PM IT Certification Reimbursement Program: Get Up to Rs 70,000 Back
PSEB reimburses up to Rs 70,000 per approved international IT certification, for up to three certifications, under the PM IT Certification Reimbursement Program.
Under the PM IT Certification Reimbursement Program, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) pays back up to Rs 70,000 for each approved international IT certification an eligible Pakistani IT graduate or professional passes, for up to three certifications. Registration is open on PSEB’s Tech Destination Skills portal, and the programme page was last updated on 28 October 2026.
This is a reimbursement: you pay the exam fee first, pass the exam, then claim the money back after verification.
PM IT Certification Reimbursement Program at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Run by | Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Ministry of IT and Telecom |
| Amount | Up to Rs 70,000 per approved certification |
| Number of certifications | Up to three, subject to programme terms |
| Who can apply | Eligible IT graduates and professionals |
| Example providers | AWS, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Oracle |
| Portal | skills.techdestination.com |
| Helpline | 0800-01010 (24/7) |
Who is eligible?
- You are a Pakistani IT graduate or working IT professional.
- You choose a certification from the approved list on the portal.
- You pass the official exam from the certification provider.
- You can upload your certificate, exam fee receipt, CNIC and academic documents.
Check the full eligibility rules on the portal before you book an exam, because only approved certifications are reimbursed.
How to apply: 8 steps
- Open the portal: go to skills.techdestination.com and choose “Create a New Account” (or log in if you already have one).
- Register: enter your email, name, gender, date of birth and password.
- Complete your profile: add your education, work experience and build your resume on the portal.
- Upload documents: CNIC, transcripts and anything else the portal asks for.
- Select a certification: pick from the approved list and submit your application before taking the exam.
- Take the exam: book and pass it through the official provider (for example Pearson VUE for AWS or Microsoft).
- Claim: log in again and upload your official certificate and exam fee payment proof.
- Get paid: after PSEB verifies your documents, the eligible amount, up to Rs 70,000, is reimbursed.
Which certification should you choose?
| Goal | Popular certification types |
|---|---|
| Cloud jobs and freelancing | AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud associate-level certifications |
| Networking | Cisco associate-level certifications |
| Databases | Oracle database certifications |
| Security | Vendor security certifications on the approved list |
Many associate-level exams cost between about $150 and $300, so Rs 70,000 can cover most or all of one exam fee at current exchange rates. Check the approved list and the provider’s current fee before paying.
Why this matters
Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports reached a record of about $4.6 billion in FY2025-26, and international clients often ask for certified staff. A recognised certification can help freelancers win higher-paying contracts and help graduates get shortlisted by software houses. The programme lowers the cost barrier, which has kept many young professionals from sitting these exams.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking an exam that is not on the approved list.
- Taking the exam before submitting your application on the portal.
- Uploading receipts in someone else’s name or with unclear details.
- Losing the official fee receipt; keep the email invoice from the provider.
Related: TeamViewer security update and Benazir Hunarmand free skills training.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the PM IT Certification Reimbursement Program pay?
Up to Rs 70,000 per approved certification, for up to three certifications.
Is the money paid before the exam?
No. It is a reimbursement after you pass and your documents are verified.
Where do I apply?
On PSEB’s Tech Destination Skills portal, skills.techdestination.com.
Sources: PSEB: Prime Minister’s Initiatives (Component-3) (updated 28 October 2026); Tech Destination Skills portal.
