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ECPI Certification Voucher Policy

Certifications

At ECPI University, all students are strongly encouraged to pursue industry-recognized certifications to strengthen employment opportunities and career advancement. To support this effort, eligible students and alumni are provided with low-cost vouchers to offset certification exam costs, making it possible to earn valuable credentials at a fraction of the retail price. If a certification is required as part of a course, the cost is covered as part of the student’s tuition.

To provide structured access and ongoing support, ECPI University offers the Certification Hub within the Student Portal. Within this hub, students and alumni can view ECPI-approved certifications for their program and follow the steps required to pursue them. They can also access the ECPI Certification Voucher Program, which provides the opportunity to attempt multiple certifications at minimal cost.

Some courses are designed to provide knowledge and skills that support preparation for specific certification exams; however, successful completion of a course does not guarantee certification.

ECPI Certification Voucher Program

Eligibility

  • All active students and alumni are eligible to receive vouchers for certifications approved for their current or completed program(s). Alumni 18 months post graduation are eligible for vouchers if University Discount applies. (See Student and Alumni Voucher Costs below)
  • Faculty and staff may request certification vouchers for role-related certification exams with prior approval.

How It Works

  • Students and alumni start the process to obtain a certification in the Certification Hub of the Student Portal by clicking Begin on the certification card.
  • Vouchers become available to purchase once the student has met the readiness requirements outlined. 
  • Students and alumni receive credit for three vouchers. Note that CompTIA Security+, or other certifications that are required by the program are already covered in tuition and do not count toward the voucher limit.
  • Each exam requires one voucher and only one voucher may be used at any given time. 
  • Exam results must be uploaded to the Certification Hub in the Student Portal before another voucher is issued.
  • Each time a student or alumni passes a certification exam, a voucher credit is automatically replenished after results are uploaded and verified, with no cap on how many approved certifications they can earn.
  • Voucher credits are not replenished after an unsuccessful exam attempt. Students will exhaust their voucher limit after three attempt failures.

Attempts and Retakes

  • Retakes: If students or alumni do not pass, the voucher is redeemed, but remaining credits may be used for retakes or other certifications if the exam results are uploaded in the Certification Hub of the Student Portal.
  • Attempts: Active students and alumni up to 6 months after graduation have a maximum of three attempts, and alumni within 6-18 months of graduation will be limited to two attempts; after that, their vouchers will be exhausted, regardless of which certification they use them for. 

Student and Alumni Voucher Costs

  • Technology, Business & Criminal Justice Certifications:
    • Active students: $20 per certification voucher
    • Alumni (within 6 months of graduation): $20 per certification voucher
    • Alumni (6–18 months):
      • Over $200 exam cost → alumni receive $100 subsidy
      • $100–$200 exam cost → alumni pay $100 flat
      • Under $100 exam cost → alumni pay University cost
    • Alumni (18+ months): pay University Cost
      • Some certification exams do not offer a University discount. When the University and retail prices are the same, students may register and pay for the exam directly rather than using a voucher.
  • Nursing, Health Science & Culinary Certifications:
    • Active students & Alumni: pay 25% of certification voucher cost

Where to Test (But Not Limited To)

  • Pearson Testing Centers
  • Pearson OnVUE (online)
  • ECPI Campus Testing Centers (where available)

Special Notes

  • Only one voucher may be active at a time; exam results must be submitted before the next voucher is issued.
  • Additional voucher credits may be awarded at the University's discretion.
  • As long as students keep passing, they'll never run out of opportunities. Fail three times on a certification, and voucher eligibility ends.
  • If you graduated before January 2026, please reach out to: 

University Resources

Academic Program Directors and Career Services can provide guidance and resources to help students:

  • Identify recommended certifications
  • Navigate the certification voucher process
  • Investigate state licensure requirements

The ECPI approved certification list is published on the ECPI Library website.

Career Advancement Bookstore Award

ECPI University has designated select certifications and licenses as eligible for the Career Advancement Bookstore Award. Award information can be found in the ECPI Scholarships section of the catalog. Students should consult with their campus Financial Aid office for more information.