Demystifying AJC Certification: A Strategic Guide for Local Workforce Development Boards
As workforce systems continue to evolve post-pandemic, Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) are under increasing pressure to operate American Job Centers (AJCs) that are not only compliant with WIOA legislation, but also high-performing, future-ready, and responsive to both jobseeker and business needs.
With shifts in the economy, changing labor force participation, and growing employer expectations, LWDBs must ensure that their AJCs are designed with strategy, alignment, and sustainability in mind. AJC certification is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s an opportunity to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of the workforce delivery system in your region.
At EDSI, we’ve supported workforce systems across the nation in building, certifying, and continuously improving AJCs. This blog provides an in-depth look at what it takes to navigate the certification process under WIOA while positioning your center for long-term success.
Understanding AJC Certification: What It Means Under WIOA
WIOA requires each state to develop objective criteria and a certification process to evaluate AJCs. These standards must assess program effectiveness, physical and programmatic accessibility, and continuous improvement efforts. States revisit and revise their certification criteria every two years as part of the State Plan review.
Local Boards are responsible for implementing this process, which includes interpreting state-level criteria, developing review protocols, and certifying centers accordingly. Certification is a demonstration of compliance, but also a signal of system readiness and service quality.
For a deeper dive into the legislation itself, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s WIOA overview page.
Pro Tip: As part of the certification, LWDBs are required to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with required mandated and other partner agencies. The MOU establishes what services the partner will provide, how they are to be provided, and indicate financial support for center operations.
Building Blocks of a Certified, High-Performing AJC
1. Governance and Strategic Alignment
Strong governance is the backbone of certification. LWDBs must ensure that all foundational documents—such as executed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), functional org charts, and Equal Opportunity policies—are up to date. AJC operations must be aligned with the regional and state workforce strategies, which includes collaboration among mandated partners and clear delineation of roles, responsibilities, and funding structures.
Pro Tip: Many high-performing Boards go beyond the minimum by establishing local benchmarks that exceed state criteria, setting the tone for excellence and continuous improvement.
2. Integrated Service Delivery and Accessibility
WIOA emphasizes customer-centered service integration. AJCs should offer streamlined access to services through multiple channels—whether in-person, virtually, or via direct linkage technologies. Functional teams should be trained and cross-informed, allowing for a more unified approach across programs like Wagner-Peyser, Adult, Dislocated Worker, Vocational Rehabilitation, and TANF.
Accessibility is more than physical—it includes language access, assistive technology, and cultural responsiveness. Centers must be inclusive and ADA-compliant, and proactively eliminate barriers to services for all individuals, including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency.
3. Employer Engagement and Economic Responsiveness
AJCs must demonstrate meaningful engagement with the business community. This includes forming Business Services Teams, understanding local industry demands, and co-developing training or recruitment solutions that address current and future workforce gaps.
Current legislation emphasizes public-private partnerships and sector-based strategies, making it vital for AJCs to align with regional economic goals. The most successful centers are those that actively engage with employers to co-create solutions, fill talent pipelines, and respond to shifting market needs.
4. Performance, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement
A modern AJC uses data to drive decisions. That means more than just tracking customer traffic—it requires analysis of service delivery efficiency, partner collaboration outcomes, and user satisfaction. Integrated systems should be in place to capture real-time data across partners, enabling a coordinated and adaptive approach.
WIOA requires centers to use this information to foster continuous improvement. Review teams look for evidence of how AJCs learn from customer and employer feedback, professional development efforts, and operational reviews.
“When certification is approached as a strategic opportunity—not just a compliance requirement—it creates lasting culture change. At EDSI, we work with workforce boards to align people, processes, and partnerships in ways that make service integration real and sustainable. The most successful certifications happen when everyone understands their role in a larger mission, not just the mechanics of the review.” – Christina Dusenberry, National Director of Change Management, EDSI
Operational Readiness: Preparing for the Certification Review
To complete certification, LWDBs must deploy a trained onsite review team to assess center readiness. This includes interviews with partner staff, review of service delivery models, and verification of all documentation. Staff should be able to articulate their roles, understand service integration models, and demonstrate knowledge of relevant policies and procedures.
Part of this process includes verifying that the MOU includes clear information on co-location, cost-sharing, functional supervision, and service delivery responsibilities across all partner agencies.
Key Takeaways for Workforce Boards
- AJC certification isn’t just a compliance activity—it’s a reflection of your system’s health and effectiveness.
- Strong partnerships, aligned goals, and responsive service delivery are critical to long-term success.
- The most successful boards use certification as a catalyst for transformation, not a box to check.
Looking for guidance tailored to your region’s goals and challenges? Explore EDSI’s WIOA Policy and Program Consulting services to learn how we support local and state workforce systems with strategic certification planning, partner coordination, and service integration.
Ready to strengthen your AJC certification process or design a high-impact center from the ground up?
Contact EDSI’s Workforce Consulting Team by filling out the form below — we’re here to help you build a better system.