Ohio TechCred at Kent State
Ohio TechCred at Kent State Overview
Kent State University is a credentialed training provider of educational courses for Ohio's TechCred Program to help employers upskill current and future employees in today’s tech-infused economy. Through TechCred, businesses can identify the specific qualifications they need and employees they want to upskill for more advanced positions. In partnership with a training provider like Kent State University, the employer can apply online at .
TechCred by the Numbers
$2,000
Up to $2k / employee /credentials
$30,000
Up to $30k / employer /year
$180,000
Up to $180k / employer / year
Credentials Offered
Business Technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office 365
Construction Technology
- AC/DC Machines (online course)
- Electrical Maintenance (online program)
- Engineering Drawings Fundamentals
Healthcare Technology Programs
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Medical Billing and Coding
Information Technology
- C Certified Professional Programmer (CLP)
- C++ Certified Associate Programmer (CPA)
- C++ Certified Professional Programmer (CPP)
- Certified Data Management Professional - Associate
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)
- Computer Networking Technology (online course)
- CompTIA
- Creo Parametric Software
- ITIL Foundations
- Material Science (online course)
- Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
- Microsoft Power BI Certification
- Microsoft Power Platform
- Microsoft 365
- Oracle Certified Professional
- Oracle Database
- Python Programming
IoT and Cybersecurity
- (ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security Professional
- (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Certified
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Certified Data Management Professional
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
- Cisco Certified Design
- Cisco Certified Devnet
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Cisco Certified Network Professional
- Cisco Certified Technical
- Google Cloud Certified
- Google Certified Associate Android Developer
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) (online program)
- Microsoft Certified
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization
Manufacturing Technology
- Additive Manufacturing (online Micro-Credentials)
- Advanced Manufacturing Systems
- CAM Manufacturing Fundamentals (online course)
- Electronics
- Electronic Systems
- Fluid Power
- Industrial Controls (online course)
- Industrial Maintenance
- Manufacturing Engineering Materials
- Manufacturing Processes
- Material Handling (online course)
- Multicraft Technician (online program)
- PLC Programming (online course)
- Plastics Technology (online course)
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) & Human Machine Interface (HMI)
- Quality Fundamentals (online course)
- Solidworks (online course)
- Statics
- Tool and Die Making
Robotics/Automation
- Robotics
How to Get Started
Employer
Employers, follow the steps below to apply for Ohio TechCred funding and enroll your employees in eligible credential programs.
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Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before applying, review the TechCred eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- Employers may participate in up to six funding rounds each year.
- Businesses may apply for up to $30,000 per funding round.
- Funding is available for up to $2,000 per credential per employee.
- Businesses of all sizes and industry sectors are eligible.
- Funding must be used within 12 months of approval.
- Participating employees must be Ohio residents with a verifiable address.
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Step 2: Create Required State Accounts
Before submitting a TechCred application, your organization must create two accounts with the state of Ohio.
Account 1: Create a TechCred Account
- Visit the TechCred website and click Apply.
- Select Create a New Account.
- Follow the prompts to complete the registration process.
Tip
The person responsible for submitting applications and monitoring deadlines should create the account. This ensures the primary administrator receives approval notifications and reminders.
This role is typically handled by someone in Human Resources, Finance, or Workforce Development.
You will need your company’s tax ID number during the registration process.
Account 2: Apply for a State Supplier (Payee) ID
Before submitting a TechCred application, your organization must also have a State of Ohio Supplier (Payee) ID number.
If your company does not already have one:
- Follow the prompt provided during the TechCred account setup.
- Submit the application for a State Supplier ID.
This ID allows the State of Ohio to process reimbursement payments.
Confirmation
Once the registration process is complete, you should receive a confirmation email from TechCred verifying your account.
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Step 3: Apply for TechCred Funding
Once your accounts are established, you can apply for funding during an open TechCred application period.
Submit Your Application
- Log in to your Ohio ID account:
- Select Apply Online for Grants during the open funding round.
- Choose the appropriate credential category.
- Select the credential and number of employees you wish to enroll.
Funding Limits
Each application may include:
- Up to 15 credential slots
- Up to $2,000 per employee
- Up to $30,000 per funding round
Slots can be divided across multiple credentials.
Examples
• 15 employees enrolled in one credential program
• 5 employees each across three credential programs
• Multiple employees enrolled in multiple credentialsAfter submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation from TechCred.
- Log in to your Ohio ID account:
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Application Tips When Submitting Credentials
Use the following guidance when completing the TechCred application.
Training Provider
Select Kent State University as the training provider.
Program Costs
Actual training costs may include:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Books
The TechCred reimbursement covers up to $2,000 per credential per participant.
Typical Kent State tuition rates for the 2025–2026 academic year:
Kent Campus
- $399.23 per undergraduate credit
- $75.17 general course fee per semester
Regional Campuses
- $250.14 per undergraduate credit
- $18.16 general course fee per semester
Most university courses are three credit hours, but be sure to verify course details before registering.
Credential Slots
Employers may submit up to 15 credential slots per application.
If submitting fewer than 15 slots for a credential:
- Select Add Another Credential.
- Repeat the process until all credential slots are assigned.
An employee may be listed for multiple credentials in the same application.
Wage Information
The application will ask you to estimate:
- Employee wages before credential completion
- Employee wages after credential completion
This helps demonstrate workforce impact, but a wage increase is not required.
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Step 4: Accept Your TechCred Grant
If your application is approved, the administrator listed on your TechCred account will receive an approval email notification.
Accept the Grant
- Log in to your TechCred account.
- Accept the grant within 10 business days.
Grant Timeline
- The effective date may begin before approval to allow retroactive reimbursement.
- Funding remains active for 12 months after acceptance.
Status Reporting
Employers must submit status reports every four months throughout the grant period.
Setting calendar reminders is strongly recommended.
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Step 5: Submit Required Status Reports
Status reports must be submitted every four months from the grant’s effective date.
These reports allow the State of Ohio to track employee progress toward credential completion.
Important Notes
- The effective date may be earlier than the approval date, allowing reimbursement for recently completed training.
- Missing status reports may void your funding eligibility.
Employers should update the status of open grants whenever logging in to apply for additional funding rounds.
For assistance, contact the Kent State TechCred Office.
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Step 6: Request Tuition Reimbursement
Once employees complete their credential programs, employers may submit a reimbursement request through the TechCred portal.
Submit a Reimbursement Request
- Log in to the TechCred portal:
- Click Apply.
- Under Submit for Reimbursement, select Log in to OH|ID.
- Locate the funding round and select View/Edit.
- Select Reimbursement Request.
Add Employee Information
For each participant:
- Enter the employee’s hourly wage before credential completion.
- Enter the employee’s hourly wage after credential completion.
- Enter $2,000 as the reimbursement request amount.
Upload Required Documentation
You must upload:
- Certificate of completion for each employee
- Proof of payment or invoice for the training
After submitting your request, TechCred will review the documentation and process reimbursement.
- Log in to the TechCred portal:
Employee
Ohio’s TechCred program helps employees gain new skills and earn industry-recognized credentials—often at little or no cost.
Once your employer’s funding is approved, follow the steps below to enroll in a credential program at Kent State.
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Step 1: Talk with Your Employer
Employees cannot apply directly for TechCred funding. Your employer must submit the application through the State of Ohio TechCred program.
If you are interested in earning a credential, start by discussing the opportunity with your manager, HR department or training coordinator. Your employer will determine whether to apply for TechCred funding to support your training.
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Step 2: Identify an Eligible Credential
Work with your employer to identify a TechCred-approved credential that aligns with your role or career goals.
Kent State University offers several credential programs approved for the Ohio TechCred program that help employees develop in-demand skills and advance their careers.
Once your employer has selected a credential and receives TechCred approval, you can begin the enrollment process.
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Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility
Once your employer has been approved for the Ohio TechCred program, employees may begin the process of earning their credential.
To participate, employees must:
- Be a W-2 employee of the participating organization
- Be a resident of the State of Ohio
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Step 4: Apply as a Guest Student
Employees earning credentials through Kent State University should apply as a non-degree seeking guest student.
When completing your application, select either:
- Undergraduate Guest Student, or
- Graduate Guest Student
Your selection should be based on the course number associated with the credential program.
Course Number Guide
- Courses 10000–49999 are undergraduate courses
- Courses 50000 and above are graduate courses
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Step 5: Register for Your Course
After you are accepted as a guest student, you can register for your course.
Be sure to review any prerequisites required for the credential program before registering.
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Step 6: Meet Prerequisites (or Request a Waiver)
Some courses require prerequisite coursework before enrollment. However, exceptions may be available if you have already gained equivalent knowledge or experience.
Students may request prerequisite approval in the following ways:
Transfer Credit Evaluation
You may submit prior college transcripts to the apriate academic department to determine whether prerequisite coursework has already been completed at another institution.
Prior Learning or Work Experience
Faculty may waive prerequisites based on relevant professional experience or prior learning.
To request transcript evaluation or a prerequisite waiver, contact:
- Your admissions counselor, or
- The Kent State TechCred Office