We have some seriously exciting news to share with our perioperative community, and we think you're going to love this one!

Remember those 529 plans that people usually use to save for college? Well, plot twist: you can now use them for your CCI certification! That's right. Your CNOR, CSSM, CNAMB, or CFPN just became a whole lot more accessible.

Wait, What's a 529 Plan Again?

Great question! Think of a 529 plan as a special savings account with some pretty sweet tax perks. You put money in (after taxes), it grows tax-free, and when you take it out for qualified expenses, you don't pay taxes on the earnings. It's like a retirement account, but for education and professional development instead of your golden years.

Historically, these plans were designed just for college expenses. But thanks to the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (signed July 4, 2025), that's all changed! Now they're career savings plans that can support your professional journey throughout your entire nursing career.

Why This Is Such a Big Deal

Let's be real: pursuing certification is an investment. Between exam fees, study materials, prep courses, and continuing education, the costs add up. We've heard from so many of you that financial concerns have held you back from getting certified or renewing your credentials. Consider that barrier officially lowered!

Here's what you can now use 529 funds for:

• Certification exam fees (yes, even retesting if needed, no judgment!)
• Renewal fees and annual maintenance
• Continuing education courses
• Study materials and prep books
• Review courses and exam prep programs
• Application fees
• Even supplies and equipment you need for certification prep

Essentially if it's related to earning or maintaining your CCI certification, it's covered!  

But I Don't Have a 529 Plan...

No problem! You can open one right now and name yourself as the beneficiary. Yep, you read that right. You can be both the account holder AND the person who benefits from it.

Here's the really cool part: Anyone can contribute to your 529 plan. So if your parents, grandparents, spouse, or even a generous friend or employer wants to support your professional development, they can chip in!

What If I Already Have a 529 Plan for My Kids?

Even better news! If your kids are done with college, have received scholarships, or you simply have leftover funds, you can change the beneficiary to yourself. That college fund can now become your certification fund. How's that for resourceful?

Why CCI Certifications Automatically Qualify

You might be wondering, "How do I know my certification is eligible?" Here's the best part: many CCI certifications automatically qualify under the new law.

Why? Many of CCI's certifications are listed on the DOD COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) website, making them automatically eligible under federal law. No additional approval needed. This includes CNOR, CNAMB, CFPN, and CSSM. No extra paperwork, no special approval needed.

The Tax-Free Advantage

Let's talk numbers for a second (we promise to keep it fun). When you use 529 funds for your certification expenses, you're not just using regular savings. You're using money that:

• Grew tax-free while it was in the account
• Won't be taxed when you withdraw it for qualified expenses
• May have given you state tax benefits when you contributed*
  
  

*Please seek guidance from a qualified tax advisor to obtain information tailored to you specifically.

Real-World Example

Let's say you've been thinking about pursuing your CNOR certification. You could:

1. Open a 529 plan today
2. Make regular monthly contributions (even $50 or $100 adds up!)
3. Let it grow tax-free
4. Use it for your exam fee, prep course, and study materials when you're ready
5. Keep using it for your renewal fees and CE courses for years to come

Or maybe you're approaching renewal, and your certification expires in a few months. You could:

1. Open a 529 plan right now
2. Contribute the amount you need for renewal and CE
3. Immediately withdraw it for your expenses
4. Still avoid paying taxes on any earnings

Even without years of growth, you're getting a tax advantage!

Getting Started Is Easy

Ready to take advantage of this awesome benefit? Here's what to do:

Step 1: Check if you already have a 529 plan (or if family members have one with you as beneficiary)

Step 2: If not, research 529 plans available in your state or look at other states' plans (you're not limited to your home state!)

Step 3: Contact the plan administrator to confirm they've implemented the credentialing expansion

Step 4: Set it up and start contributing

Step 5: When you're ready to certify or recertify, use those funds for your CCI expenses

Pro tip: Keep all your receipts! Your plan administrator may ask you to verify that withdrawals were for qualified expenses.

This Changes the Game

We've been certifying perioperative nurses since 1979, and in all that time, we've been committed to making certification as accessible as possible. This 529 expansion? It's a game-changer.

Whether you're a new grad thinking about your first certification, a seasoned nurse maintaining multiple credentials, or someone who's been on the fence about certifying, this removes one of the biggest obstacles.

Your certification journey just got a whole lot more affordable, and we couldn't be more excited about it!

Want to Learn More?

We've put together tons of resources to help you navigate this new benefit:

• Visit our 529 Plans page for detailed information
• Check out the Professional Certification Coalition for FAQs about the federal law
• Contact us at (888) 257-2667 or info@cc-institute.org with questions related to using 529 plans with CCI.
  

The Bottom Line

Your commitment to patient safety and perioperative excellence deserves support. The 529 expansion provides support by making it easier than ever to invest in your professional development.

So what are you waiting for? Your certification journey (or renewal journey) just got a major financial boost. Let's make 2025 the year you invest in yourself and your career!

Disclaimer: The Competency & Credentialing Institute provides this information for educational purposes only. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor regarding your specific situation. CCI is not affiliated with any 529 plan provider. Rules and benefits vary by state—contact your 529 plan administrator for specific guidance.

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