Do I Need to Clear My Balance Before I Receive Completion Steps or My Certificate?
Understand balance requirements for certificates and post-completion services
Your next steps after completing your program may depend on your account status. This article explains what you can access with an open balance and what requires full payment.
Access to Completion Steps
You can still:
- Complete your coursework
- View your final module and recommended next steps
- Access general guidance on certification
However, some post-completion services may be limited until your balance is paid in full.
Certification and Next Steps
Your ability to:
- Prepare for certification
- Schedule or take your certification exam
is generally not directly restricted by your balance, since certification is managed by third-party organizations.
Career Placement and Externship Support
Access to career placement support services may be restricted if your balance is not fully paid.
This can include:
- Job placement assistance
- Externship coordination or support
To unlock full access to these services, your account typically needs to be paid in full.
Certificate of Completion
You may complete your program, but:
- A university-issued physical certificate is only available once your balance is paid in full
This certificate is often used for:
- Job applications
- Proof of program completion
Why Payment Status Matters
Certain services—especially those involving third parties or additional support—are only available once payment obligations are met.
This ensures:
- Your account is fully active
- All program benefits are unlocked
Key Takeaway
You can complete your coursework and view next steps without paying your full balance, but career support services and your official certificate require full payment.