Expedited E-learning Course Approvals
This page contains instructions for currently accredited training providers on how to amend their accreditations in order to offer an electronic (e-learning) course component using a course and learning management system from an EPA-accredited training provider to provide e-learning training.
While the six hours of course lecture content requirement is met by the e-learning course component, students are still required to complete at least two hours of hands-on skills, have those skills assessed, and take a final in-person exam before being certified.
In order to be accredited to offer e-learning, a training provider must be the responsible party for both the on-line and the hands-on portion of the training. The e-learning online component provider may have a contractual relationship with the hands-on provider, but the principal instructor and all other requirements, such as training notification, is the responsibility of the accredited training provider.
All amendments (requests) to add an already-reviewed e-learning course to an already-accredited training provider’s record MUST include a cover letter, the training provider application, and a quality control (QC) plan that addresses the e-learning course component implementation requirements. The package MUST be sent via email to Mike Wilson (wilson.mike@epa.gov).
Application Instructions
To apply to offer an already-reviewed e-learning course, the accredited training provider is only required to complete the following sections of the training provider application form (pdf) :
- Section A.
- Select the third option for "Adding jurisdiction[s] to accreditation/amending accreditation." You will be submitting an amendment. Select the box for "Renovator" and "I" for initial. In the second rectangular box below the table, write "electronic learning format." Do not enter a fee amount; you will not be charged a fee when adding an already-reviewed e-learning curriculum as an already-accredited training provider.
- Section B.
- Fill out the name of training provider and address ONLY. Enter the location for the facility in which you will be offering the hands-on portion of the training.
- Section F.
- Select "Renovator" in the row for "Other LBP Training."
- Section G.
- Enter "adding e-learning curriculum" and include the web address of the training curriculum you will be using.
- Sign and date the form.
E-learning QC Plan Instructions
In addition to the application, the amendment request must also include a QC plan that meets all of the e-learning course component implementation requirements. This includes procedures for how the training provider will ensure that:
- Students successfully complete the e-learning modules and the e-learning module final assessment prior to attending the in-person portion;
- The training provider has a system or internal process to verify that the online training was completed (e.g., a log-in to the e-learning system that allows a training provider to view or search for a student's status, or an ability to send a registration list to the e-learning provider to match against completion records);
- Students complete the required in-person training activities (minimum 2 hours for initial courses);
- Students complete the in-person hands-on skills assessment;
- Students complete the in-person final course exam (identical to the exam for those who took an in-class lecture); and
- The training provider complies with both the pre- and post-notification requirements for the in-person portion of the training.
The QC plan must also include a web address where the e-learning course content can be reviewed and audited and a username and password that EPA can use to access the course. This is necessary so that EPA can verify that the correct already-accepted course is being used and can be audited after accreditation.
Cover Letter
In addition to the application and QC plan, the expedited process requires a cover letter which must reference the expedited approval process, specify that the training provider is already accredited, and specify the e-learning course curriculum that will be used. The training provider must affirm that the training provider is only requesting to amend their accreditation in order to offer an e-learning course. The letter MUST specify that the training provider will not be making additional modifications to their accreditation such as changes to the hands-on activities, student-to-teacher ratio, facility information, or permanent location vs. traveling trainer location.
Have a Question?
If you have questions about applying for accreditation and/or maintaining your RRP training provider accreditation, please visit: