Looking for ways to advance your career in state service? 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 four career fields below. Additionally, there are other agency-sponsored programs you may be able to explore. 

Enroll in one of these eligible, high-demand training programs, and you may receive up to $2,500 in additional tuition benefits - on top of your standard benefits - for a total of up to $7,500 per program year. This is a great opportunity to enhance your skills while saving money. Don’t miss out—contact us today to check your eligibility!

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 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 and license renewals, not the license itself. Learn about our new CDL/LPN License Renewal Benefit.

   CDL Provider Directory 
   
   

• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) – You may be eligible for targeted tuition ben­efits if you 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. 
  • An approved HVAC certificate program from BOCES or an accredited technical/ vocational training school or technology college. *
    * Certification program must be accred­ited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology or recognized by the NYSED Bureau of Proprietary Schools.

  HVAC Provider Directory
   
   

• 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 targeted 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 and other nursing exams. Learn about our new CDL/LPN License Renewal Benefit.

  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 at one of our participating schools only.
 

Reimbursements 

Choose reimbursements to reclaim pre-paid tuition at an approved school, upon course completion.
 

Remaining balances will not carry over to the next program year. Any tuition costs above the maximum provided will be your responsibility. All other expenses are also your responsibility, such as fees, books, and materials. 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. 
 

You may combine your standard benefits ($5,000) and targeted benefits ($2,500) up to a maximum of $7,500. 

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 employer-sponsored benefits from the Partnership alone, or in combination with educational/tuition assistance from other NYS employer-sponsored benefits add up to more than $5,250, you will have taxes taken out of your State paycheck(s) in December. 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. 

Applications can be sent by email, fax, or standard mail. Alternatively apply by using our Tuition Portal. Contact a Partnership Advisor if you need assistance with your application - please have your course information ready. Additional verification, such as a billing statement or transcript, may be required to process benefits.

1. Use our Application Form 

   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].
     
    

2. Use the Tuition Portal 

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