How to Persuade Your Employer to Cover Your IT Security Training Costs

As an IT professional, keeping up to date with the latest security practices and technologies is crucial. However, securing sponsorship for your IT security training can be challenging. This article provides a structured approach to helping you get your employer to cover the cost of your IT security training.

Initiate Your Request Early and Provide Documentation

To increase the chances of having your employer cover the cost of your IT security training, it's essential to make your request in advance. Prepare a detailed request that includes all relevant documentation. Make sure to connect the relevance of the training directly to your current job role and responsibilities. Prepare a clear and concise plan that outlines how the training will benefit both your career and the organization.

Proof of Course Completion is Key

Most employers will require proof of course completion. This could be in the form of a certificate or a letter of completion from the training provider. Make sure to complete all necessary documentation promptly. This demonstrates your commitment to both the training and your employer's expectations.

Understand Your Employer's Policies

Many companies allocate a portion of their budget for employee professional development, including IT security training. As a manager, they often encourage staff to request funds for training that is directly related to their job functions. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your employer's professional development policies and guidelines.

Approved Training Expenses

Based on common practices, your employer is likely to approve the following expenses:

Meetings, Conferences, or Seminars: These events should offer continuing education units (CEUs) relevant to certifications held by your staff. Vendor-Specific Training: First-party or third-party training for tools and products supported by your organization, such as Cisco training for network engineers or Red Hat training for system engineers. Certification Exam Fees: Costs incurred before and after the exam, provided the employee passes the exam and obtains the certification.

Commonly Denied Expenses

There are certain types of training expenses that your employer is unlikely to cover:

Exam-Specific Preparation Classes: These often focus on passing the exam rather than building job-specific skills. Annual Dues for Associations: While these might not be prohibitively expensive, your employer prefers to invest in training that develops new capabilities. Expensive Requests: Particularly costly requests may deplete the professional development budget, leading to fewer resources for other employees.

Exceptions and Additional Considerations

While most training should be job-related, there may be exceptions. If your job function has changed significantly since you acquired your current position, your employer may be more willing to cover the cost of new training.

Many employers have reimbursement programs for job-related training, but this is not always the case. Check with your HR department to see if such a program exists and make sure to get all necessary approvals in writing before you proceed with the training. This ensures that both you and your employer are on the same page.

As in any professional development investment, you will need to prove that the training is beneficial both to you and your organization. Remember that just like a college education, your employer is expecting you to invest in yourself to stay "job ready."