After many years of lobbying, the Professional Certification Coalition (PCC) landed a significant win with the June approval of the "Budget Reconciliation Act" that included language from the "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act," designed by the PCC — an organization I.C.E. is part of through its Steering Committee.

This language allows funds in 529 college savings plans to cover costs associated with certification (including application fees, testing fees, prep courses and renewal fees) as well as certificate training programs.

I would like to thank the PCC Steering Committee members who worked so hard on this initiative: Craig Saperstein, Julia Judish and Jerry Jacobs of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, and Kyle Hayes and Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, of ASAE.

A bonus of this win is that programs accredited by NCCA or ICE1100 Standards are now automatically approved for funding. The criteria for credentials to be automatically designated as "recognized postsecondary credentials," and as 529 plan-qualified expenses, include:

• Certifications issued by programs that are accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, the National Commission on Certifying Agencies or the American National Standards Institute.
• Employment credentials that are included in the Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) directories maintained by the Department of Defense or by any branch of the Armed Forces.
• Any occupational or professional license that is issued or recognized by a state or the federal government.
• Any certification that is required for an occupational or professional license.
• Certificates of completion of apprenticeships that are registered and certified under the National Apprenticeship Act.

The PCC is additionally developing guidance for the IRS that will provide adequate criteria for approving programs without accreditation.

I.C.E. has created a resource page for members to learn more about this topic — visit it at 529 savings plans. Additionally, I.C.E. held a free webinar for members on Oct. 28 — watch the recording on our webinar page. To help us expand these resources, we are encouraging members to share additional details or case studies on how 529 expansion is impacting their programs through a webinar (email our team with your idea) or article.

The 529 expansion language in the Budget Reconciliation Act is a significant opportunity for the credentialing community to expand and grow its eligible candidate pool, but there is still work to be done. The PCC is providing language to the IRS as guidance on the implementation of the language. Plus, the PCC continues to monitor state and federal legislation that impacts the credentialing community. Joining the PCC is a great way to make an impact, and I encourage you to consider membership. The monthly meeting provides great information about what's happening at the state and federal level. To find out more, visit the PCC website.

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