If you thought 529 savings plans were just for college tuition, think again. As of July 4, Americans can now tap those tax-advantaged accounts to pay for professional certifications—including the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®) globally recognized credentials like the PMP® and CAPM®.
The change marks a significant step in redefining how education is financed and valued in the U.S. And for employers desperate for job-ready talent, it could help shrink one of the biggest skill gaps in the global economy: project management.
A Talent Gap Too Big to Ignore
According to PMI’s latest Global Project Management Talent Gap Report, the world will need up to 30 million new project professionals by 2035, with 5 million of those in North America alone.
Expanding 529 plan eligibility is designed to help meet that demand by giving individuals a new way to finance their upskilling journey. For employers, it means a potentially larger pipeline of candidates with certifications that prove they can lead projects, deliver outcomes, and navigate complexity.
“This law sends a powerful message: upskilling and reskilling matter more than ever,” said Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President & CEO of PMI. “Whether you’re a student looking to stand out, or a professional seeking relevance in the AI age, the path to opportunity through project management just became broader, faster, and more inclusive.”
Why It Matters for Employers
For decades, 529 plans were associated almost exclusively with traditional higher education. The expansion—championed by the Professional Certification Coalition (PCC), of which PMI is a member—signals a growing recognition that skills-based credentials are as critical as degrees in today’s hiring landscape.
Employers increasingly favor certifications like the PMP® or CAPM® because they act as reliable hiring signals: proof that candidates can handle compliance-heavy environments, drive transformation, and adapt in industries under constant disruption.
PMI certifications already qualify for military programs like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reimbursement and Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL). Adding 529 eligibility widens access, reducing financial barriers for a broader range of professionals.
The Bigger Picture: Education Transformation
The move fits into a larger trend of education unbundling, where traditional four-year degrees are no longer seen as the sole path to career success. Instead, certifications, micro-credentials, and continuous learning programs are gaining legitimacy with both candidates and employers.
That’s especially relevant in the era of digital transformation and AI. As organizations push for greater agility, certified project professionals are increasingly vital for keeping initiatives on track and delivering measurable business results.
For individuals, it’s an opportunity to turn a family college savings account into a career accelerator. For companies, it’s a sign that the talent pipeline is about to widen—one certification at a time.
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