Certification Exam Policy

CIAT offers 24 industry certifications across ten technical Certificate, Associate's, and Bachelor's Degree programs with a new certification opportunity approximately every 5–10 weeks. Certificate programs include 2–5 certifications, depending on length. Our AAS in Computer Information Systems includes 10, and the Applied Bachelor's includes up to 19, depending on your concentration. Some students combine multiple programs to maximize their training and credentials.

CIAT supports certifications from CompTIA, Amazon AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, Google, ISC2, EC-Council, PMI, and AAPC. See the full policy table above for the complete list. Contact us to discuss which certifications are right for you.

For active CIAT students, nothing. Exam costs are covered by your program. On average, each industry certification costs $100–$300 per attempt when taken independently. Factoring in multiple attempts and DIY study materials, the typical Bachelor's Degree-seeking student saves $5,000–$8,000 by taking the CIAT certification-based degree path.

Transfer credits and challenge exams do not qualify for certification exam vouchers. However, if you are readmitted to complete a certificate program, your voucher benefits and test prep support are reactivated to support your certification goals.

Once you receive your certification exam voucher, you have 15 business days to schedule and take the associated exam. This window is intentional; it keeps the material fresh and maximizes your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Students have the opportunity to take a new certification exam every 5–10 weeks, depending on course length. Certification prep is embedded directly into CIAT's curriculum, but our most successful first-time passers also dedicate at least 2–4 extra hours per week to practice exams and study materials on top of coursework.

Certification exam preparation is built directly into CIAT's curriculum, so you're never starting from scratch. That said, the students who pass on their first try are the ones putting in 2–4 extra hours per week with our test prep software and study materials. If you're serious about building your career quickly and making the most of your investment, that extra time makes a real difference.

For students with no prior IT experience, the journey starts with CompTIA ITF+. It builds your exam habits, introduces you to the certification testing process, and gives you a solid foundation to grow from. Many entry-level IT positions look for a minimum of ITF+ and CompTIA A+. If you already have IT work experience, our expert staff will help map out the best path to accelerate your career.

Certifications are a critical piece of landing your first IT job; most employers require them before they'll even review a resume. But they're one part of the picture. Employers will also look at your confidence, communication skills, resume, and background. Once you've earned your certs, our Career Services team will support you at every step of the job search. Schedule a one-on-one with Career Services to maximize your job search success.

Vouchers expire 90 days after graduation from your selected program. Don't wait until the end to take your exams. Sitting for them while the material is fresh gives you the best shot at passing and avoids having to re-learn content later.

To receive a pre-paid certification voucher, you must have successfully passed the designated course or be on track for successful completion near finals week. Students who have failed a course or are flagged as at risk are not eligible for the prepaid voucher. If you're struggling, reach out to your instructor. We offer tutoring, extensions, and additional support to help you get back on track.

Yes, the costs of certification exam vouchers are covered by CIAT, as long as you are financially cleared and have an approved tuition funding plan in place. Students can use FAFSA grants and loans, military benefits, private loans, scholarships, and personal payment plans to cover tuition and fees.