The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) draws an important distinction between Eligible Training Providers (ETPs) and the programs of study they offer. An Eligible Training Provider refers to the institution or organization approved to deliver training services under WIOA. On the other hand, programs of study refer to the specific courses, certifications, or training pathways offered by an ETP, each typically aligned with a particular occupation or skill set. A single ETP can offer multiple programs of study to meet the needs of diverse industries and workforce demands.

Under WIOA and its Final Rule, training providers and their programs must meet specific requirements to be listed on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). The ETPL Training Provider and Program Determination Flow Chart (see Attachments tab) outlines a two-step process for inclusion on the ETPL.

1. Eligible Training Providers
   1. Eligible training providers must be one of these three (3) types of entities:
      1. Institutions of Higher Education
         1. An institution that provides a program(s) that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials, consisting of an industry-recognized certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or Federal Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree;
      2. Registered Apprenticeship Programs
         1. Entities that carry out a program(s) registered under the National Apprenticeship Act recognized in Illinois by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Office of Apprenticeship.
      3. Other public or private providers of a program(s) of training services, including proprietary schools, community-based organizations (CBOs), joint labor-management organizations, and providers of adult education and literacy activities under Title II of WIOA if such activities are combined with training services described under WIOA Title I.
   2. All training providers who wish to apply for their program(s) to be included on the ETPL must have the appropriate state and federal oversight and accreditation.
      1. Institutions of Higher Education and Adult Education and Literacy Providers under Title II WIOA
         1. Oversight
            1. Programs administered by all post-secondary education institutions under the authority of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) must have received approval from that body.
               1. Programs administered by private business and vocational schools must apply for and receive approval or exemption from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to operate in the state under the Illinois Private Business and Vocational Schools Act (PBVS).
            2. Programs administered by community colleges must have received approval and/or operating authority from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
            3. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs administered by secondary education institutions must have received approval from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
            4. Providers of adult education and literacy activities under Title II of WIOA if such activities are combined with training services described under WIOA Title I.
               1. The entity must be funded through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), and the program must be part of the Integrated Career & Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) that combines occupational skills or technical training with adult basic or secondary instruction in Illinois, as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
         2. Accreditation
            1. The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) requires accreditation by a regional or national accrediting body to receive Title IV funding. 
            2. Under the Illinois Private Business and Vocational Schools Act (PBVS), accreditation is only required if graduating from an accredited institution or program is a prerequisite for obtaining licensure or certification. 
            3. The state statute authorizes the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) oversight of degree-granting entities that require full accreditation within three years of initial approval.
            4. Non-college training providers may also be required to seek accreditation from a third party for students to sit for licensure. For example, but not limited to the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
      2. Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) and all other providers, as described above.
         1. Oversight
            1. RAP Related Training Instruction (RTI) providers and all other providers headquartered or having classes in Illinois must be approved to operate in the state by the appropriate entity(ies) in addition to the approvals required under 1b)1)a)i). Examples include:
               1. Truck Driving – Illinois Secretary of State (ISoS)
               2. Cosmetology, Barbering, and Esthetician – Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
               3. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) - Joint approval by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
               4. Flight Training – Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
               5. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Joint approval by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
            2. RAP-related training instruction (RTI) administered by private business and vocational schools, except as described below, and programs provided by other providers that are administered by private business and vocational schools must apply for and receive approval or exemption from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to receive approval to operate in the state under the Illinois Private Business and Vocational Schools Act (PBVS).
               1. Training providers must provide a Permit of Approval or Exemption Letter issued by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Their status will be verified accordingly unless they are exempt under Section 30 of the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012 (PBVS).
                  1. Common exemptions include:
                     1. Any in-service program of study and subject offered by an employer, provided that no tuition is charged and the instruction is only for employer employees.
                     2. Schools offering instruction or programs of study that have no physical presence in this State.
                     3. Labor organizations, as defined in Section 10 of the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, that sponsor a United States Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program.
2. Eligible Training Programs
   1. A training program (also referred to as a “program of study” or “program of training service”) is defined as one (1) or more courses or classes or a structured regimen that directly leads to employment in an in-demand occupation delivered in person, online, or a blended approach. However, the training provider must provide a high-quality experience meeting instructional and skills assessment needs. Eligible training programs must lead to the following:
      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, or an associate or baccalaureate degree;
      2. A secondary school diploma or its equivalent when provided in conjunction with training known as the Integrated Career & Academic Preparation System (ICAPS);
      3. Employment in a Demand Occupation, as identified on the Demand Occupation Training List (DOTL); or
      4. Measurable skill gains as outlined in the Measurable Skill Gains section of this policy manual toward a credential described in paragraph (1) or (2) above.