Recognition for Professional Certification

Version: 0001
Effective Date: 07/01/2025

Objective #

This policy recognizes employees who successfully obtain a career or job-related certification through a professional organization. The certification will enhance individual skill competencies, demonstrate commitment to the field and continuous growth. The specialized certification will allow for the application of principles and competencies in work relative to daily responsibilities.

Policy #

UTFI employees who successfully obtain a job-related professional certification will receive a one-time base salary adjustment of 3% supported by recommendation of direct supervisor and approved by UTFI HR. In addition to the base salary adjustment, the employee will be reimbursed for one certification study resource and one certification testing sequence. This policy does not apply to the successful completion of educational degrees, training or the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) examination.

The professional certification is an industry recognized designation earned to demonstrate competence in a job field or specialized career area. Certifications may include, but are not limited to Certified Fund-Raising Manager (CFRM); Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification; SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP); Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM); Communication Management Professional (CMP); Project Management Certification (PMP); and Salesforce Administrator certification.

Scope and Application #

This policy applies to regular full-time employees once in UTFI tenure who have successfully completed the 6-month introductory employment requirement. Employees returning to employment after a break in service will be considered upon the completion of 6-months of re-employment with UTFI. Employees who are eligible for and successfully pass the CAP examination will receive the 9% annual base increase as documented in the UT System Policy HR0465.

The expectation of all employees who achieve a certification is that continuing education credits will be maintained as the certification sponsor requires.

Professional certifications obtained on or after July 1, 2023, will be eligible for consideration under this recognition policy. Any requests for recognition and reimbursement of study guide and test sequence must be submitted no later than 30 days following the outlined procedure.

Policy Implementation #

When a certification designation is being considered, the supervisor must contemporaneously document organizational value and positional relevancy of certification. This statement with approval of the respective campus vice chancellor or vice president must be submitted via Jotform at the onset of the certification application.

Upon notification of approval, the supervisor and employee will receive from UTFI HR notice with further procedural steps to complete the reimbursement and base salary adjustment process.

Documented evidence of the study resource and testing sequence must be included with the official recognition of certification to be reimbursed. Accepted documentation is a receipt for payment of study supplies and test fees.

The effective date of the increase will be the next pay period after the achievement of the certification. Requests, approvals and certification documentation will become part of the employee’s personnel record.