Under Virginia Law, Can An Employer...?

[egan]

Under Virginia Labor Laws, can an employer REQUIRE an employee to take an expensive yet unnecessary certification class ($200+) and then refuse to pay for it?

[arne33]

Yes, it is not illegal to require a certification to hold a job, whether or not the employee thinks it is necessary. The employer is not legally bound to pay for or otherwise reimburse an employee for certifications or training required for continued employment.

[shen86]

If you know absolutely and positively that other workers are doing the EXACT same job and do not have a certification, then yes you may have a valid complaint.

But unless you have spoken to each worker individually and they assured you they are not certified, then you can't go forward with a complaint.

Discrimination law suits apply to protected classes of people: women, different races, disabled, etc. So, if you are not exactly like the other works and feel you have been singled out because of your gender, race, age, religious preference, sexual preference, then go ahead and file.

But it could cost you your job. Maybe you should just take the course, pay the $200 and stay employed.

[deangelo51]

unless you were chosen to attend the class because of your race, religion, ethnicity, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, etc = it is not protected class discrimination and is 100% legal.

why did they chose you: because they see you as someone who is position for advancement? or the opposite that you don't have the current skills they want you to??

[ealahweemah72]

The silver lining: If you are required to get that certification to hold your job, it is an unreimbursed employment expense, and you can deduct that on your taxes for the year.