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Eligible Training Types for California Training Benefits

If you are eligible, California Training Benefits (CTB) allows you to receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits while you attend school or training. On this page, you’ll find:

  • A complete list of training types for each category.
  • Eligibility requirements for each program.
  • Instructions on how to report school or training to the EDD.
  • Information on how to apply for CTB.

If approved for CTB, you will be exempt from the requirements to be available for work, to actively seek work, and to accept work, while attending school or training. It is important that you continue to certify for UI benefits while you attend school or training.

If you are not eligible for CTB, you may continue to receive UI benefits while attending school as long as you meet all other UI eligibility criteria. You must be able to work, available for work, actively seek work, and accept work each week you certify for benefits.

Note: The EDD does not pay for any educational or training-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, or transportation. However, there are state, federal, and employer assistance programs that may fund your school or training. Self-arranged training may require that you pay your own expenses.

Government Organized Trainings

The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides job seekers and workers access to employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. The program matches employers with skilled employees to compete in today’s economy.

For more information, visit Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

To apply for CTB under WIOA, follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete a WIOA Assessment.

To meet the eligibility requirements for CTB under WIOA funding, visit the nearest America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM (AJCC) to receive an assessment of your training needs. Once your assessment is complete, your career planner will work with you to determine your best training or re-employment option.

Step 2: Report school or training.

Your training representative must fax and submit a Training Enrollment Verification (DE 3422D) form to the EDD when you begin attending WIOA funded or sponsored training.

You must also report school or training to the EDD the same week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Process the Training Enrollment Verification (DE 3422D) form.

We process the Training Enrollment Verification (DE 3422D) form within a few business days. If we need more information, we will send you a Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800) to schedule a phone interview.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

Step 4: Receive a notification of your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on the Training Enrollment Verification (DE 3422D), or during the eligibility interview. You will receive a Notice of Determination/Ruling (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) provides funding to employers to upgrade the skills of their employees. ETP leads workers to well-paying, long-term jobs through proper training opportunities.

To apply for CTB through ETP, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet ETP eligibility requirements.

ETP has specific eligibility requirements. Make sure your training is sponsored by one of the following groups:

  • Employers who pay into the Employer Training Tax fund.
  • Single employers who pay UI tax.
  • A group of employers including the Chamber of Commerce, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees, Trade Associations, or Economic Development Corporations.
Step 2: Report school or training.

Report school or training to the EDD the same week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an application.

After you have reported the start of your school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE 4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI to inquire.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on your application or during the eligibility interview. You will receive a Notice of Determination/Ruling (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a federal program that assists US workers who have lost their jobs due to foreign trade. The program provides affected workers with opportunities for:

  • Workforce skills.
  • Career counseling.
  • Job searches.
  • Relocation allowances.
  • Potential income support for workers in training programs.
  • Wage supplements for older workers.

View the Trade Adjustment Assistance Fact Sheet (DE 8714X) (PDF) for more information.

To apply for CTB through TAA, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet TAA eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for TAA, a petition must be filed on your behalf with the Department of Labor by one of the following groups:

After a petition has been filed, you will receive a TAA package with the following materials:

  • Instructions to File a TAA Application (DE 8396)
  • Application for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) (DE 8309)
  • Getting Back to Work After A Trade-Related Layoff pamphlet (DE 8392A)
  • Addressed envelope to the EDD Special Claims Office
Step 2: Submit TAA documentation to the EDD and schedule an appointment.

To qualify for the TAA program, you must submit an Application for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) (DE 8309).

After you submit your application, we will contact you about your eligibility, and mail you instructions to complete the process. Schedule an appointment for a training plan assessment with a TAA specialist at the nearest AJCC to determine your training needs.

Step 3: Report school or training.

Once your training begins, your TAA specialist will submit the Training Enrollment Verification (DE 3422TAA) form and your training contract to the Special Claims Office.

We will process your Training Enrollment Verification (DE 3422TAA) form within 24 hours of receiving it. If more information is needed, we will contact you.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on the application or during the eligibility interview. You will receive a Notice of Determination/Ruling (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

The CalWORKs Welfare to Work program provides funding for training that is necessary for employment. The program provides monthly assistance to families who have children living at home and are in financial need. Welfare to Work is administered by the Department of Social Services and is available to eligible California residents.

To apply for CTB through CalWORKs, follow these steps

Step 1: Meet CalWORKs eligibility requirements.

You must be part of the CalWORKs Welfare to Work program and be enrolled in school or training. Eligibility is based on citizenship, age, income, assets, resources, and more. For more information, visit CalWORKs.

Step 2: Report school or training.

Report school or training to the EDD during the same week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an application.

Once you have reported the start of your school or training, you may be mailed one of the following forms.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE 4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, contact UI to inquire.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on the application or during your eligibility interview. You will receive a Notice of Determination/Ruling (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

The Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) is a list of state approved training providers who meet WIOA criteria. The list provides customer-focused employment training resources for adults and displaced workers including educational and apprenticeship programs. Participants enrolled in a training program with an approved training provider on the ETPL, verified by the EDD, may be eligible for CTB.

For more information, visit the following resources:

To apply for CTB through ETPL, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet ETPL requirements.

Your training facility and training program must be on the ETPL to qualify for CTB. To locate your training facility and training program, review California ETPL.

Step 2: Report school or training.

Report school or training to the EDD during the same week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an application.

Once you have reported your school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE 4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI to inquire.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on the application or during the eligibility interview. You will receive a Notice of Determination/Ruling (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

Teachers who are unemployed from a public school and who seek an additional credential to become reemployed, can qualify for CTB under the Single Credential Training for Teachers provision. The EDD does not pay for teachers to earn or receive credentials.

To apply for CTB through Single Credential Training for Teachers, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet Single Credential Training for Teachers eligibility.

You must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

  • Attend a program to earn a single-subject teaching credential in math, science, or special education for grades kindergarten-12.
  • Have a permanent layoff from a permanent or probationary teaching position with a public school employer within three years of the start date of the credentialing program. Note: A permanent layoff means you received a notice specifically stating that your services are no longer required.
  • Be enrolled in an approved credential program listed on California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC).
Step 2: Report school or training.

Report school or training to the EDD during the week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an application.

After you have reported your school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms:

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE 4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI to inquire.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on your application or during your phone interview. You will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Determination (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

Union, Trade Association, or Employer Organized Trainings

Journey level union members who participate in industry-related school or training programs may be eligible for CTB. The training must be sponsored and funded by one of the following:

  • Union trade association through a Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) or Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC).
  • Non-union trade association through a JAC or JATC.

To apply for CTB, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet journey level union member eligibility requirements.

You must be a journey level union member in good standing with your union. The EDD will confirm your current union status.

Step 2: Report school or training.

Report school or training to the EDD during the week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an Application.

After you report your school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms:

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI to inquire.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on your application or during your phone interview. You will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Determination (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

Journey level trade association members (union and non-union) who participate in industry-related school or training programs may be eligible for CTB. The training must be sponsored and funded by one of the following:

  • A trade association
  • A union
  • Joint Apprenticeship Committee
  • Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee

Journey level members seeking upgraded certifications often return to the apprenticeship programs under their respective JAC or JATC.

To apply for CTB, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet journey level trade association member eligibility.

You must be a journey level member of a trade association. We will verify with the association that you are a journey level member and authorized to attend the training.

Step 2: Report school or training.

Report your school or training to the EDD during the week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an application.

After you report the start of school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI to inquire.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on your application or during your phone interview. You will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Determination (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

State and federal approved apprenticeship training allows you to attend long-term training while collecting UI benefits and lasts between one and six years.

Eligible training programs must be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards to be potentially eligible for CTB.

Note: You do not need to be a union member to meet the Apprenticeship Training requirements.

To apply for CTB through state or federal apprenticeship training, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet state or federal apprenticeship training eligibility.

You must be a registered apprentice. We will verify your apprenticeship status and the authorization of your training.

Step 2: Report school or training.

Report your school or training to the EDD during the week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an application.

After you report your school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms:

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE 4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI to inquire.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on your application or during your phone interview. You will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Determination (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

Employer-sponsored training allows you to attend industry-related training to upgrade your skills. Training must be funded by your employer to be eligible for CTB.

To apply for CTB, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet employer sponsored training requirements.

Training must be funded and sponsored by the employer and verified by the EDD. The training must upgrade your skills to one of the following:

  • Meet industry demands.
  • Meet changes in technology.
  • Retain employment.
Step 2: Report school or training.

Report school or training to the EDD during the week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3: Complete an application form.

After you report your school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms:

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE 4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on your application or during your phone interview. You will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Determination (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.

Self-Arranged Training

If you are not enrolled in any of the state, federal, or employer-sponsored programs, or other approved categories described on this page, you can arrange and fund your own training. This is known as self-arranged training.

To apply for CTB, follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet self-arranged eligibility requirements.

You must meet all of the following to be eligible for self-arranged training:

  • Be unemployed, or partially unemployed, for four or more continuous weeks, or you are unlikely to return to your most recent workplace for one of the following reasons:
    • Your job was eliminated because of a plant closure.
    • There was substantial reduction in jobs at your most recent workplace.
    • Your job was eliminated.
    • Your hours were significantly reduced due to technological advancements.
    • Your employer relocated outside of your area.
    • A mental or physical disability prevents or limits you from using existing occupational skills.
  • You are unemployed due to a lack of jobs for your current skills within California (such as recessions, seasonal, etc.). The EDD uses data from Labor Market Information to determine the increasing need for your current skills, your training occupations, and other occupations in California.
  • There is an increased need in California for the occupation you are currently training for.
  • Your training is taken at an accredited training facility and can be successfully completed within 24 months, even if UI benefits are not enough to pay for the entire period of training.
  • Your training is full time (typically 20 hours a week, or 12 units per quarter or semester).
  • You have not been approved for CTB in the past three years.

Step 2: Report school or training.

Report school or training to the EDD during the week you begin attending. For more information, visit How to Report School or Training.

Step 3. Complete an application.

After you have reported your school or training, you may receive one of the following application forms.

Important: Provide all necessary information to help us determine your CTB eligibility.

  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application (DE 3100TQ)
  • California Training Benefits (CTB) Application and School or Training Questionnaire (DE 4365TQ)
  • Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility Interview (DE 4800)

If you do not receive one of these forms and want to apply, visit Contact UI to inquire.

Step 4: Receive notification about your CTB eligibility.

Your CTB eligibility is based on the information you provide on your application or during your phone interview. You will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Determination (DE 1080) that contains your CTB eligibility, general rights and responsibilities, and appeal rights.