For the purposes of this chapter, “eligible certificate program” means a program meeting all of the following criteria:

1. 1. The program is aligned with a certificate, diploma, or degree for credit, is either not offered for credit or is offered for short-term credit that is not eligible under the federal Pell grant program, and does any of the following:

   1. a. Offers a state, national, or locally recognized certificate.
   2. b. Offers preparation for a professional examination or licensure.
   3. c. Provides endorsement for an existing credential or license.
   4. d. Represents recognized skill standards defined by an industrial sector.
   5. e. Offers a similar credential or training.

2. 2. The program offers training or a credential in an in-demand occupation. For the purposes of this chapter, “in-demand occupation” includes occupations in the following industries:

   1. a. Information technology.
   2. b. Health care.
   3. c. Advanced manufacturing.
   4. d. Transportation and logistics.
   5. e. Any other industry designated as in-demand by a local workforce development board established pursuant to section 84A.4.

2011 Acts, ch 132, §84, 106; 2016 Acts, ch 1118, §20, 21; 2023 Acts, ch 111, §31