Top Training Companies Lists- FAQ

About the Awards

What are Top 20 and Watch List Companies?

A Top 20 company is an organization recognized by Training Industry as a leading provider within a specific training sector. These companies distinguish themselves through innovative products and services that meet the learning needs of a wide range of client organizations.

Each list represents overall sector leadership, while the accompanying Watch List companies (where applicable) highlight emerging or specialized providers with unique strengths or capabilities. Not every category includes a Watch List.

Top 20 awards are announced annually across categories focusing on courseware (leadership training, sales training, etc.), learning services and learning technologies.

Why does Training Industry publish the Top Training Companies Lists?

Our mission is to create a more efficient marketplace for learning. The lists help buyers of training quickly identify the most qualified partners, while also recognizing suppliers with proven impact and innovation. The lists are among the most popular resources on TrainingIndustry.com, ranking highly in search results and reaching thousands of learning leaders worldwide.

How are new categories or program updates introduced?

Categories evolve each year based on market trends, provider innovation and feedback from the learning community. New categories are introduced to reflect emerging technologies and delivery methods shaping corporate learning. The next year’s application calendar is released in Q4.

Eligibility and Application

How do I apply?

All companies must complete an online application through our award platform during the category’s application window. The application schedule lists open, close and release dates for each category. Notifications are also sent to Top Training Companies subscribers.

Who should apply?

Any organization that delivers corporate training programs, products or services within a listed category is welcome and encouraged to apply. Global providers, regional specialists and both public and private companies are eligible. Companies must serve the Business English market. Companies may apply for multiple categories if they meet the respective criteria.

Is there a fee for the application?

No. Unlike other training awards, there is no cost to apply. The Top Training Companies lists are purely merit-based.

When are the applications open and when is the deadline?

Each category has its own application window, which is open for two weeks. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET on the posted deadline. Any application received after the deadline cannot be guaranteed consideration for the lists.

Can I preview or work offline on my application?

Yes. You can start an entry in the award portal to review questions in advance. If you plan to draft responses offline, it is strongly advised to start your entry in the system first to ensure your information is saved and to help avoid missing the submission deadlines.

Do I need to complete all the information on the application to be considered?

To fairly and fully evaluate and compare all applications, we recommend that each applicant answer all questions about their company to the best of their knowledge and abilities. Leaving questions blank will hinder our ability to compare your company to other applicants, and we may consider an application incomplete if all necessary information is not provided.

You are strongly encouraged to provide complete information so that we can properly assess your organization’s capabilities. Leaving information out when other companies (private or public) provide the information may impact your organization’s potential to be included on the award list for a training sector.

While omitting information neither disqualifies nor penalizes your application, it limits our ability to differentiate your company from others that may be contenders for the Top 20 award. We will do our best to follow up on incomplete applications to ensure information was not omitted in error.

Supporting uploads (such as case studies, marketing materials or program examples) should follow the file format and size requirements listed in the portal.

Our award platform has top-of-the-line security and certifications. Your information is protected through GDPR, LCPD, CCPA and APP. The platform is also certified and compliant with the Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire (CAIQ) v3.1, ISO/IEC 27001: 2013 standard and PCI DSS. Sensitive information is strictly confidential, and we are committed to helping companies feel secure.

Can I apply to more than one category?

Yes. Companies may apply for multiple categories if they meet the eligibility criteria for each. Each application must be submitted separately, as some questions are category specific.

Can I request an extension?

The application window remains open for two weeks. If your company cannot submit by the deadline, contact top20@trainingindustry.com immediately to discuss options. Applications submitted after the posted deadline cannot be guaranteed consideration.

Data and Confidentiality

Are application entries confidential?

Yes. All application data is reviewed internally and never shared with third parties. If your company is selected, Training Industry may use a portion of your application data to create a company profile or for thought leadership content, but sensitive details such as revenue remain confidential.

Our company does not share revenue information; will this affect our award application?

Revenue data is not required but is encouraged. Without this information, it may be harder to assess your company’s size and growth compared to others. Omitting revenue will not automatically disqualify your application, but it may limit our ability to fully evaluate your market presence.

How is my information protected?

The Award Force platform complies with global privacy standards (GDPR, LCPD, CCPA, APP) and maintains certifications under CAIQ v3.1, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and PCI DSS. All sensitive data is encrypted and stored securely, accessible only to the internal review team.

Evaluation and Selection

What criteria is used to evaluate applications?

Applications are reviewed using Training Industry’s proprietary algorithm and committee review process. Evaluation is based on:

- Scope and Quality of Courses, Features and Capabilities: Breadth and depth of offerings, quality of design and ability to meet diverse learning needs.

- Market Presence, Brand Visibility, Innovation and Impact: Position in the marketplace, use of innovative practices and measurable influence on the industry.

- Strength of Client Portfolio and Customer Relationships: Scale and variety of clients served, quality of partnerships and demonstrated client success.

- Business Performance and Growth Trajectory: Financial stability, growth trends and long-term scalability.

Who reviews and scores the applications?

Training Industry’s market research analysts review all applications using a proprietary evaluation model. Final selections are validated by the Top 20 Selection Committee to ensure fairness and consistency.

Are the Top Training Companies Lists ranked?

No. The Top Training Companies lists are not ranked. Each company represents unique strengths and capabilities, and our goal is to showcase the best providers in each category.

After Selection

When are companies notified?

Applicants are typically notified by email of results within five weeks after the application deadline. Selected companies are contacted before the public announcement to verify information.

What are the benefits of being selected?

- Feature placement on TrainingIndustry.com, with our lists gaining over 10,000 sessions per month

- Inclusion in a press release, social media announcements and email to 255,000+ subscribers

- A digital badge to display on websites, proposals and promotional materials

- Opportunity to order a physical award trophy

- Inclusion in the annual Corporate Training Landscape graphic

- Referral opportunities when Training Industry receives RFPs that fit your offerings

Are there benefits to participating even if we’re not selected?

Yes. Participation provides valuable benchmarking and visibility within the Training Industry research network. Applicants gain:

- Corporate Training Landscape Consideration: All applicants are automatically considered for inclusion in the annual Corporate Training Landscape, an annual graphic highlighting leading providers across specialized areas within the L&D marketplace.

- Potential Referral Opportunities: Training Industry analysts can recommend your organization when we receive RFPs or buyer inquiries that align with your solutions and offerings.

- Benchmarking and Reflection: The application process encourages organizations to evaluate their programs, innovations and market strengths through a structured, research-based lens.

Will I receive feedback if my company is not selected?

Due to the volume of applications, detailed feedback is not provided. Companies are encouraged to reapply annually, as market conditions, offerings and innovations may change.

Can I reapply if my company was not selected?

Yes. Each application cycle is a new opportunity, and companies are encouraged to reapply annually as they grow and evolve.

When will next year’s application schedule be announced?

The application schedule for the following year will be published in Q4 of the current year.

Where can I sign up for notifications or updates?

You can sign up for all Top 20 notifications and updates here.

This includes application openings, closings, list release announcements and following year schedule announcements.

Training Industry