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The Careerist GuaranteeEffective: 5/11/2026. Last Updated: 5/11/2026.
THESE GUARANTEE TERMS ARE EFFECTIVE FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO SIGNED THE ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE. THE GUARANTEE DOES NOT APPLY TO STUDENTS WHO PAY FOR THE CAREERIST PROGRAM USING THE LOAN OPTION, NOR TO STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO RESIDE AND WORK IN THE UNITED STATES, NOR TO STUDENTS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE (19 YEARS OR OLDER IF RESIDING IN ALABAMA OR NEBRASKA, AND 21 YEARS OR OLDER IF RESIDING IN MISSISSIPPI).
Careerist Inc. provides professional training programs designed to help students prepare for careers in the tech industry. The Careerist Money Back Guarantee ("Careerist Guarantee") reflects our commitment to student success, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below.
To be eligible for the Careerist Guarantee, you ("you," "the participant," or "the student") must fully satisfy all requirements described in these Terms.
Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria may continue to participate in the program and receive all standard benefits of career support, but will not qualify for the Careerist Guarantee. Transitioning into the tech industry requires focus and consistent effort, and we’re here to help, asking for the same commitment from you.
1.1 Eligible Programs
This refers to any of the following programs:
provided through Careerist’s Learning Management System (LMS) and taken on or after the effective date of this Guarantee.
1.2 Guarantee Period
The Guarantee Period is 10 months and begins the day you receive your final certificate of completion for a Careerist training program. You’ll receive this certificate after successfully finishing all parts of the program (within the required timelines outlined in these Terms).
Note: Careerist may extend or pause the Guarantee Period for up to 6 additional months if there is a major event outside of our control that affects the job market — such as natural disasters, pandemic-related issues, mass layoffs in the tech industry, or national emergencies.
1.2.1 Pause for Personal or Medical Emergency; Reasonable Accommodation; Protected Leave
You may request a pause of the Guarantee Period for up to six (6) months by sending written notice to [email protected] along with reasonable supporting documentation (such as a doctor’s note or written confirmation of an active military assignment).
Approved categories. Careerist will approve a pause request upon receipt of reasonable supporting documentation for any of the following: (a) a qualifying medical condition or disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) or applicable state disability law; (b) pregnancy or parental leave; (c) serious illness or death of an immediate family member; or (d) active U.S. military service.
Other personal emergencies. For other documented personal emergencies, Careerist may grant or deny a pause in its reasonable discretion.
Reasonable accommodation. Where a documented disability requires a longer pause as a reasonable accommodation, Careerist will extend the pause period accordingly upon request.
Effect on application volume. During an approved pause, the application volume requirements set forth in Section 3.4.1 are tolled and will not be enforced for the duration of the pause. After the pause ends, the unused balance of the Guarantee Period will resume.
Acceptance of QP during pause. If during the pause you receive and accept a Qualifying Position, your eligibility for any reimbursement under the Guarantee will end immediately on the date of acceptance.
1.3 Request for Reimbursement
A request for reimbursement is a signed document confirming that:
You must submit your request using the required form, available at: https://www.careerist.com/legal/reimbursement-certification.
All required documents must be submitted within thirty (30) days after the Guarantee Period ends. Send your completed request to [email protected]. You cannot request a reimbursement before the Guarantee Period ends.
1.4 Qualifying Positions
A Qualifying Position is any U.S.-placed remote, hybrid, or on-site job that is, or is substantially similar in nature to, the following ("Eligible Roles"):
In the learning area of QA Engineering: Manual QA Tester/Analyst, Software Quality Assurance Analyst, QA Engineer (Manual), Software Tester, Quality Assurance Specialist, Test Analyst, Functional Tester, Black-Box Tester, Entry-Level SDET (for Automation track), QA Analyst, Software QA Engineer, Manual QA, Software Quality Engineer, Quality Assurance Engineer, Functional QA, Black-Box QA, Manual QA Analyst, Software Test Engineer, QA Engineer, Quality Assurance Engineer, Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Quality Assurance, Software Development, Information Technology.
In the learning area of QA Automation: Test Automation Engineer, QA Automation Engineer, Automation QA Engineer, Test Engineer, Software QA Automation Engineer, Regression Test Automation Engineer.
In the learning area of AI Automation (Specialist and Engineer): AI Automation Specialist, AI Solutions Engineer, AI Prompt Engineer, Business Automation Analyst, Operations Engineer (RevOps, SalesOps, MarketingOps), Growth Hacker, Growth Marketing Specialist, Conversational AI Designer, AI Content Creator, AI Media Specialist, No-Code Web Developer, AI Product Manager.
If you receive an offer for one of these roles, or for a role substantially similar in nature, during the Guarantee Period, it will be considered a Qualifying Position. A Qualifying Position may be full-time, part-time, contract, or freelance, provided the role involves work substantially similar to the positions listed above and is compensated at a market rate for the relevant region.
Whether a role is “substantially similar in nature” or compensated at “market rate for the relevant region” shall be determined in good faith by Careerist’s Career Coaching team based on (i) the offer letter and role description, (ii) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for the applicable Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code in the relevant Metropolitan Statistical Area (using the 25th percentile as a market-rate floor), and (iii) such other reasonable factors as Careerist may consider. Careerist’s good-faith determination shall be binding for purposes of this Guarantee absent manifest error.
NOTE: Unpaid positions and internships do not qualify as Qualifying Positions.
To qualify for the Careerist Guarantee, you must meet all of the following requirements:
2.1 Pre-Enrollment Requirements
2.1.1 Age
You must be at least 18 years old (19 years or older if residing in Alabama or Nebraska, and 21 years or older if residing in Mississippi).
2.1.2 English Proficiency
You must be able to speak and write in English at a professional level.
2.1.3 Work Authorization
You must be located in the U.S. and have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of enrollment in the training program and for a minimum of 18 months following the receipt of the certificate of completion. The job must be U.S.-based (remote, hybrid, or on-site). NOTE: If you do not want to or are unable to live and work in the United States, this will terminate the Guarantee.
2.1.4 Payment Method
You must either:
NOTE: The Guarantee does not apply if you use a third-party loan (e.g., a loan from a financing company) to pay for the program.
NOTE: If you finance the Program through an Income Share Agreement (ISA), the financial consequences of guarantee eligibility (including any payment obligation adjustments) are governed by the terms of your ISA. Please refer to your ISA for details.
2.1.5 On-Time Payments
If you’re on a payment plan, all payments must be made on time according to the agreement.
2.1.6 Background Checks
You must be able to pass background checks required for the types of jobs you’re applying for.
NOTE: If you’re denied a Qualifying Position due to failing a background check, you will not be eligible for a reimbursement under the Guarantee.
2.1.7 Commitment to Job Search and Geographic Flexibility
You must actively pursue job opportunities and be open to relocating or working anywhere within the United States.
To remain eligible for the Careerist Guarantee, you must:
3.1 Learning Stage Metrics
Completion Requirements
Timeline Adherence
NOTE: Switching programs or cohorts will result in loss of Guarantee eligibility.
3.2 Internship Stage Metrics
Performance Standards
NOTE: Retaking the Internship or any prior stage invalidates Guarantee eligibility.
3.3 Career Coaching Stage Metrics
To stay eligible for the Careerist Guarantee, you must remain fully engaged during the Career Coaching Stage and follow the guidelines below:
3.3.1 Completion Requirements
For the Software QA Engineering program:
For the QA Automation program:
For the AI Automation Specialist program:
For the AI Automation Engineer program:
NOTE: If you change your LinkedIn or resume profile without confirming with the Career Coach in writing, this will invalidate Guarantee eligibility.
3.3.2 Career Coaching Engagement
NOTE: Three or more last-minute cancellations or no-shows will disqualify you from the Guarantee.
3.4 Job Search Requirements
3.4.1 Application Volume Requirements
3.4.2 Quality Standards
NOTE: It is the student’s sole responsibility to store and preserve all submission confirmations. If any files are lost, deleted, or otherwise unavailable, we cannot take that into consideration. Verification will be based only on the documents actually provided.
3.4.3 Professional Networking Requirements
3.4.4 Offer Management
4.1 Eligibility Verification
If you believe you’ve met all the requirements of the Careerist Guarantee and have not received a Qualifying Position, you may request a tuition reimbursement.
To apply:
NOTE: You cannot submit your request before the 10-month Guarantee Period is over. This period begins the day you receive your final certificate of completion from Careerist.
Careerist will review your request within 10 business days after receiving a complete submission.
4.2 Reimbursement
If your request is approved and you have fully satisfied all requirements of this Guarantee, Careerist will reimburse 100% of the tuition you paid directly to Careerist for the eligible program. Reimbursement will be issued within thirty (30) days after Careerist’s approval of your complete request. Reimbursement does not include third-party fees (such as payment processor charges or financing fees) not received by Careerist.
If your request is denied, Careerist will notify you by email and provide the specific reason(s) for denial, including which Guarantee requirement was not satisfied. You may submit additional documentation or clarification within 10 business days of receiving the denial notice.
4.3 Tax Responsibility
You are responsible for any tax implications of reimbursement. We recommend consulting a tax advisor if you have questions.
NOTE: If your reimbursement request is approved, you will lose access to Careerist’s platform, services, and alumni support.
The Careerist Guarantee will no longer apply if any of the following occur:
5.1 Program & Payment
5.2 Work Eligibility & Job Search
6.1 Governing Law
Any claim relating to this Careerist Money Back Guarantee shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of law provisions; provided that any non-waivable consumer-protection rights conferred on you by the law of your state of residence shall continue to apply.
6.2 Binding Arbitration
The Parties agree that any and all disputes, claims or controversies arising out of or relating to these Careerist Money Back Guarantee Terms that are not resolved by their mutual agreement or in small claims court (a) shall be brought by a Party in such Party’s individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding; and (b) shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration before JAMS, or its successor, pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sec. 1 et seq. (the "FAA").
Before either party may seek arbitration, the party must first send to the other party a written Notice of Dispute ("Notice") describing the nature and basis of the claim or dispute, and the requested relief. A Notice to Careerist should be sent to: [email protected]. After the Notice is received, you and Careerist may attempt to resolve the claim or dispute informally. If you and Careerist do not resolve the claim or dispute within thirty (30) days after the Notice is received, either party may begin an arbitration proceeding by filing a written demand for arbitration with JAMS, with a copy to the other party. The arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the JAMS Consumer Arbitration Minimum Standards (or, for claims under $25,000, the JAMS Streamlined Arbitration Rules), which include a $250 cap on consumer-paid arbitration fees, in effect at the time of filing of the demand for arbitration. The parties will cooperate with JAMS and with one another in selecting a single arbitrator from JAMS’ panel of neutrals, and in scheduling the arbitration proceedings, which shall take place online or in New York if on-site presence is required.
PARTIES HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL, INCLUDING JURY TRIAL, ON ANY CLAIM IN ANY COURT OF LAW OR EQUITY.
6.3 Class Action Waiver
YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT ANY CLAIM YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST CAREERIST, INCLUDING CAREERIST’S PAST OR PRESENT EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS, SHALL BE BROUGHT INDIVIDUALLY AND YOU SHALL NOT JOIN SUCH CLAIM WITH CLAIMS OF ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY OR BRING, JOIN OR PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION AGAINST CAREERIST.
6.4 Severability and Survival
If any part or parts of this Arbitration Agreement are found under the law to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such specific part or parts shall be of no force and effect and shall be severed and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. This Arbitration Agreement will survive the termination of your relationship with Careerist.
6.5 Small Claims Court Exception
Notwithstanding the foregoing, either you or Careerist may bring an individual action ("Claim") in small claims court; however, if the Claim is transferred, removed, or appealed to a different court, it shall be resolved in accordance with Sections 6.1-6.4. Nothing in any small claims court lawsuit shall constitute a waiver of any Party’s rights under this Arbitration Agreement with respect to claims asserted in any related or unrelated lawsuits. Moreover, any dispute concerning the validity or enforceability of this Arbitration Agreement or any part thereof (including, without limitation, the class action waiver in Section 6.3) must be decided in accordance with Sections 6.1-6.4 above.
6.6 Emergency Relief
Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek emergency equitable relief before a state or federal court in order to maintain the status quo pending arbitration. A request for interim measures shall not be deemed a waiver of any other rights or obligations under this Arbitration Agreement.
6.7 Collections Claims
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Careerist’s claims of failure by you to make any payments due under any agreement with Careerist and all Careerist’s collections claims shall not be subject to this Arbitration Agreement. In any circumstances where the foregoing Arbitration Agreement permits the parties to litigate in court, the parties hereby agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the courts located within New York County, New York for such purpose.
6.8 Bilateral Carve-Outs
Notwithstanding the agreement to arbitrate set forth above, either party may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction (i) for injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or stop the actual or threatened infringement or misappropriation of such party’s intellectual property rights, including with respect to the Careerist Marks and confidential information, (ii) to remedy a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1030, or any equivalent state computer-fraud statute, or (iii) for defamation, in each case where the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In any such action, the parties hereby agree to submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within New York County, New York.
6.9 Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Careerist’s aggregate liability arising out of or relating to this Money Back Guarantee Policy shall not exceed the total amounts paid by you to Careerist for the program(s) eligible for reimbursement under this Policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Careerist’s aggregate liability under this Policy be less than the greater of (i) the total amounts so paid or (ii) US $500. Nothing in this Policy shall exclude or limit any liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law, including liability for gross negligence, fraud, willful misconduct, or any rights that may not be waived under applicable consumer-protection statutes (including, where you are a resident of California or New York, the consumer-protection statutes of your state of residence to the extent they confer rights or remedies that may not be waived by contract).
6.10 Audit Rights
For a period of two (2) years following the expiration date of the Guarantee Period, Careerist reserves the right to audit any records you have provided related to the Careerist Money Back Guarantee. You must therefore retain all documents related to your Careerist Money Back Guarantee for three (3) years following your completion of any Careerist training program(s). You must also provide Careerist with any information requested to substantiate your eligibility for the Careerist Money Back Guarantee, limited to records of your job applications, communications with prospective employers, employment status, and other materials directly relevant to verifying eligibility under this Guarantee, so that Careerist can confirm you are eligible for the Careerist Money Back Guarantee. If Careerist determines that you provided any false information, it may revoke the grant of your reimbursement.
By enrolling in a Careerist program, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with all terms of this Money Back Guarantee Policy. This Policy, combined with Careerist’s Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Education Terms, and Refund and Cancellation Policy, constitutes the complete agreement regarding guarantee eligibility.
