(a) There are three approaches to determine the progression of an apprentice through a program. They are:

1. (1) the time-based approach;
2. (2) the competency-based approach; and
3. (3) the hybrid approach.

(b) The approach taken is specific to the program. The determination of the approach is made by the sponsor, subject to approval by the commissioner that the approach is appropriate to the trade for which the program is registered. A program can utilize only one approach at a time, may not change approaches without department approval, and may not change its approach while on probation.

1. (1) Sponsor documentation for purposes of establishing such a program shall include statements setting forth:

   1. (i) the term (length) of the program;
   2. (ii) the work processes in which the apprentice will receive supervised work experience and training on-the-job and the allocation of the approximate amount of time to be spent learning each skill;
   3. (iii) an outline of the topics to be covered in related and supplemental instruction; and
   4. (iv) the apprentice probation period, in months.

2. (2) Documentation required for purposes of authenticating an apprentice’s progress in attaining the skills and knowledge of the trade shall include, but not be limited to:

   1. (i) a blue book or approved alternative; and

   2. (ii) copies of transcripts of classes taken from related and supplemental instruction providers, or documentation of in-house instruction including but not limited to attendance records, class instruction outlines, and copies of tests.

      (d) Competency-based approach.

3. (1) Apprentices in competency-based programs shall participate in on-the-job training and related and supplemental instruction until they have demonstrated a competency for each skill in the work process and each topic on the related instruction outline.

4. (2) Sponsor documentation for purposes of establishing such a program shall include statements setting forth:

   1. (i) the term of the program (the term is determined by the length of an equivalent time-based program in the same trade);
   2. (ii) an outline of the work processes in which the apprentice will receive supervised work experience and on-the-job training, which shall identify each of the competencies to be mastered;
   3. (iii) an outline of the topics to be covered in related and supplemental instruction;

   4. (iv) the identification of a nationally and industry recognized means of testing and evaluation to measure knowledge and proficiency in each of the required competencies, as well as a qualified, independent, third-party provider that will do the testing, including:

      1. (a) a description of the written proficiency measurement instrument(s) to be used; and
      2. (b) a description of the hands-on proficiency measurement instrument(s) to be used;
   5. (v) a description of the controlled learning environment in which the proficiency measurement instruments will be administered; and
   6. (vi) the apprentice probation period, in months.
5. (3) Competency shall be demonstrated by both appropriate written and hands-on proficiency measurements. Administration of these measurements shall be at the sponsor’s expense.

6. (4) Documentation for purposes of authenticating an apprentice’s progress in attaining the skills and knowledge of the trade shall include, but not be limited to:

   1. (i) identifying the written proficiency measurement instrument used;
   2. (ii) identifying the hands-on proficiency measurement instrument used;
   3. (iii) identifying the controlled learning environment in which the instruments were administered;
   4. (iv) identifying the third-party expert(s) who conducted the hands-on evaluation of skills, and detailing his/her qualifications;
   5. (v) identifying the third-party proctor(s) who administered any written examinations, including his/her qualifications;
   6. (vi) the results on both the written and hands-on measurements of the apprentice’s competencies, including a detailed description of each apprentice’s individual, hands-on, competency evaluation; and

   7. (vii) documentation that demonstrates that the apprentice has engaged in at least 1,000 hours of on-the-job training.

      (e) Hybrid approach.

7. (1) The hybrid approach is a competency-based program that also requires a minimum number of hours of on-the-job training to be spent in the attainment of each skill prior to testing.
8. (2) Sponsor documentation for purposes of establishing such a program shall include all the documentation requirements for a competency-based program plus a training outline that delineates the minimum hourly requirements for completion of each skill.

9. (3) Documentation required for purposes of authenticating what an apprentice has accomplished shall include, but not be limited to:

   1. (i) all the documentation requirements for a competency-based program;
   2. (ii) a blue book or an approved alternative; and
   3. (iii) related and supplemental instruction attendance records.

(c) Time-based approach.