I don't think newbies have made it to Level 3.  I would allow semi-pro status, especially since the program in question is Pro Series.  The tax credits have been around long enough for most pros to know it doesn't matter who paid the tuition.  The mom can claim the credit on a joint return with the step-dad, even when the ex-husband paid the bill.  I'm interested in why the kid can't be claimed as a dependent for 2020, since he appears to have been in school for part of at least five months.  Just because the kid wants his own $1,200 doesn't mean he gets to claim himself.