Qualified Organizations for Janitorial Sexual Harassment Training

Legislation enacted in 2016 (AB 1978), the Property Services Workers Protection Act, established a registration program for janitorial services employers and biennial “in-person” sexual violence and harassment prevention training requirements. Legislation enacted in 2019 (AB 547) further clarified the sexual violence and harassment prevention training requirements under AB 1978.

These new regulations took effect on July 15, 2020, and specify trainer qualifications and establish the frequency, duration, language, literacy level, modes, techniques, content, and documentation of the sexual violence and harassment prevention training requirement for the janitorial services industry. By January 1, 2021, employers shall use a qualified organization and peer trainers to provide “in-person” training to nonsupervisory workers. (Implementation has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Qualified Organization Application Process

To provide the biennial sexual harassment training as a qualified organization, you must submit an application with the Labor Commissioner's Office. The deadline to apply shall be posted in the coming weeks.

Application Process:

  • Fill out the Qualified Organization Application Form (QOAF). The Qualified Organization Application Form (QOAF) shall be posted in the coming weeks.
  • Gather the supporting documents as requested in the QOAF.
  • Organize the supporting documents to correspond with questions 1-7 on the QOAF. For example, QOAF question No. 1 requests whether the Qualified Organization (QO) has at least 30 qualified peer trainers and requests the applicant provide a list of 30 qualified peer trainers. When submitting your documents for item No. 1, clearly identify which documents are provided in support of question No. 1, (i.e., a list of the 30 qualified peer trainers).  Follow this format for questions 2-7.
  • The applicant can use any method that identifies what documents correspond with the applicable QOAF question (i.e., tabs or dividers). Following these instructions allows the Licensing and Registration staff to process the QOAF efficiently and quickly. If you have any questions, please contact DLSEJanitorialService@dir.ca.gov for assistance.
  • Submit your application in pdf format by emailing DLSEJanitorialService@dir.ca.gov or mail to:

    DLSE Licensing & Registration Unit
    1515 Clay Street, Suite 1902
    Oakland, CA 94612

November 2022