Each provider that wishes to accept court-referred participants must be certified by the Office of Court Administration. In order to receive certification, potential providers must submit a certification application and any requested materials to the program director and be in compliance prior to being eligible to receive court-referred participants. A provider is under a continuing duty to advise the program director of changes in its education and awareness program or administration, including changes in staff, contact information, presenters/facilitators, locations, and class schedules.

To receive certification, a provider must submit information and documentation that demonstrates that it is in compliance with the guidelines. Each provider must submit three copies of the application and appended materials for each program, which must address all of the elements. If a provider expects that it will not be able to comply with a requirement, an explanation must be provided. A provider may also be required to submit additional information and materials for continued certification or re-certification, or in the event a complaint or other information is received by the program director indicating that the program may not be in compliance with the guidelines.

A waiver or modification of one or more of the requirements for certification or re-certification may be requested by a provider and must be included in the provider's application as well as in the cover letter to the application. Requests must be made by letter to the program director sent via first class mail. Such request may be granted in the discretion of the program director in consultation with the Chief Administrator of the Courts or his or her designee after review and consideration of the impact of the deviation upon the underlying intent and purpose of the guidelines.

Certification applications shall be reviewed by the program director in a timely manner. After a satisfactory initial review of the application, an on-site review of the program shall be conducted by the program director or his or her designee. During the on-site review, the program director shall observe the presentation of a full program cycle and may interview the program administrator. To promote consistency in the review process, the program director shall use a uniform written instrument to evaluate the programs. The determination of the program director shall be communicated to the provider by letter sent via first class mail. The opportunity for a provider to seek a review of any denial of certification or re-certification or suspension or revocation of certification shall be in accordance with the provisions set forth in the guidelines.

Approved providers will be compiled in a list that will be updated and distributed regularly to the courts, Supreme and County and Family Court Chief Clerks, and others, as appropriate, and posted on the program website. A provider is required to keep the program director apprised of its current information. Approved providers may indicate in advertisements and other uses that their program is certified by the Office of Court Administration.