Employee License and Certification Reimbursement Policy

Responsible Unit: Human Resources | Executive Lead: CHRO 
Created: 2008 | Reviewed/Revised: 08/20/2019, 1/25/2023 | Effective: 1/25/2023 
Compliance: COCA 2.3, COCA 7.1, COCA 7.3, COCA 7.4, COCA 7.5, NWCCU 2.F.2
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Institution-wide 

Policy:  
Licenses, license renewals, certifications, re-certifications, and registrations (e.g. drug enforcement administration), and associated examination fees are expenses covered by University license and certification funds if such documentation is necessary for the employee’s position for those employed at 0.5 FTE or above at a prorated amount based on FTE. For professional practice licensure, one license is covered per employee per this policy.   

See the Professional Development Policy for costs associated with courses or training required for license, license renewal, certification, re-certification, or registration. 

If a passing score is required for the license, license renewal, certification, re-certification, or registration and the employee does not achieve that passing score, PNWU will not cover costs associated with retesting/reexamination. 

Definitions:  
A license or certification is documentation from a recognized entity that authorizes specialized activity/action.  

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) is the unit of measure given to an employee to calculate workload. FTE is based on a 40-hour workweek. Thus 1.0 FTE = 40 hours per week, 0.8 FTE = 32 hours per week, 0.5 FTE = 20 hours per week, etc.  

Procedure:  
Preapproval and Reimbursement for PD, Required/Necessary Activities, and Licensure/Certification  

Related Documents: 
Professional Development Policy 
Expenditure and Disbursement Policy 

Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu