Receipt of training is often only one component of the certificate/credential measures. In most instances, successful completion of training is coupled with other requirements to receive a certificate/credential. A course completion certificate alone is usually insufficient to demonstrate certificate/credential attainment. Examples of programs that meet the criteria outlined in this policy are included in the Appendix.
All training services covered by this policy must be clearly identified and expectations for the earning of the credential or certificate must be stated in the participant's Individual Service Strategy or employment plan. The participant must understand that once training begins, he or she is expected to complete all required activities. Partial program completion does not meet the intent of Federal requirements and case managers must not report certificates or credentials if the participant failed to complete the entire program.
Based on the U.S. DOL policy regarding credentials and certificates and the definitions cited above, the following criteria will be used to define training services and "other organized programs of study." All of these criteria must be met for the program to be deemed certificate or credential eligible for all performance measures that evaluate credential or certificate attainment.
1. A program is typically more than one course. Stand-alone courses, in general, do not meet the measures' intent. There may be exceptions which must be reviewed by Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) policy staff on a case-by-case basis.
2. The training must have a clear structure and standardized mechanism of delivery.
3. The program fulfills a specific set of occupational requirements with clear and measurable goals and objectives. The certificate holder has the required skills to be functional on the job on the first day of employment, with minimal supervision.
4. The certificate and knowledge/skills are transferable from one employer to another within the industry(s) that recognizes the certificate.
5. The certificate or credential must be issued by one of the organizations listed in the certificate definition. There are no exceptions.
6. The participant cannot obtain employment in a particular occupation without successfully completing the program. If applicable, the participant cannot secure a license to practice the skills acquired through the program, and the license is required to secure employment.
7. Successful program completion is determined by a validated and reliable set of evaluation instruments that are legally defensible in a court of law. Those same measures of reliability and validity can be applied to determine when performance is unacceptable or dangerous to the individual, the coworkers or the customers served.
8. There must be clear evidence from the program provider or certifying agency that a certificate is not awarded if the customer fails to successfully complete the program, demonstrate competency in all skills and objectives, and/or pass all required tests and examinations. This means all attendance requirements must be fulfilled, a minimum rating of "satisfactory" must be documented for all required practical skills, a passing score must be achieved on written tests or examinations, and any other requirements for certification must be met.
If a Workforce Development Board (WDB) or case manager cannot determine if a program of instruction meets the definition of a credential or certificate based on the criteria listed above, the WDB may request a determination from DWS policy staff. The request should be submitted to the WDB's assigned local program liaison.
Short term training courses that address only one skill set out of many do not meet the measures' intent. Organizations that rely on a train-the-trainer, trickle-down method of delivery may not be acceptable because of the lack of standardization, official oversight and questionable employer or industry endorsement. Programs of this type will be examined by DWS staff on a case-by-case basis before a determination of acceptability will be made using the criteria outlined in this policy.