits. As a result, you may be able to get up to $4,880 in tuition coverage.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and expertise while saving money at the same time. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future.

A member of our advisement team will need to verify your eligibility before authorizing your additional benefits. 

Call: (800) 253-4332 Option 1 
Email: [email protected]

If you’re a CSEA-represented NYS employee enrolled in an approved career training program, you can save more on your education costs.

The application period is open from April 1 to March 31 each year. You must be receiving a NYS paycheck at the time you apply and belong to one of the following bargaining units:

• Administrative Services Unit/02
• Occupational Services Unit/03
• Institutional Services Unit/04
• Division of Military and Naval Affairs/47
 

For your convenience, specific details about each program and the requirements that need to be fulfilled to qualify for the targeted tuition benefits are listed below. 

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - If you are pursuing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you may be eligible for two targeted tuition benefits. You may also apply for reimbursement of the knowledge and skills certification and licensure exam fee (road test). Please note that we can only cover the exam fee, not the license itself.

   CDL Provider Directory 
   
   

• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) – If you are seeking a Plant Utilities Assistant (PUA) or a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 (PUE 1) position and are enrolled in any of the following programs:

  • A bachelor’s degree program in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering.
  • An associate's degree in HVAC program.
  • An HVAC certificate or diploma program from a BOCES, with a minimum of 440 or 900 hours, or *enrolled in an approved certificate or HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, boiler operations and maintenance, or plumbing from an accredited technical school or technology college.
  • *PUA only - You must have nine months of permanent competitive, non-competitive, or labor service AND possess a high school diploma or equivalency to qualify for this option. 
     

  HVAC Provider Directory

  
   

• Information Technology – For eligible employees seeking Information Technology Specialist 1 or 2 positions in NYS service.  

  All Participating Providers
   
   

• Nursing - To be eligible for targeted tuition benefits in nursing, you must have already enrolled in a full LPN or RN program. Any pre-requisite courses taken before enrolling in a declared nursing major will not be covered under this benefit. It is important to note that this additional benefit does not apply to other medical programs or nursing assistant programs. We highly encourage you to make use of the certification and exam fee reimbursements for the NCLEX.

  All Participating Providers
  
   

• Welding - Employees who wish to take welding courses are eligible, and there are no minimum or maximum credit hours required.

  Welding Provider Directory

Use your benefits to pay for course tuition at a pre-approved career training program. There are two types of benefits: vouchers or reimbursements. 
 

Vouchers 
Choose vouchers to pay tuition upfront to one of our participating providers.
 

Reimbursements 
Choose reimbursements to reclaim tuition costs pre-paid to an approved provider. 

Each benefit can cover a non-credit course of up to $1,220 or a credit-bearing course of up to four credits at the resident tuition rate of $305. That’s a potential coverage of up to $2,440 per year! 

Need to take a course that exceeds these limits? You’re in luck. You can combine two targeted tuition benefits to cover a non-credit course over $1,220 or a credit-bearing course with more than four credits. We only cover course tuition for approved programs up to specified amounts. All other fees and expenses are your responsibility. Get more information from our Tuition Benefits Guide.
 

We believe in giving you every opportunity to excel in your educational pursuits. Our tuition benefits program allows you to combine benefits for even greater savings. 
 

Besides our targeted tuition benefits, eligible employees can access two standard tuition benefits. Standard tuition benefits offer even more flexibility, allowing you to apply them toward a broader range of educational courses and programs. That means you may be eligible to receive up to $4,880 in tuition benefits.  

You also have access to an unlimited number of eligible certification/licensure exams and credit-by-exams.
 

 Find out more from our Tuition Benefits Guide
 
 

If the educational benefits you receive, including those from the Partnership and other sources, add up to more than $5,250, you might have taxes taken out of your pay at the end of the year. For details, it’s best to talk your accountant or tax advisor. They can give you personalized advice based on your situation. 
 

Don’t let tuition costs stand in the way of your dreams! Tap into this powerful combination of benefits to achieve your goals. 
To make the application process as seamless as possible, you may apply using the best method for you. 

1. Use the Tuition Portal 

   Sign in to the portal using you NYS.gov ID and password.
    
    

2. Apply via Email, Mail, or Fax  

   Email: Send the completed application to [email protected].

   Fax: (518) 486-1989

   Mail: NYS & CSEA Partnership, Corporate Plaza East - Suite 502, 240 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203. Applications sent via postal mail must be received (not postmarked) by March 31.
   
   Download our application form (PDF) to complete it on your own time. 

   
   Type or print legibly and complete all required form fields. 

   You can expect a response within ten business days. If you do not hear from us by this time, please call us at (800) 253-4332 Option 1 or email [email protected].
    
    

3. Call Us  

   Call (800) 253-4332 Option 1 to complete your application over the phone with our advisement team.