Cal. LAB § 3078.5

(a) The term of apprenticeship may be measured either through the completion of the industry standard for hours of on-the-job learning and related and supplemental instruction, attainment of competency, or a hybrid blend of the time-based and competency-based approaches. However, programs in the building and construction trades and for firefighters shall use the time-based approach.

(1) The time-based approach measures skill acquisition through the individual apprentice’s completion of at least 144 hours of related and supplemental instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning as described in a work process schedule.

(2) The competency-based approach measures skill acquisition through the individual apprentice’s successful demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge, as verified by the program sponsor. Programs utilizing this approach shall require apprentices to complete no less than six months of an on-the-job learning component of registered apprenticeship. The program standards shall address how on-the-job learning will be integrated into the program, describe competencies, meet industry-recognized standards or certifications, and identify an appropriate means of testing and evaluation for such competencies.

(3) The hybrid approach measures the individual apprentice’s skill acquisition through a combination of specified minimum number of hours of on-the-job learning and the successful demonstration of competency as described in a work process schedule. Programs utilizing this approach shall require apprentices to complete no less than six months of an on-the-job learning component of registered apprenticeship.

(4) Term measures shall be set forth in the program standards and shall be subject to approval by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards based on the appropriateness of the measures for the apprenticeable occupations to which they apply.

(b) Programs utilizing the competency-based or hybrid approach and that issue interim credentials must identify each type or stage for issuing an interim credential, demonstrate how the credentials link to the components of the apprenticeable occupation, and establish a process for assessing an apprentice’s demonstration of competency associated with the particular interim credential. Interim credentials may only be issued for recognized components of an apprenticeable occupation and specifically link the credentials to the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with those components.