ATS Application Steps for NCCER Accreditation (Established programs wanting to transfer to My NCCER ATS oversite)

(This page is Under Construction)

Based on NCCER guidelines, an “ATS sponsored training program” likely refers to a Training Unit (TU) operating under an Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS). TUs are specific locations or programs (e.g., job sites, schools, or facilities) that deliver NCCER training. If you’re looking to transfer a TU from one ATS to another (e.g., taking over a program from another sponsor), note that ATS accreditation itself is non-transferable. However, TUs can be closed under one ATS and reopened under another through a formal closure/transfer process. This ensures continuity for trainees while maintaining compliance.

Trainee credentials and records are stored in NCCER’s central registry and are portable, so they automatically carry over without separate action. If this query is about an individual trainee switching ATS (not a program transfer), refer to the steps for enrolling with a new ATS while linking existing records.

If you’re the new ATS taking over the program, follow these steps derived from NCCER’s Accredited Training Sponsor Guidelines.

Step-by-Step Process for Transferring a Training Program (TU) to a New ATS

1. Initiate Notification to NCCER:
   • The TU (or the current ATS if coordinating) must email NCCER Support at support@nccer.org to request the transfer.
   • Include details such as:
     • Current ATS name and Sponsor Representative contact info.
     • New ATS name and Sponsor Representative contact info.
     • TU details (location, program focus, active trainees).
     • Reason for transfer.
   • This starts the official process. NCCER will provide guidance and may reference the TU Closure/Transfer Checklist (available on their support site at support.nccer.org; search for it in the resources section).
2. Close the TU Under the Original ATS:
   • The TU gathers all training documentation, including:
     • Registration & Release Forms (Form 100) for all trainees.
     • Completed performance profiles.
     • Module test answer sheets and results (Form 200 submissions).
     • Any other records like attendance logs or audit materials.
   • Return these documents to the original ATS for recordkeeping and potential audit.
   • The original ATS reviews and organizes the files to ensure compliance with NCCER’s 3-year record retention policy.
3. Prepare the New ATS for the Transfer:
   • As the new ATS, confirm your accreditation is active and that you have the capacity to oversee the TU (e.g., certified instructors, facilities).
   • Draft and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the TU. This outlines responsibilities, compliance with NCCER guidelines, and program administration.
   • Register the TU in NCCER’s system via the Registry or Learning Management System (LMS). Log in at nccer.org and submit a TU registration application.
4. Conduct Required Audits and Setup:
   • The original ATS may need to undergo a closure audit if requested by NCCER.
   • The new ATS treats the transferred TU as a new addition and schedules an initial audit (typically virtual or on-site) within 6-12 months, or sooner if activity begins immediately.
   • Use NCCER’s Accredited Training Program Audit Checklist (available at support.nccer.org) to prepare. This includes verifying instructor certifications, curriculum access, and testing procedures.
5. Transition Trainee Records and Resume Operations:
   • Trainee records remain in NCCER’s national registry—no manual transfer needed. Instruct trainees to provide their NCCER card numbers when enrolling with the new ATS.
   • Submit new Form 100 (Registration & Release) if updates are required.
   • Begin or resume training: Assign courses via the LMS, administer modules, and submit completions to the registry.
   • NCCER will review the transfer and notify all parties (original ATS, new ATS, TU) once approved. This may take a few weeks.
6. Monitor and Comply Post-Transfer:
   • Ensure ongoing compliance with NCCER policies (e.g., annual fees, instructor training).
   • If issues arise (e.g., duplicate records), contact NCCER Registry Support at registry@nccer.org or 888-622-3720.
   • For international TUs or special cases (e.g., mergers), provide additional documentation like proof of business changes.

Important Notes

• Non-Transferability: Full ATS accreditation cannot be transferred; if this involves a merger or acquisition, notify NCCER separately with updated business proof and insurance.
• Costs and Timeline: Expect potential fees for audits or registrations. The process can take 4-8 weeks, depending on documentation completeness.
• If This Is a Trainee-Level Transfer: If you’re an individual moving between ATS-sponsored programs, it’s simpler—no formal transfer. Just enroll with the new ATS, provide your NCCER ID, and they link to your existing registry records.
• Resources: For the exact TU Closure/Transfer Checklist, visit support.nccer.org and search under “Forms & Audit Checklists.” If unavailable publicly, request it via email to support@nccer.org.
• Contact NCCER directly for personalized assistance, as processes may vary by case.

If this doesn’t align with your intent (e.g., transferring credentials as a trainee or something else), provide more details like your role (trainee, ATS admin, etc.).

An Explanation of what a (MOU) is and how it works

In the context of NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal, signed agreement between two separate organizations—typically an Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS) and a training location such as a Training Unit (TU), Accredited Training Unit (ATU), or Accredited Training and Education Facility (ATEF).

The primary purpose of the MOU is to outline mutual goals and establish a collaborative framework for delivering NCCER-accredited training programs. These goals focus on improving professionalism in the construction industry through standardized training, safety practices, and certification via NCCER’s processes and national registry.

Key Details of an NCCER MOU

NCCER provides a sample MOU (available as a DOCX template on their support site) that organizations can use or adapt. While use of the exact sample is not mandatory, the MOU should include the following core elements:

• Mutual Goals and Objectives:
  • Commitment to advancing construction industry professionalism.
  • Emphasis on high-quality training, safety, and credentialing through NCCER’s curriculum, testing, and registry system.
• Roles and Obligations of the ATS (Accredited Training Sponsor):
  • Provide administrative oversight, technical support, and resources to the training location.
  • Ensure compliance with NCCER accreditation guidelines (e.g., instructor certifications, recordkeeping, audits).
  • Handle submission of trainee records (e.g., Form 200 for module completions) to the NCCER registry.
  • Offer guidance on curriculum access, testing procedures, and program maintenance.
• Roles and Obligations of the Training Location (TU/ATU/ATEF):
  • Uphold NCCER standards, including proper training delivery, documentation, and security of materials.
  • Maintain facilities, qualified instructors, and compliance with policies.
  • Complete required forms (e.g., trainee Registration & Release Forms) and adhere to record retention rules.
  • Cooperate during audits and report any issues promptly.
• Additional Custom Conditions:
  • Parties can add specific terms relevant to their partnership (e.g., resource sharing, cost responsibilities, termination clauses).
  • All added conditions must be clearly stated in plain language understood by both sides.
• Notification and Termination Provisions:
  • Both parties agree to provide advance notice if they cannot meet any responsibilities or if the agreement needs to be dissolved.

Important Characteristics

• The MOU is not a legally binding contract in the strict sense (like a full operating agreement with enforceable penalties). Instead, it demonstrates good-faith intent to collaborate and achieve shared objectives.
• It serves as a foundational document to clarify expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and support successful program delivery.
• In scenarios like transferring a training program (e.g., moving a TU to a new ATS), an MOU between the new ATS and the training location helps formalize the ongoing partnership and responsibilities post-transfer.

How to Access or Use It

• NCCER’s sample MOU is referenced in their support resources (e.g., at support.nccer.org under articles like “Sample Operating Agreement – Memorandum of Understanding”).
• For the latest version or assistance tailoring one, contact NCCER Support at support@nccer.org or review the Accredited Training Sponsor Guidelines (available on nccer.org).
• If you’re setting up or transferring a program, the MOU is often required or strongly recommended during TU registration or audit processes.

This helps ensure smooth oversight, compliance, and continuity for trainees whose records remain portable in the NCCER registry regardless of sponsor changes.

If you have a specific context (e.g., you’re drafting one for a TU transfer or need help interpreting a clause), share more details for tailored guidance!