Balancing work and education can be difficult, especially with time and financial constraints. For over two decades, the NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training has been a trusted partner in supporting thousands of CSEA-represented NYS employees toward advancing their careers.

Our tuition benefits program helps reduce college tuition and exam costs, making it easier to gain essential skills, certifications, or a degree to reach your career goals. 

Discover your benefits: 

• Standard Tuition Benefits
  • Tuition Vouchers - Choose from over 140 educational providers that accept tuition vouchers to pay for your course(s) upfront. 
  • Tuition Reimbursements - You can get reimbursed for eligible exams and course tuition from approved providers.
• Statewide Targeted Tuition Benefits - If you qualify for one of our statewide targeted tuition programs, you can save even more on tuition while training for a high-demand career field in NYS service.
• Adult Education Basics and Skills Support - We provide financial support to improve your basic knowledge, whether you want to improve your English skills, get your high school diploma, or prepare for other courses.
• Certification and Licensure Exam Fee Reimbursements - We understand the importance of keeping up with certifications and licenses in today's job market. That's why our program covers eligible exam fees, ensuring you have the necessary credentials to succeed in your field.
• Credit-by-Exam Fee Reimbursements - You can earn college credits by passing exams. We’ll reimburse you for all eligible exams, so you can start college with more credits.
   

Take advantage of this opportunity - your success starts with you!

Eligibility 

Eligible bargaining units are the:

• Administrative Services Unit (ASU/02), 
• Operational Services Unit (OSU/03),
• Institutional Services Unit (ISU/04), or 
• the Division of Military Naval Affairs (DMNA/47).

If you are a CSEA-represented NYS employee in one of the above eligible bargaining units, here are the criteria to qualify for tuition benefits:

• You must be receiving a NYS paycheck when you apply. Your application must be received after your first paycheck and before your last paycheck. 
• If you were laid off in the past year and are on a Civil Service Preferred List, you are eligible.
• If you are on approved non-disciplinary leave without pay or workers' compensation leave, you may still qualify with proper documentation. The documentation must specify the type of leave and the start date, and it must be signed by a human resources officer and attached to your tuition benefits application.
  
   

Important Dates and Deadlines 

Eligible employees may apply for tuition benefits each program year from April 1 to March 31. To ensure that you don't miss out, please keep the following dates in mind:

• The current program year is from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Courses and exams must be in session or taken sometime during this timeframe to be eligible for tuition benefits. 
• You must apply for your tuition benefits by March 31, 2026. Please note that you do not have to complete your course/exam before applying. However, you will not receive reimbursement until after completing your course/exam. Please note that applications sent via postal mail must be received (not postmarked) by March 31, 2026.
• After you apply, you must submit all necessary follow-up documentation for reimbursement by June 30, 2026. Please contact us at (800) 253-4332 Option 2 or [email protected] if you cannot provide the appropriate documentation by the deadline. 

If you miss these deadlines, you will not be eligible to receive your tuition benefits. Tuition benefits cannot be carried over from one program year to the next or transferred to another individual.

 

Tax Implications 

In general, job-related educational assistance benefits are not taxable, with the following clarifications:

• Currently, no tax withholding is required on educational assistance benefits provided to employees up to a $5,250 limit during the calendar year, except for Certification and Licensing Exam reimbursements, which are always taxable.
• Educational assistance benefits that exceed $5,250 may be taxable unless they can be excluded as a “working condition fringe benefit."

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. These exemptions, however, can change from one tax year to another. 
 

We encourage you to contact your accountant or tax advisor for guidance.

STEP 1

Review this webpage, watch the "Using the Tuition Benefits Program" webinar recording, and connect with our advisors to ensure you get the most out of your tuition benefits.

STEP 2

Find a course or exam you want to take during our application period. Many providers have specific requirements you must meet before you can register. To that end, we suggest you contact the provider directly for information before you apply for your tuition benefits. 

Search our Provider Directory

STEP 3

Apply for and receive your tuition benefits. 

STEP 4

Register for your course or exam with the provider.

STEP 5

Manage your benefits.

• If you receive a tuition voucher, give it to the provider so they can bill the Partnership directly for your course tuition.
• If you are approved for tuition or exam reimbursement, pay for the course/exam, complete it, and follow the directions on the approval form to submit the required reimbursement documentation to us by the deadline.

Standard Tuition Benefits

You have the flexibility to choose between using tuition vouchers at a participating provider or opting for tuition reimbursements. You can also choose one of each! A single tuition benefit (voucher or reimbursement) can cover ONE of the following: 
 

• Tuition Vouchers - Apply for a voucher if the education institution you want to attend is one of our participating providers. A voucher is a piece of paper that acts as payment for tuition at participating providers. Over 140 providers accept vouchers, covering the cost of your course directly. This is an ideal solution for avoiding out-of-pocket expenses at participating institutions. The pro­vider will bill us directly for the cost of your course tuition.
   
• Tuition Reimbursements - Apply for reimbursement if any of the following are true: 
  • The provider you want to use is not a participating provider. 
  • A participating provider does not offer a convenient location or the type of course you are interested in taking. 
  • You have already paid for the course and prefer to be reimbursed directly.
     

Tuition Coverage Limits 

You may request up to $5,000 per program year. If applying for a voucher or reimbursement, you must submit one application per school/educational provider. If you have a remaining balance after your benefit is issued, you may submit a new application for the same school or different educational provider until your $5,000 is depleted.

If you are in one of our Statewide Targeted Tuition programs for high-demand careers in NYS, you may be eligible to receive an additional $2,500 towards your tuition, per program year. 

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.
 

Ineligible Courses 

Certain types of non-credit courses are NOT eligible for tuition benefits.

Examples include:

• Bartending
• Gaming (for example, billiards and poker)
• Modeling and appearance enhancement
• Physical education (for example, kickboxing, karate, martial arts, dance, and Pilates)
• Life coach, Reiki, yoga, meditation, and hypnosis
• Starting your own business
• One-on-one courses or tutoring
• Non-instructor-led courses

Eligible Courses 

Our tuition benefits program offers a wide range of courses, programs, and providers to choose from, including undergraduate credit courses, non-credit courses, and graduate courses. These courses must take place within the current program year and can be unrelated to your current role. Please note that while most courses can be considered job or career-related, it is always best to verify with a Partnership advisor to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Credit Courses (Undergraduate and Graduate) 

Undergraduate credit courses are usually available at colleges and universities. Upon completion of the course, college credit is awarded. These courses are mainly taken by students who have a high school diploma or equivalent and working towards an associate or bachelor's degree.

It's important to note that most educational institutions do not allow you to register for graduate courses unless you already have a bachelor's degree. 

Non-Credit Courses 

Non-credit courses are typically offered at BOCES or college continuing education departments. These courses do not award college credits but may award continuing education units (CEUs). Courses must meet the following criteria:

• Relate to vocational, trade, technical, or business-related skills.
• Be taught by an instructor.
• Be relevant to an occupation or workforce need in NYS.

Adult Education Basic Skills Courses

We also cover the cost of basic skills courses such as English, reading, writing, math, adult basic education, high school equivalency, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). While most of these courses are available for free in your community, we will cover the cost of such courses in accordance with our guidelines. Learn more about our Adult Education Basics program. 

Statewide Targeted Tuition Benefits

Now is the perfect time to start training for a promising career in NYS. There is a high demand for skilled professionals in four career fields: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Nursing; and Welding. Additionally, there are other agency-sponsored programs you may be able to explore. 

With enrollment in one of these eligible, high demand training programs, you may be able to receive up to an additional $2,500 in targeted tuition benefits. This is in addition to your standard tuition benefits, for a total of up to $7,500 per program year. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and expertise while saving money.  
 

A member of our advisement team will need to verify your eligibility before authorizing your additional benefits. Please call (800) 253-4332 Option 1 or email us at [email protected].  

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 and license renewals, not the license itself.
  
   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.
  
  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

You can also apply for reimbursement of relevant certification and licensure exam fees. Rest assured, you will be reimbursed, whether or not you pass the exam, after submitting the required documentation. There is no limit on the number of certification and licensure exam benefits you receive each program year. 

Learn about our new CDL/LPN License Renewal Benefit
 

Find out more on how our Statewide Targeted Tuition Benefits for High Demand Careers in New York State could be right fit for you.

Statewide Target Tuition Benefits

In addition to your other tuition benefits, you can 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. 

Credit-by-Exam Fee Reimbursement 

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. 
   

Certification and Licensure Exam Fee Reimbursement 

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 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.

For your convenience, you can apply for tuition benefits via our application form, by phone, or by using the Tuition Portal. If you need assistance with your application, call a Partnership Advisor. Please have your course information ready, and note that we may need additional verification including a billing statement or transcript to process benefits.

You do not have to complete your course/exam before you apply. However, if you are seeking reimbursement, you will not receive it until after you complete your course/exam. Exceptions may apply if courses are more than one year long. 

Ways to Apply

To make the application process as seamless as possible, you may apply using the best method for you. 

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 our Tuition Portal 

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

Manage Your Benefits 

Get Vouchers 

If you receive a voucher for a participating provider, you must:

• Follow the provider's registration instructions and schedule. If you do not register with the provider, you may not be allowed to attend the course.
• Submit the voucher to the provider when you register or pay for your course. By doing so, you permit the school to bill the Partnership. If you do not submit the voucher to the school, you may be billed by the school. 

Get Reimbursed 

If you receive reimbursement approval, you must follow the instructions on the front of the approval form. These instructions include the following steps:

• After completing and paying for the course, upload the completed approval form and required documents to our Tuition Portal or email them to [email protected] Be sure to include a copy of the following materials: 
  • Your account statement from the school detailing tuition charges (separate from fees).
  • Proof of tuition payment.
  • Sources of payments.
  • Your transcript or grade report indicating course completion.
• Once we receive all required supporting documents, we will mail your tuition or exam reimbursement to you within 60 days.

 You must complete your course or exam to receive reimbursements.

It is possible to change your tuition benefits after you apply based on your situation. Please contact an advisor by phone at 1-800-253-4332, option 1 or via email at [email protected]

Changing/Canceling Provider, Benefit Type, or Courses

We can only approve changes/cancellations if no charges were incurred against the original benefit, voucher, or reimbursement approval. To change/cancel a voucher or reimbursement, contact a Partnership advisor at (800) 253-4332 Option 1 or email: [email protected].

• Changing/Canceling a Voucher
  If you want to change your tuition benefit or you were unable to use it during the eligible time frame and want to cancel it, you must contact our advisors for a Change of Benefit Form. You must submit the Change of Benefit Form to the contact at the school listed on your voucher. You and the educational provider/school must sign the form indicating that no charges were incurred towards the benefit(s). Once this form is returned, and signed by both you and the educational provider, we can then process the request.

   

• Changing/Canceling a Reimbursement
  To change or cancel a reimbursement approval, please contact our advisors for more information.

Changing Courses 

We do not need to approve course changes if the new course(s) meet our course criteria.

Dropping Courses

If you drop your course outside the school’s 100% refund period, the Partnership will pay the school as required, and the pay­ment amount will be deducted from your annual tuition benefit balance. Please contact the provider directly to learn about their drop procedures and refund policy.

Canceling Benefits

Cancellations can be approved only if no charges were incurred against the original benefit, voucher, or reimbursement approval.

If you are unable to use your tuition benefit during the eligible time frame and want to cancel it, you must:

• Vouchers
  • To cancel a voucher approval, please contact an advisor at 1-800-253-4332, option 1.
• Reimbursements
  • To cancel a reimbursement approval, please contact an advisor at 1-800-253-4332, option 1. 

Tuition benefits cannot be transferred to another individual or carried over to the next program year.

We encourage you to explore other external financial resources, including state and federal programs and scholarships, for more ways to save on your education costs.