PA UC training benefits for PMP certification? Anyone get approved?

Yes! What you're looking for is the Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA) program or possibly the PA CareerLink training options. I got approved for IT certification training back in 2025 through the PA CareerLink office. You need to set up an appointment with them ASAP - don't just rely on the regular UC agents for this info. The process is actually separate from your regular unemployment claim. You'll need to complete an assessment and show that the training will lead to employment in a high-demand field. Project Management definitely qualifies in most areas of PA. Just make sure you don't start any training program before getting approval or they might deny coverage.

my cousin tried to get somthing like this last year but got denied dont get ur hopes up the PA system is garbage they just want u to take any job even if its way less pay than before

PA does have training programs through PA CareerLink's WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding. The important thing to understand is that this is separate from regular UC benefits. Here's what you need to do: 1. Visit your local PA CareerLink office in person (make appointment first) 2. Ask specifically about WIOA training funds or TAA if your job was outsourced 3. Be prepared to demonstrate why PMP certification would improve your employability 4. Have documentation about the PMP program you want to attend along with costs 5. Get everything approved BEFORE starting any training As for the "able and available" requirements - if your training is approved through the proper channels, you can maintain eligibility for benefits while in training. But you MUST get this approved formally through CareerLink, not just your regular UC claim.

I got approved for a commercial driver training program back in February but it was a huge headache. They made me jump through so many hoops and fill out tons of paperwork. Is the PMP certification something you could just pay for yourself? Might be easier than dealing with PA bureaucracy lol

I've been trying to reach PA CareerLink about a similar program for weeks but can't get through to anyone. Every time I call it's just voicemail or I get disconnected. I finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an actual person at UC who connected me with the right CareerLink office. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 After that, I got the ball rolling on my training application. For what it's worth, they told me PMP certification would definitely qualify under their high-priority occupation list as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements. Good luck!

wait im confused does this effect your weekly claims or not?? do u still need to do work search if ur in training????

I hate to be negative but BE CAREFUL with these training programs!! My brother got approved for welding certification last year and halfway through the program PA UC suddenly decided it wasn't "approved" anymore and demanded he pay back 4 WEEKS of benefits!!! He's still fighting it. These people have no idea what they're doing and the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!

Just to follow up on this thread - the program most likely to help you is called "Training Benefits" (sometimes called "Section 30") through PA CareerLink. PMP certification typically takes 3-6 months which fits within their guidelines. The approval process usually takes 2-3 weeks if you have all your documentation ready. You'll need: - Details about the PMP training provider - Cost breakdown - Length of training - Your recent work history showing relevance to the training - Evidence that PMP certification will improve your job prospects If approved, you won't have to do the weekly work search activities, but you'll still need to file your weekly certification claims. Also important - while in approved training, you can sometimes get an extension beyond your regular benefit year if needed to complete the program.

That's awesome news @Jade Lopez! Really glad you got connected with the right people. Keep us posted on how your appointment goes - I'm sure others here would benefit from hearing about the actual application process. One tip from my experience with PA CareerLink: bring multiple copies of everything they ask for. They have a habit of "losing" paperwork and it's way easier to just hand over another copy than to reschedule and start over. Also, if they give you any pushback about PMP certification being "too expensive" or not directly related to your previous job, emphasize how project management skills are transferable across industries - especially since you were already doing project coordination work. Good luck with the process! Fingers crossed you get approved quickly.