529 Plans with BICSI

How 529 Plans May Help Fund ICT Workforce Education

See how 529 plans may support workforce-focused information and communications technology (ICT) education and training.

529 rules and qualified expenses vary by state and by plan. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice.

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What Changed With 529 Plans

529 plans, also called Qualified Tuition Programs (QTPs), are education savings plans operated by a state or eligible educational institution offering tax advantages when used for qualified education expenses.

They are authorized under federal tax law, and while they are often associated with college savings, recent changes to policies surrounding 529 plans have expanded what counts as qualified, including some workforce-focused education and training costs outside of four-year degree programs that may support growing skills-based fields, such as ICT. 

  • What to Keep in Mind

    • Not all plans treat the same expense category the same way.
    • State rules and state tax treatment may differ even when a category is allowed at the federal level.
    • When in doubt, confirm details with your plan administrator before you pay, enroll, or request reimbursement.

  • Eligible Expense Categories

    Eligibility depends on the plan and the state. At a high level, qualified expense categories may include: 

    • Tuition and required fees at eligible educational institutions
    • Required books, supplies, and equipment
    • Room and board for eligible postsecondary students enrolled at least half-time
    • Fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for participation in a registered apprenticeship program
    • Certain qualified postsecondary credentialing expenses (this may be where BICSI fits!)
    • K-12 tuition (subject to annual limits)
    • Student loan repayment (subject to lifetime limits)
    • Computer equipment, software, internet access, and related services

     

    This list is not exhaustive. Your plan administrator is the best source for what qualifies under your specific plan. 

Check your plan’s definition of qualified expenses, any state-specific requirements, and what documentation is needed for reimbursement.

How ICT Aligns With Workforce Demand

Every year, more companies transition to a digital-first approach to business, and as they adopt, upgrade, and integrate their technology, the demand for skilled ICT professionals rises. ICT professionals design, build, and manage the networks and systems that organizations rely on every day to keep their digital eyes and ears connected, responsive, and reliable.

Openings continue to rise across communications infrastructure roles within ICT, including roles like these:

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Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Median pay (May 2024): $70,500
Openings per year: 8,900

Learn more
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Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Median pay (May 2024): $130,390
Openings per year: 11,200

Learn more
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Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

Median pay (May 2024): $62,630
Openings per year: 13,200

Learn more

Many of these roles are skills-based and evolve as technology changes, which is why workforce-focused training and ongoing learning (like the kind BICSI provides and that can be funded with a 529 plan) are common across ICT career pathways.

 

Communications Infrastructure Roles Are Expanding!

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in telecommunications careers from 2024 to 2034, including 8.6% growth in wireless infrastructure roles and 12% growth in network architecture, with median annual wages ranging from about $80,000 to over $130,000.

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How BICSI Supports Career Pathways

BICSI® supports ICT workforce education with learning pathways that support job-ready skills. BICSI’s program model, known as the program triangle, connects three components that work together to support workforce readiness with standards as the foundation for it all: publications, education & training, and certification.

Publications:

Provide the technical foundation and best practices used to design, install, and manage ICT systems.

Education & Training:

Helps learners apply knowledge through workforce-focused instruction aligned to real project needs.

Certifications:

Validate competency through an exam-based process, supporting professional credibility and continued development. Exam content is based on a Job Task Analysis (JTA) and exams are maintained through ongoing review processes, supported by subject matter experts.

Standards * (Publications + Education & Training + Certification) = validated skills that can be used on the job.

 

Explore a 529 Plan Toolkit Just for You

 

For Students and Early Career Explorers

EXPLORE STUDENT TOOLKIT

 

For 529 Plan Administrator

EXPLORE ADMINISTRATOR TOOLKIT

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 529 rules the same in every state?

No. Many rules vary by plan and state, including documentation requirements and state tax treatment.

Does this mean a 529 plan can pay for any training or certification?

Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on how an expense is defined by your plan and state, and whether the education or training meets applicable requirements.

Where should I confirm whether something qualifies?

Start with your 529 plan administrator. You can also reference IRS guidance for general definitions, then confirm your plan’s specific rules.

Is this page financial advice?

No. This page provides general educational information only. Visit irs.gov for a full FAQ list.

 

 

529 plan rules and qualified expense categories can vary by state and by individual plan. This webpage provides general educational information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. For guidance on your situation, consult your plan administrator and, if needed, a qualified professional.  

 

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Take the Next Step in Exploring ICT

Understanding how 529 plans may support ICT training is a helpful step in exploring education and career options in a growing, skills-based field. Use the resources below to continue learning and plan your next move.

RETURN TO WHAT IS ICT?

EXPLORE ICT CAREERS