Requirements for Returning to Training During COVID-19

Instructions for Resumption of Training by DSHS Community Instructors

Per Governor Inslee’s Roadmap to Recovery

Reference Links

This page provides instructions for Community Instructors to resume training, according to the Governor’s Roadmap to Recovery phased approach. Community Instructors must read the requirements and submit documentation according to their county’s phase. (See the reopening guidance on Governor Jay Inslee’s website)

Phase 1 - Higher Education & Critical Infrastructure Workforce Training

In Phase 1, work and instructional activities that do not require workers and students to be closer than six-feet together may resume. If a work or instructional activity requires workers or students to be closer than six-feet, it is not considered low-risk and is not authorized. Virtual training is encouraged.  Read the full Phase 1 guidelines.

Phase 2 - Higher Education & Workforce Training

In Phase 2, all non-lecture training, including those activities for which physical distancing may not be maintained, is authorized to resume. Adherence to the health and safety points with the requirements will be strictly enforced. Virtual training is encouraged for lecture-based training.  Read the full Phase 2 guidelines.

Phase 3

If your training includes person-to-person skills training, follow the Phase 2 guidelines and complete the Pre-Training Requirements for Community Instructors outlined below. If your training does not include person-to-person skills training, follow the Phase 1 guidelines and complete the Pre-Training Requirements for Community Instructors outlined below. 

Phase 4

This page will be updated to include Phase 4 guidelines when they become available through the Governor’s website.

IMPORTANT: Training Plans Must be Updated if the Operating County Phase Changes

Community Instructors/Training entities are required to notify DSHS if they move into a different phase and submit updated plans. Due to the unknown and unpredictable nature of COVID-19, it is possible that counties will move back and forth between phases. If this occurs:

  • COVID-19 plans must meet or exceed the requirements for the most-current phase assigned to the operating county/counties.
  • Programs approved for an earlier, more restrictive phase will not need to submit another plan to continue training. 
  • Programs approved for a less restrictive phase and then moved to a more restrictive phase will need to submit an updated plan to comply with the more restrictive requirements if they plan to continue training. For example:
    • An instructor is initially approved for a Phase 4 plan
    • The county is reassigned to Phase 2
    • The instructor must submit an updated plan that addresses Phase 2 requirements to continue training.

Pre-Training Requirements for Community Instructors

PLEASE NOTE: You must complete all of the following steps before resuming training.  These steps differ depending on whether you are licensed with the Workforce Training and Education Board (WTB) or not.

If You Are a Community Instructor Licensed With the WTB

  1. Check the Governor’s website to determine your county’s Phase status then read the requirements for that phase.
  2. Submit a comprehensive COVID-19 plan to the WTB. Use the requirements according to the Community Instructor’s county and phase. See the WTB website for detailed instructions.
  3. Once approved by the WTB, forward your approval email to DSHS at TrainingApprovalTPC@dshs.wa.gov.

If You Are a Community Instructor NOT LICENSED With the WTB

  1. Read the requirements thoroughly.
  2. Create a comprehensive COVID-19 plan. The plan must reflect the Community Instructor’s/Training Entity’s training county and phase, and address each requirement outlined in that phase.
  3. Read and sign the Resumption of Training Attestation form.
  4. Email your plan and signed Attestation form to DSHS at TrainingApprovalTPC@dshs.wa.gov.
  5. You will receive an email approval when your plan has been approved. You may then resume training according to your submitted and approved plan
  6. Community Instructors/Training Entities are required to monitor county status and phases; and adjust their plans and practices accordingly.

Virtual Learning

Complete the following steps if you plan to provide virtual training for DSHS-approved curriculum:

  1. Read the Virtual Classroom and Online Training Standards.
  2. Complete the DSHS Virtual Classroom Training Application.
  3. Submit the application to DSHS at TrainingApprovalTPC@dshs.wa.gov.

If your training content has not been approved by DSHS, please apply for instructor and training program approval.