Frequently Asked Questions - Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

1. What is ETPL?
2. How can I view the eligible training provider list?
3. Why do certain schools only list some of their programs?
4. What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and what does it have to do with ETPL?
5. How do I qualify as an approved training provider?
6. The tracking of my students for ETPL performance concerns me. Can you tell me more?
7. Can my programs be listed on ETPL if our school is located outside of Maryland?
8. Is there a fee charged for being on ETPL?
9. How do I start the application process?
10. Who is responsible for maintaining my information in ETPL?
11. What is the definition of an update?
12. Whom do I contact with questions?
13. We are an apprenticeship program. How often do we have to update?

1. What is ETPL?
ETPL stands for the “Eligible Training Provider List.” Each state must have an eligible training provider list. This list must be accessible to the public so consumers interested in postsecondary education can find those schools that have programs approved for federal funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

2. How can I view the eligible training provider list?
To view the current list of schools and their approved programs, search ETPL by selecting the name of an institution to see if they are an eligible provider and which of their programs are eligible.

3. Why do certain schools only list some of their programs?
It is up to each training provider to decide which programs they want to be considered for eligibility.

4. What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and what does it have to do with ETPL?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) which took effect July 1, 2015, provides federal workforce funding to assist individuals who meet certain criteria for enrollment into a postsecondary school.

WIOA mandates that each state have an eligible training provider list (or system, as it is called in Maryland) so the consumer can research career and training options suitable to their interests. ETPL is continuously updated to provide accurate information on currently approved eligible programs of postsecondaryinstitutions.

5. How do I qualify as an approved training provider?
Review the requirements for Eligible Training Providers available on the ETPL main page.

6. The tracking of my students for ETPL performance concerns me. Can you tell me more?
WIOA requires all states to provide a scorecard for each institution’s approved programs listed in ETPL. The U.S. Departments of Labor and Education have developed a template to display certain performance outcomes on all students, not just the WIOA participants. In preparation of this section of the legislation, all of the partner agencies are working to determine how data already collected could be merged while keeping strict adherence to confidentiality of personally identifiable information. It is anticipated that in the near future, ETPL will have the capability of sharing documentation so schools will be able to avoid duplicate entries of information being asked more than once by several agencies. More guidance will be forthcoming in the spring of 2016.

7. Can my programs be listed on ETPL if our school is located outside of Maryland?
Yes. ETPL lists education and training programs determined eligible by the Maryland ETPL staff. Out-of-state schools who apply in Maryland will be considered as long as the school is WIOA-approved in the state in which it is physically located, such as the headquarters. Search the service locator for other state’s lists.

8. Is there a fee charged for being on ETPL?
There is no fee for applying or being listed on the ETPL list.

9. How do I start the application process?
Review the eligibility requirements as described on the ETPL main page.

10. Who is responsible for maintaining my information in ETPL?
Each training provider is responsible for maintaining their school information.

11. What is the definition of an update?
An update can be anything on your application that has changed and needs to be updated. This includes but is not limited to phone numbers, point of contact, tuition, fees, supplies, program offering, cost effective dates and web address of program information.

A training provider’s application must be reviewed for any updates a minimum of once per year because a training provider’s eligibility is updated annually at this time.

12. Whom do I contact with questions?
E-mail WIOA Training Program Manager or call 1-410-767-2266.

13. We are an apprenticeship program. How often do we have to update?
Effective July 1, 2015, if your apprenticeship programs continue to be registered with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Labor and Industry (DLI), you will not have to update unless there is a change in the application information. We do ask that you review your application yearly for this purpose to ensure an accurate program list for viewing by the local communities and the Maryland Job Centers. Apprenticeship programs are not required to track or report performance.