Certifications are they tax deductible?

[spjoe8604]

If I'm trying for a certification, so for me I'm attempting to get my certification to be a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional... this is not required for hire but is a benefit and furthers education for my current job.

Is the application and exam fees tax deductible?

[GeorgeM777]

Maybe.  If you are self-employed, and certifications or other licenses are required for the job or reasonably enhance your qualifications, then such expenses are likely deductible.  However, in your case, you mentioned the certification is not required, but more importantly, it appears you may be an employee, or seeking to be an employee, of a company or a state/government agency.  If that is the case, unreimbursed employee expenses are not tax deductible.  At one time such expenses were deductible, but they were a miscellaneous itemized deduction.  There are some categories of employees that may still deduct certain unreimbursed expenses and that is explained in the following IRS link.

Here's Who Qualifies for the Employee Expense Deduction

@spjoe8604