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ETPL Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Eligible Training Provider List?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires states to maintain a list of training providers approved to offer training to individuals eligible to receive WIOA funds. The statewide Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) includes eligible training providers and training programs that are approved by both the Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs) and DES to provide training services to eligible WIOA participants. Training programs must meet state and local requirements of in- demand industry sectors and occupations in Arizona, and result in a recognized credential. The ETPL includes a variety of job-driven training programs informed by local business needs, with information on program costs, performance, and credential outcomes allowing for informed consumer choice. All training providers must adhere to the Arizona Department of Economic Security - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) - ETPL Policy Manual. All training provider programs must meet accountability, quality, performance, and labor-market relevance to remain on the ETPL.

How does a school/training provider qualify to be on the ETPL?

Training Providers must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for Arizona’s ETPL:

  • Be a Post-Secondary Educational Institution eligible to receive federal funds under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965; or, a Registered Apprenticeship program; or, other public/ private providers of training programs including community-based organizations.
  • Private post-secondary institutions not licensed by an Arizona or Federal authority must be licensed by the Arizona State Board of Private Post-Secondary Education www.azppse.state.az.us
  • Apprenticeships that are registered with the Arizona Apprenticeship Office or National Office of Apprenticeship
  • Training Providers must be a legal entity, registered to do business in Arizona
  • Have been in operation at least 12 months prior to application and can provide student performance outcomes
  • Training Providers must have a physical and permanent Arizona mailing address. This does not apply to third party training providers.
  • Supplemental documents include:
    • Current license from appropriate Arizona licensing authority or Federal licensing authority.
    • Certificate of Liability Insurance naming Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) as the Certificate Holder and named as an additional insured with a $2 million General Aggregate Limit. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 6123, S/C 920-Z, Phoenix, AZ 85005. Attn: ETP State Administrator.
    • Results from the latest financial audit or a cover letter from the last financial review.
    • Published student grievances and procedures with the process for filing a complaint.
    • Published student refund policy and procedures.
    • Documentation from the IRS indicating your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

Training Providers that have been debarred, suspended, or declared ineligible by any state or federal government agency are not eligible to be on Arizona’s ETPL. Arizona is committed to providing quality programs for WIOA participants to ensure their success in the workforce.

Training providers must comply with non-discrimination and equal opportunity provisions of all federal and state applicable laws. ETPL training providers as recipients of WIOA Title I-B Funds must comply with the following laws:

What are the Arizona Licensing Authorities?

Included but not limited to:

  • Arizona Board of Cosmetology
  • Arizona State Board of Nursing
  • Arizona Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators
  • Arizona Board of Assisted Living Facility Managers
  • Arizona Board of Barbers
  • Arizona Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners
  • Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
  • Arizona Department of Transportation - Division of Motor Vehicles

What are the requirements for training programs to be approved for the ETPL?

Training providers must offer training programs related to occupations in demand in the state or in the Local Workforce Development Area. Programs must lead to recognized postsecondary credentials. See Training Program Industry- Recognized Credential Standards here. One or more courses or classes that provide the training services that lead to:

  1. An industry-recognized certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of a registered apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or the Federal government, an associate or baccalaureate degree;
  2. A secondary school diploma or its equivalent; or
  3. Employment

Training Programs must:

  • Lead to recognized post-secondary credentials;
  • Meet the needs of local employers and participants;
  • Serve individuals with barriers to employment; and
  • Serve individuals who are employed

Training providers must provide student performance data and/or credential rate as part of the initial ETPL application and annual reporting for the ETPL Annual Performance Reports for each program year thereafter, in which you remain on the ETPL. The in-demand ratings will be updated periodically to reflect emerging in-demand occupations. Training programs will be reviewed for continued inclusion on the ETPL.

How do I apply for the ETPL?

Please review the eligibility guidelines listed above to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements before completing an ETPL application on the Arizona Job Connection (AJC).

The Training Provider begins the process by completing an online application on the Arizona Job Connection (AJC) website at www.az job connection.gov. The application must be filled out completely to be reviewed for ETPL approval. Training Providers must provide their Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), initial program-specific performance information, and supplemental documents to the DES ETPL Coordinator and LWDA.

How long does it take for my program(s) to be approved for the ETPL?

The approval process is a two-tier process and may take up to 90 days. Training Providers have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application along with all required documentation to the DES ETPL Coordinator who in turn has 30 calendar days to approve the Training Provider application. The Training Program is reviewed by the ETPL Coordinators of the corresponding local workforce area in which your training is offered. Programs must be approved or denied within 30 calendar days of receipt; if approved the DES ETPL Coordinator also must review and approve or deny the program within 30 calendar days. The program will not appear as WIOA-approved on the ETPL until approved by the DES ETPL Coordinator.

If approved, how long will my programs be on the ETPL, and is there a cost to be on the ETPL?

Programs are approved initially for a period of one year, and then will be reviewed every two years for continued eligibility which is based on performance. Training programs that do not meet WIOA performance standards and/or labor market information will be removed from the ETPL. The continued eligibility review process ensures that training provider and program information are accurate and student performance outcomes are successful. There is no cost to the provider to be listed on the ETPL.

Are technology-based programs eligible for the ETPL?

Yes. To ensure access to training services throughout the state including rural areas, technology-based (online, virtual) programs are eligible to apply for the ETPL as long as they meet all state requirements for providers, Arizona licensing requirements, and have a mechanism for student interaction with instructors; periodic student assessments are conducted and have a mechanism for tracking student participation in the training program. For those providers utilizing training through platform applications, the approval must be for the actual training provider and program, not the platform.

If my school has approved training programs on the ETPL will WIOA participants be referred to me for training?

WIOA training services are based on informed consumer choice in the selection of an eligible training provider. A WIOA participant who has been determined to be eligible for training services may select a training provider from the ETPL and program after consultation with a WIOA career advisor. Unless training funds are not available, participants are issued an Individual Training Account (ITA) voucher for the training which may pay in whole or in part the cost of training depending upon the local workforce area policy and ITA dollar limits.

Note that the inclusion of a Training Provider on the Arizona Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and designation as approved by the local workforce areas is not an entitlement or a requirement that the local workforce center makes any referrals to the provider. The selection of an approved training program is based on Informed consumer choice made by the prospective student.

Are apprenticeship programs included on the ETPL?

Yes, Registered Apprenticeship programs are automatically approved for the Eligible Training Provider List as long as the program remains registered with the Arizona Apprenticeship Office or DOL National Office of Apprenticeship. Registered Apprenticeships Sponsors/Providers do not need to complete the Training Provider Application, however, must provide a brief program summary, length of program, total program costs, list and cost of required tools, uniforms, books, if not included in tuition to allow for informed consumer choice. Information on Arizona’s Registered Apprenticeship Program can be found at www.azapprenticeship.com.

Are Out-of-State Training Providers listed on AJC?

No. Under the current policy, Training Providers must have a physical and permanent Arizona mailing address. However, LWDB service provider staff may refer participants to programs with which Arizona has a reciprocal agreement if a comparable training program is not available on Arizona’s ETPL. Arizona currently has reciprocal agreements with the states of New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Missouri. Out-of-State Training Providers are not eligible for inclusion on the Arizona ETPL.

Are degree programs eligible to be listed on the ETPL? Can Local Workforce Development Areas pay for the entire cost of a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, training programs that result in an associate or bachelor’s degree may be listed on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) as both types of degrees are federally recognized credentials. The WIOA Title I-B ETPL Policy gives priority consideration to programs that result in recognized credentials.

However, in addition to the program resulting in a federally recognized credential, the training program will be evaluated to ensure it meets state and local ETPL requirements, including the program being related to an in-demand industry sector or occupation in Arizona of Local Workforce Development Area, and that the program meets minimum performance standards.

It is unlikely that a Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) would pay for the entire cost of a bachelor’s degree program due to the availability of funds and local policies that limit the maximum amount of an individual training account (ITA). An individual may select a training program from the ETPL that costs more than the maximum ITA when other sources of funding are available. Per Section 503.01 of the Training Services Policy, it is the responsibility of the LWDB service provider to coordinate funding arrangements and co-enrollments with One-Stop partners and other entities. Alternative sources of funding may be available including, but not limited to:

  • State-funded training;
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance;
  • Rehabilitation Act funds;
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families;
  • Federal Pell Grants funds; or
  • Other federal grant funds.

Further detailed ETPL requirements, roles, and responsibilities can be located in the WIOA Title I-B ETPL Policy.

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