Should I claim certification costs, including training classes or seminars, that relate directly to my career? Where do I claim them?

[darth---b-c45]

These costs were paid by me in 2019.

[ColeenD3]

If you are an employee, employee business expenses are no longer deductible as of 1/1/2019 due to TCJA.

If you are self-employed, yes, as long as they do not qualify you for a new career.

You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as business expenses. This is education that meets at least one of the following two tests.

- The education is required by your employer or the law to keep your present salary, status, or job. The required education must serve a bona-fide business purpose of your employer. (No longer applicable)
- The education maintains or improves skills needed in your present work.

However, even if the education meets one or both of the above tests, it is not qualifying work-related education if it:

- Is needed to meet the minimum educational requirements of your present trade or business, or
- Is part of a program of study that will qualify you for a new trade or business.

[sdelker1010]

I have the cost of classes and hotel for the required class from my employer. can I claim that and if so where do i enter the info?

[GeorgeM777]

No.  The cost of the classes and your hotel charges appear to be an unreimbursed employee expense and as such they would not be deductible.  Prior to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, unreimbursed employee expenses were deductible, but such expenses were subject to various conditions and limitations.  Now, such expenses are no longer deductible.

@sdelker1010