Can I deduct expenses to maintain a professional certification (continuing education courses, re-certification fees) if I am not currently working in that profession?

[kristendandar]

I hold a personal training certification that requires continuing education credits and CPR certification every two years, as well as paying a fee in order to maintain the certification. I would like to maintain the certification to use in the future but currently  am not working to stay home with my children. Are these expenses tax deductible?

[Marketstar]

No, to be deductible, your expenses must be for education that either maintains or improves your job skills, or is required by your employer or by law to keep your salary, status or job.

To claim an educational expenses, you must be employed at the time of payment