Master Painter Cert Worth the Grind? Tips for Tax Deductions on the $1,500 Course

I've been painting residential interiors for 15 years now, mostly in the Carolinas where the humidity makes everything a challenge with finish coats. Just wrapped up my master painter certification through the local trade association, cost me about $1,500 including the exam fees and materials like the Sherwin-Williams color matching course. Watched a solid video from Idaho Painter on prepping for the practical test, really helped with the faux finish section. Now I'm sorting out how to deduct all that on my taxes as a sole proprietor, especially the continuing ed credits for state licensing renewal. Anyone else gone through this? What's the best way to track those expenses in QuickBooks to maximize the write-offs without the IRS giving me grief?

man, that certification grind sounds familiar, i dragged my feet on mine for months and still felt like i got hosed on the fees.