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The right certification can open doors to better jobs and fatter paychecks but the costs can feel like another mountain to climb. Test fees, study materials, and prep courses add up fast.
What if you could get those credentials for less? Good news, you can.
With a little creativity and research you can dodge unnecessary expenses and get certified without breaking the bank.
Here are some practical ways to save money on the certifications that matter for your career.
Tap Into Free Money and Discounts First
Why pay full price if you don’t have to? There is a lot of help out there if you know where to look.
- Employer Reimbursement Programs: Many companies want their employees to stay sharp and up to date. Ask HR if your workplace offers tuition assistance or reimbursement for passing certifications. Some places pay half, some pay in full, so it is always worth checking. If your boss is not familiar, show them how your new skills will benefit the team.
- Scholarships and Grants: Lots of industry groups and community foundations offer scholarships for professional exams. These can cover anything from the exam itself to the books you need. You’ll have to fill out an application but it is usually pretty simple and quick.
- Tax Credits and Deductions: The IRS sometimes lets you write off costs related to job training and certification tests. Save all your receipts and talk to a tax advisor when you file. Even a small tax break can make a difference.
Get Creative with Materials and Learning
Smart learners know that everything doesn’t have to come brand new in shrink wrap.
Use Study Groups, Used Resources, and Libraries
When you connect with others your savings start to stack up.
- Study Groups and Peer Networks: Join online or local study groups for your exam. Members swap tips, share notes, and sometimes pool resources to buy group access to pricey materials.
- Buy Used Study Materials: Look for books, old practice tests, and even access codes from recent test takers. Check online marketplaces, social media forums, and local college boards. Just make sure your material matches the current exam version.
- Library Access: Many public and college libraries offer free or discounted access to prep books and even online courses. If you are enrolled in any kind of program, ask what digital materials you can grab for free.
Grab Deals and Flexible Options
If you time it right or know where to look, you can snatch up discounts on big brand courses and exams.
Leverage Verified Discounts and Promotions
Take advantage of trustworthy pages that collect up-to-date deals.
- Verified Discounts and Promo Pages: Instead of searching endlessly for discounts, try trusted resources like Becker CPA Review. The Becker deals page features current promotional codes on courses for CPA, CMA, and other certifications.
- Seasonal Promotions and Bundles: Many large prep providers slash prices at certain times of year. Black Friday, back to school, and graduation season usually mean big savings on bundles and course packages. Watch their social feeds for surprise codes.
- Payment Plans: If a test or course is way outside your current budget, see if you can pay monthly instead of all at once. Zero-interest payment plans keep you from taking on credit card debt. You get the prep you need and pay over time.
Strategize Your Exam Plan for Fewer Fees
Some of the best savings come not from discounts but from smart planning.
Schedule, Bundle, and Master the First Time
The more efficient your plan, the less retakes and late fees you pay.
- Schedule Smart: Plan to take your exam when you know you will have time to study. Last minute rescheduling or retakes get expensive fast, especially for tough certifications.
- Bundle Exams: Some certifying bodies let you bundle multiple subject exams in one package for less than buying them individually. This can also cut down on separate scheduling or travel costs.
- Study Hard the First Time: Give yourself enough time to really learn the material. Rushed test takers often end up paying for another shot. Timeboxing your study schedule, say two hours every weeknight, can help ensure you are well prepared without burning out.
Case Examples: Where This Pays Off
Let’s bring it down to earth. Every career stage can benefit.
The Young Pro Getting Their First Cert
Jordan, a recent IT grad, gets their employer to reimburse the CompTIA Security+ exam. By joining a coworker study group and buying a used prep book, Jordan books the test during a slow work period and pays less than fifty dollars out of pocket after reimbursement.
The Parent Returning to Work
Rosa, returning to accounting, finds a grant for QuickBooks training through a women’s business group. She practices with library exams and checks the Becker deals page for tuition discounts. Rosa gets certified affordably and puts the savings toward her daycare bill.
The Climber Aiming for Promotion
Nina pursues a management promotion with her nonprofit offering to split the PMP exam fee. She forms a study group, uses reimbursement, and schedules an off-peak exam, avoiding extra costs while boosting her resume for the next career step.
Invest Wisely, Succeed Boldly
By using employer support, grants, strategic study planning, and checking resources like Becker for deals on CPA exams, you can keep certification costs low. Take advantage of every resource and plan ahead. Smart saving puts your career goals within reach without draining your wallet.
