Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Policies & Disclosures

Regulatory Compliance Statement

CHICAT is a nonprofit vocational training center committed to delivering high-quality, accessible vocational training programs for underserved adults in Chicago. Our programs are designed to meet workforce needs while maintaining full compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)

For CHICAT to remain compliant with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) under the Private Business and Vocational Schools (PBVS) regulations, the vocational data listed on our website is transparent, accurate, and aligned with IBHE’s consumer protection and accountability standards. While IBHE doesn’t publish a single checklist for website disclosures, institutions are expected to publicly share key data that enables prospective students to make informed decisions.

Regulatory Status with IBHE

CHICAT does not hold formal accreditation as a degree-granting institution under the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Instead, it operates under the Illinois Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012 (105 ILCS 425).

CHICAT’s vocational programs are non-credit bearing, offered at no cost to participants, and focused on community-based workforce development.
No Degree Authority: CHICAT does not confer academic degrees and is therefore not listed among institutions granted operating or degree-granting authority by IBHE.

Student Consumer Information

Refund policy – CHICAT does not have tuition fees. Program training classes are free.
Transferability of credits – Not Applicable

Complaint resolution process:

1. Try to Resolve the Issue with CHICAT

Follow CHICAT’s internal complaint procedures (check the student handbook).
Document your efforts: emails, meeting notes, written complaints.

2. Gather Documentation

Collect all relevant materials: written complaints, responses, timelines, and names of staff involved.

3. If your complaint is not resolved, submit a Formal Complaint to IBHE

Go to the IBHE Complaint System: https://complaints.ibhe.org/
Choose “Register New Complaint” or “Update Existing Complaint”
You may file anonymously, but IBHE cannot follow up or resolve anonymous complaints directly.

Program Information for Reporting Period 7/1/24-6/30/25

CHICAT offers free, non-credit vocational training programs in:

Advanced Manufacturing Maintenance
Food Manufacturing Quality Control Technician
Health Information Technology (HIT)

Each program includes hands-on instruction, certification preparation, and career readiness support. Program details, schedules, and admission requirements are available on individual course pages.

Curriculum & Certification Standards

All CHICAT programs are aligned with industry-recognized credentials and employer expectations and are offered as follows:

Advanced Manufacturing Maintenance Mechanics Program

Duration: 12 weeks

Program Schedule:

This course is offered on a Hybrid Schedule as follows:

In person – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Virtual – Fridays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Food Manufacturing Quality Control Technician Training

Duration: 22 weeks

Program Schedule:
This course is offered on a Hybrid Schedule as follows:

In person – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Virtual – Monday and Friday, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm

Health Information Technology Diploma Program

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification

Duration: 26 weeks

Program Schedule:
This course is offered on a Hybrid Schedule as follows:

In person – Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
Virtual – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.

Disclaimer:

CHICAT is committed to transparency and compliance with Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) regulations. Any IBHE-related data presented on this website is derived from publicly available sources or shared with CHICAT under authorized data use agreements. We do not publish confidential, student-level, or restricted-use data governed by FERPA, the Illinois School Student Records Act (105 ILCS 10), or Title 23, Part 910 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
For official IBHE data and reports, please visit www.ibhe.org.