Must a City Publications franchisee obtain a certificate for completion of training before commencing operations?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor shall make an initial training program available to Franchisee (or, if Franchisee is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, it's Designated Manager) and up to one (1) assistant. Prior to the opening of the Franchised Business, Franchisee (or the Designated Manager if Franchisee is a business entity) must attend and successfully complete, to Franchisor's satisfaction, an initial training program consisting of approximately forty (40) hours in 2-3 days virtual classroom sessions and two to three days on-the-job instruction pertaining to operation of the Franchised Business including, but not limited to, administrative, operational and sales/marketing matters. Franchisor shall conduct the initial training program virtually or at its headquarters or at another designated location. Franchisor shall not charge tuition or similar fees for initial training, but all expenses incurred by Franchisee during the initial training shall be sole responsibility of Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee (or the Designated Manager if the franchisee is a business entity) must attend and successfully complete the initial training program to the franchisor's satisfaction before opening their franchised business.
The initial training program consists of approximately forty (40) hours in 2-3 days of virtual classroom sessions and two to three days of on-the-job instruction. The training covers the operation of the franchised business, including administrative, operational, and sales/marketing matters. City Publications conducts this initial training program virtually, at its headquarters, or at another designated location.
City Publications does not charge tuition or similar fees for the initial training. However, the franchisee is solely responsible for all expenses incurred during the initial training. While the FDD states that the franchisee must successfully complete the training to City Publications' satisfaction, it does not explicitly state that a franchisee will receive a certificate of completion.