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Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Effective August 1, 2016 all training providers seeking ETPL placement or renewal are required to submit a formal application. Please read these FAQs for details.

Effective December 19, 2016, in accordance with New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC) 12:41-3.2's annual reporting requirements, DOE/DOL approved Private Career Schools must be listed on the ETPL.

Click on any heading or question to jump there. Click (top) to return to the top of the page.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)?
What is the Consumer Report Card?
Do I need a password to use the NJTOPPS website?
Who do I contact with questions about the NJTOPPS website?

FOR STUDENTS

How do I search for training providers and programs?
How do I enroll in a program listed on the ETPL?
How can I receive government funding to attend a training program?

FOR TRAINING PROVIDERS

How can my school/organization become an approved provider listed on the ETPL?
How can my out-of-state school/organization become an approved provider listed on the ETPL?
My school/organization operates a Registered Apprenticeship program. Does my program have to be on the ETPL?
My school/organization is applying for a customized training, youth or DVRS grant. Do I have to be listed on the ETPL?
My school/organization is a Title II provider. Do I have to be listed on the ETPL?
Where can I find detailed information about the process of becoming an approved provider listed on the ETPL?
If my program does not receive any state or federal funds does it have to be listed on the ETPL?
Does placement on the ETPL guarantee that my school/organization/program will receive government funds?
What is a CIP Code?
What is the Labor Demand Occupations List?
What if I forgot my username and/or password?
How do I make changes to my programs listed on the ETPL or add new programs?
What student record information must be reported by training providers?
Why do providers have to submit students' Social Security Numbers?
How will the system ensure the confidentiality for all participants in the system?
When do I have to enter/upload student records?
How do I enter/upload student records?
Are there minimum performance standards in place for ETPL eligibility?


GENERAL INFORMATION (top)

What is the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)? (top)

The ETPL, which is mandated by both State and Federal laws, is a comprehensive list of training providers and training programs that the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development has determined eligible to receive publicly funded tuition assistance and is maintained on the NJTOPPS website . New Jersey State Law (C:34:15C-10.2) states that "[n]o training provider who is not an approved training provider included on the [ETPL] shall receive any federal job training funds or State job training funds." Federal job training funds include, but are not limited to: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) titles I, II and IV; WorkFirst; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; General Assistance; and SNAP Employment and Training. State job training funds include, but are not limited to: the Workforce Development Partnership Fund and the Supplemental Workforce Fund for Basic Skills. Job training is defined as occupational training, remedial instruction or occupational safety and health training.

Any training provider seeking to receive state or federal job training funds must be listed on the ETPL and any student seeking to obtain state or federal job training funds through the One-Stop Career Center system must select a program from the ETPL.


What is the Consumer Report Card? (top)

The Consumer Report Card (CRC) provides performance data for all training providers and training programs included on the ETPL. Training providers included on the ETPL are required to submit student enrollment and exit records which populates the CRC. The CRC allows students to search for information and program outcomes for training providers. The search results provide information on the various programs offered by each approved training provider and allow the user to compare programs and providers based on information such as the location and length of training, the costs and any special services that may be offered, as well employment outcomes and student comments.

Do I need a password to use the NJTOPPS website? (top)

Students in search of training providers and training programs do not require a password to use the NJTOPPS website. Only training providers approved for ETPL placement are issued usernames and passwords to log into the ETPL system.

Who do I contact with questions about the NJTOPPS website? (top)

You may contact the Center for Occupational Employment Information at njtopps@dol.nj.gov.


FOR STUDENTS (top)

How do I search for training providers and programs? (top)

To search for training click on the "Get Started & Search for Training" button on the NJTOPPS homepage . You can customize your search by occupation and geographic location. Your search results will provide you with information on the various programs offered by each training provider and allow you to compare programs and providers based on information such as the location and length of training, the costs and any special services that may be offered. The CRC portion of the site gives you the ability to compare training providers by employment outcomes and the starting salary after completion of a program. You can also view program comments and reviews submitted by former students.

How do I enroll in a program listed on the ETPL? (top)

For questions regarding a specific program or to enroll in a specific program you must contact the school or organization directly. Contact information for each program is available by clicking on the "Provider Description" tab within each program listing. This website is for information purposes only.

How can I receive government funding to attend a training program? (top)

Deciding whether or not to pursue additional education or training often relies on one's ability to receiving funding or tuition assistance. New Jersey offers many options for training programs and funding through grants for those who qualify.
Eligibility may depend on a number of factors and can best be determined by contacting a member of the One-Stop Career Center staff.

FOR TRAINING PROVIDERS (top)

How can my school/organization become an approved provider listed on the ETPL? (top)

Step 1 : All training providers seeking ETPL placement must first obtain approval from a qualified government agency in order to offer training programs. Only after this approval is obtained can a training provider apply for ETPL placement. A qualified government agency is an agency authorized by law or regulation to approve a training program. Currently, the following agencies are qualified to approve providers and training programs for schools and organizations located in the State of New Jersey:

Step 2 : All training providers seeking placement on the ETPL under WIOA or State law are required to submit a formal application to the Center for Occupational Employment Information (COEI) . The types of ETPL applications are explained and available for download below:

ETPL Initial Application Packet - This application is to be used by all new training providers seeking ETPL placement that were not previously listed on the ETPL.

ETPL Renewal Application Packet - This application is to be used by all training providers who have already been listed on the ETPL and are seeking to renew their ETPL eligibility.

ETPL Registered Apprenticeship Application Packet - This application is to be used by Registered Apprenticeship programs seeking placement on the ETPL.

ETPL Program Addition/Modification Packet - This application is to be used by providers who are already ETPL approved and wish to add new programs or modify existing programs on the ETPL.

For WIOA Youth/WFNJ Providers:

How can my out-of-state school/organization become an approved provider listed on the ETPL? (top)

An out-of-state training provider that has been determined an eligible training provider under ETPL eligibility procedures in the provider's home state is considered eligible for ETPL placement in New Jersey. Out-of-state eligible training providers must still submit an ETPL application to COEI and include proof of ETPL eligibility in the provider's home state.

My school/organization operates a Registered Apprenticeship program. Does my program have to be on the ETPL? (top)

Registered Apprenticeship programs are only required to be listed on the ETPL if they are seeking to receive any state or federal job training funds. Otherwise, ETPL participation is optional.

Registered Apprenticeship programs are not subject to the same application requirements as all other training providers. Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors that request to be listed on the ETPL are automatically included on the list and will remain as long as the program is registered or until the program sponsor notifies the State that it no longer wants to be included on the list.

COEI shall work directly with the Office of Apprenticeship to semi-annually obtain a listing of all newly Registered Apprenticeship programs in New Jersey. Office of Apprenticeship shall contact all Registered Apprenticeship programs on the list to obtain the programs' interest in ETPL placement. Contacted Registered Apprenticeship programs who wish to be listed on the ETPL must submit the Registered Apprenticeship Application.

Although WIOA does not require Registered Apprenticeship programs to submit program performance information in order to be placed on or remain eligible for ETPL placement, the submission of student information is required pursuant to New Jersey state law. Any Registered Apprenticeship program electing to be added to the ETPL must agree to and adhere to the student record reporting requirements contained in N.J.S.A . 34:15C-10.2.d.

COEI shall work directly with the Office of Apprenticeship to obtain a listing of all deregistered apprenticeship programs at least every two years. Any programs actively listed on the ETPL that are no longer registered with the Office of Apprenticeship will be removed from the ETPL.

Pre-apprenticeship programs do not have the same automatic ETPL status under WIOA as do Registered Apprenticeship programs and must follow the initial application process in order to obtain ETPL placement.

My school/organization is applying for a customized training, youth or DVRS grant. Do I have to be listed on the ETPL? (top)

Yes. Any training provider receiving any state or federal job training funds must be listed on the ETPL. During your grant application, we can add your school/organization to the ETPL in "pending" status. This means that your account is not yet approved and is not visible to the public. Once you are awarded the grant, you must submit an official ETPL application that includes a copy of your grant award letter or contract. Your ETPL account will then be switched from pending status to approved status and will be visible to the public.

Please note that pursuant to State law, an employer who directly provides training and employment services to his own employees is not regarded as a service provider and does not need to be listed on the ETPL. Only training providers that are contracted by employers are required to be listed on the ETPL.

For more information or to add your school/organization as "pending" during a grant application, please contact us at njtopps@dol.nj.gov.

My school/organization is a Title II provider. Do I have to be listed on the ETPL? (top)

Only the lead agency in a Title II consortium is required to be listed on the ETPL. The partner agencies are not required to be listed on the ETPL.

If my program does not receive any state or federal funds does it have to be listed on the ETPL? (top)

No, with the exception of private career schools in New Jersey approved by the DOL or DOE. However, the ETPL is intended to be an online report card that provides information on all providers and programs of occupational training in New Jersey. The NJTOPPS website containing the ETPL and the CRC are available to everyone - not just those seeking training with public funds. Consequently, if you want your program information to be considered by those seeking training, your school and program information should be on the list to avoid being at a competitive disadvantage. If you are not on the list, those seeking training on the NJTOPPS website will not find you and may come to the conclusion that you do not exist or are not approved. In addition, although your program may not receive state or federal training funds at this time, you may want to be eligible in the future.

Please note that there are student record reporting requirements involved in your participation on the ETPL. Click here for a copy of the Provider Agreement to familiarize yourself with all the requirements associated with ETPL participation.

Does placement on the ETPL guarantee that my school/organization/program will receive government funds? (top)

No. Inclusion of a training provider on the ETPL is not an entitlement for a prospective student to receive funding from a local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) or One-Stop Career Center, nor a requirement that the WIB or One-Stop make any referrals to the training provider. All potential providers must satisfy specific eligibility criteria established by the State and the WIB to be eligible to receive students paid for with public funds. The selection of an appropriate provider is a mutual decision made by the One-Stop Counselor and the prospective student.

What is a CIP Code? (top)

The Classification of Instructional Program Code (CIP) is a national coding system that standardizes definitions for training programs. It supports the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completions activity. CIP was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 1980, with revisions occurring in 1985, 1990, 2000 and 2010.

The CIP taxonomy is available online here . In addition, New Jersey has implemented CIP codes for training programs offered, where no official codes were assigned. Please click here to view the complete list of CIP codes, and specific codes used in New Jersey only.

All programs listed on the ETPL must have a CIP code assigned to it. Programs can only have one CIP code.

What is the Labor Demand Occupations List? (top)

The Demand Occupations List can help career counselors and their clients find relevant skills training programs; shows you where skills gaps are present in the current economy, as well as the size of the skills shortage; and, anticipated employer need for trained workers in the listed fields.

Additionally, One-Stop Career Centers may not be able to refer students to your program if it does not correspond to a Demand Occupation. Click here to view the Demand Occupations page of the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development's website. You can view or download the list of Demand Occupations that includes the CIP code and Program Titles associated with the code.

L ocal and regional waivers to the Labor Demand Occupations list may be requested by Workforce Development Boards.  Click here to view a list of approved waivers.

What if I forgot my username and/or password? (top)

If you are a training provider and forgot your username and/or password, please contact us via email at njtopps@dol.nj.gov with your school/organization name, location and your Federal Employer Identification Number. Your login credentials will be emailed back to you. We cannot provide usernames and passwords over the phone.

How do I make changes to my programs listed on the ETPL or add new programs? (top)

If you are a training provider that has already received ETPL approval and you wish to add new programs or make changes to existing programs, you must complete the ETPL Program Addition/Modification Packet and submit it to COEI.

Private Career Schools who must submit program additions and modifications to the NJ Department of Education (DOE) and/or the NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DOL) on a Section J form are exempt from submitting the Program Addition/Modification Form. Approved Section J forms will be used for program additions or modifications on the ETPL and are automatically forwarded to the ETPL office after DOE or DOL approval. COEI will update these approved programs on the ETPL within 30 calendar days of receipt of an approved Section J form and notify the provider in writing once the update is complete.

What student record information must be reported by training providers? (top)

Each training provider on the ETPL must provide a record for each student enrolled in the programs listed, regardless of funding source. Private pay students as well as government funded students must be reported. The reported information must include participant Social Security Number, gender, date of birth, date of enrollment, date of completion or termination, and other information as specified by COEI.

Why do providers have to submit students' Social Security Numbers? (top)

To calculate the employment rates and salaries for training providers and programs listed on the ETPL, the students' SSNs submitted by providers are cross matched with wage data collected by the State. States collect wage data from employers covered by the Unemployment Compensation Law. These employers are required to report wage data for their employees on a quarterly basis (every three months) to the State government. The wage data assists the State in determining eligibility for UI benefits for those who lose their jobs, and it is used to determine each employer's UI payroll tax. It is important to note that not all workers who are employed are included in the UI wage database. The largest groups of workers not included in UI wage records are self-employed workers, individuals who work for religious organizations, federal civilian employees, and military personnel.

No personally identifiable information regarding a student, including SSNs, student identification number, or other identifier, may be disclosed without the prior written consent of the parent or student in compliance with section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g).

How will the system ensure the confidentiality for all participants in the system? (top)

All data will be used in aggregate form only and significant efforts are made to ensure the data displayed or reported cannot be traced to any individual.

It is understood that this is sensitive information and acquisition and use of a student record containing the student's SSN will be governed by the provisions of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §406, Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. §522a, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g. Federal law does not prohibit a State or local agency from requesting voluntary disclosure by an individual to provide his/her SSN as long as the requests for disclosure are made in accordance with the Privacy Act.

When do I have to enter/upload student records? (top)

All training providers submitting student records into the ETPL system must do so on a quarterly basis following the schedule outlined below:

Time Period Reporting Deadline
July 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021 October 15, 2021
October 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021 January 15, 2022
January 1, 2022 - March 31, 2022 April 15, 2022
April 1, 2022 - June 30, 2022 July 15, 2022

How do I enter/upload student records? (top)

Click here for detailed instructions on how to enter/upload student records.

Some providers such as colleges, universities and Title II providers report student records into systems other than the NJTOPPS website for certain programs. Providers who submit student records into the following systems are considered to meet the student record reporting requirements for the ETPL:

Are there minimum performance standards in place for ETPL eligibility? (top)

Statewide minimum performance standards will not be set during the implementation year (beginning August 1, 2016) as eligibility criteria for training programs to be placed on the ETPL. In subsequent years, COEI will report to the State Employment and Training Commission on the status of the performance data available and submit a recommendation regarding whether statewide minimum performance standards should be set for ETPL eligibility.

However, the local areas may establish additional criteria for program eligibility within a local area, including the establishment of minimum required levels of performance as criteria for training providers to become or remain eligible to provide services in that particular local area. Training providers should be aware that programs may be approved for some local areas and denied for others based on local criteria and the approved local areas for each training provider will be listed on this page as local areas are instructed to notify COEI if performance standards are created.