ATS Application Steps for NCCER Accreditation

To become an Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS) with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), organizations follow a structured process. The guidelines below are based on NCCER’s Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS) Guidelines (last referenced version from 2022, with updates noted through 2022 streamlining efforts). As of 2026, no significantly newer public guidelines were found, but processes may have minor updates—always verify directly via nccer.org or by contacting support@nccer.org for the latest details.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying:

• Your organization must have been in business for at least 12 months.
• Maintain a commercial business address (no residential addresses).
• Possess appropriate facilities and equipment for training and testing.
• Eligible entities include contractors, associations, educational institutions, government agencies, and others deemed suitable by NCCER.
• International organizations: Contact NCCER for case-by-case eligibility.

Detailed Application Steps

1. Designate a Sponsor Representative Identify an individual to serve as the primary Sponsor Representative (the main liaison with NCCER). This person will oversee the program and must complete required NCCER training. A Secondary Sponsor Representative is optional but recommended.
2. Prepare and Submit the Application Complete the ATS application form (available through NCCER’s portal or upon request). Submit with the following supporting documents:
   • Proof of business existence (e.g., business license, certificate of incorporation) showing at least 1 year in operation.
   • Three letters of recommendation from clients/customers (on company letterhead, dated within 3-5 months, attesting to organizational reputation).
   • Organizational chart including names, titles, and contact info (highlighting the Sponsor Representative).
   • Signed ATS Integrity, Security, & Confidentiality Agreement.
   • Photographs of training facilities, equipment, and testing spaces.
   • Additional for educational institutions: Proof of state accreditation, evidence of an active industry advisory board (e.g., meeting minutes), and job placement/career services documentation (e.g., brochures or website screenshots).
3. NCCER Review NCCER reviews your submission. They may request additional information. If approved, you pay a non-refundable application fee.
4. Complete Required Training NCCER registers your Sponsor Representative (and Secondary, if applicable) for mandatory training on policies, procedures, Registry systems, and roles. Upon completion, your organization advances to Candidate status.
5. Advance to Full Accreditation
   • As a Candidate, begin delivering training and assessments.
   • Schedule and pass an initial accreditation audit (typically within 6-12 months of Candidate status, after demonstrating activity).
   • Audits verify compliance (facilities, records, personnel, etc.). They can be in-person or virtual.
   • Successful audit grants full Accredited status.

Timeline and Ongoing Requirements

• Applicant phase: Complete within 12 months or restart the process.
• Candidate phase: Start training/testing within 12 months.
• Full accreditation: Reaccreditation audits every 3 years.
• Annual obligations: Submit accreditation survey/report; pay annual maintenance fee (due January). Non-compliance risks suspension or revocation.

Additional Notes

• Self-assessment is integrated into the application (post-2022 updates).
• Organizations no longer need separate NCCER-specific policies if internal ones meet/exceed guidelines.
• For the latest application form, fees, or to start: Visit nccer.org (look for “Become NCCER Accredited” on the homepage) or contact NCCER support.

This process ensures organizations meet NCCER’s high standards for delivering credible, portable credentials. Contact NCCER directly for personalized guidance or current forms.