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  2. Vocational Rehabilitation
  3. Service Providers
  4. Service Provider Qualification Requirements

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Service Provider Qualification Requirements (SPQR)

March 2026

Printable Version of SPQR Overview PDF

DVR is establishing minimum qualification requirements for Service Providers delivering key employment services. These requirements ensure providers have foundational training in disability, employment, and person-centered practices, supporting consistent, high-quality services across Wisconsin.

Why these requirements matter:

These requirements:

  • Align with national best practices and similar requirements by other agencies.
  • Promote equity and consistent service quality statewide.
  • Ensure providers can meet diverse consumer needs.
  • Support professional development for provider staff.
  • Clarify DVR expectations for service delivery partners.

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Service Provider staff must meet the qualification requirements through one of the following pathways:

  1. ACRE-Approved Training
    • Completed training from an ACRE-approved vendor.
    • Training counts regardless of when it was completed.
    • See the ACRE website for a list of approved training providers.
  2. CESP Certification
    • Active Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential through the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).
    • Nationally recognized certification earned through a competency-based exam.
    • Certification counts as long as the credential is active.
  3. Alternative Training Plan
    • Internal or external training aligned with DVR core competency expectations.
    • Requires DVR preapproval and documentation of curriculum and outcomes.
    • Provides flexibility while maintaining quality standards.

Training outside of ACRE or CESP pathways must be submitted through the Alternative Training Plan process and approved prior to counting toward qualification requirements.

Note: Only one pathway is required - not all three.

  • Deadline: All Service Provider staff delivering covered services must meet qualification requirements by July 1, 2027.
  • Existing staff: Must meet the requirements by this date.
  • New hires (after July 1, 2027): Have nine months from their hire date to complete the requirements.
  • Ongoing professional development: DVR encourages providers to continue supporting staff skill development. While a formal continuing education requirement is not being implemented at this time, DVR may explore future opportunities to promote ongoing learning.

See also:

  • These requirements apply to all Service Provider staff delivering the following statewide services:
    • Customized Employment (CE)
    • Internship/Temporary Work (I/TW)
    • Job and Task Analysis & Systematic Instruction (JTA & SI)
    • Job Preparation, Development, Hire, and Retention (JP, JD, Hire and Ret)
    • Student Work-Based Learning Services (SWBL)
    • Supported Employment (SE)
  • Note: Qualification requirements for Individual Placement and Support (IPS), Vocational Evaluation (VE) and Work Incentive Benefits Services (WIBS) are not changing at this time.

This page provides guidance only and is not a comprehensive policy document.