Training provider (Bildungsträger) (Provider, Training organisation): A training provider (Bildungsträger) is an organisation that delivers training courses or coaching. For funded courses it needs approval under AZAV (section 176 SGB III).
Approved providers
Anyone who wants to carry out employment promotion measures needs provider approval from a certification body (section 176 (1) SGB III). Employers who carry out exclusively in-company measures do not need approval.
What an approved provider must demonstrate
Capacity and reliability, support with integration into work, qualified staff, a quality assurance system and appropriate contract terms (section 178 SGB III). This is checked by a certification body.
What to look out for
Check whether the specific course is approved, how it is delivered (online, in person, part-time) and which withdrawal and cancellation rules apply. Appropriate contract terms are a requirement for approval (section 178 no. 5 SGB III). A checklist is available in the article comparing funded courses.
In practice: an example
When comparing two similar courses, look not only at the content but also at the learning format, support and start dates. Ask whether the provider helps with the job search after the course: this is one of the approval requirements (section 178 no. 2 SGB III). We tell you the provider's name during the consultation; on the website, the courses are listed with a course code.
How we help you
We clarify with you which funding route fits your situation and look for an approved course in our course finder. All funding routes at a glance are on our funding page, and you can request an appointment here.
Frequently asked questions
Which training providers do you work with?
With selected providers approved under AZAV. We give you their names during the consultation. We receive a payment from the providers if you start a course with them.
Related terms
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
- Section 176 SGB III: Principle of approvalFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 178 SGB III: Provider approvalFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
Note: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Whether you receive funding is decided in each individual case by the responsible office, for example the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), the job centre or the pension insurance. As of 08.11.2026.