Separately negotiated benefits contained within the collective bargaining agreement such as paid vacation during an appointment year may be used to off-set deficits in training due to leave time as defined in Article XIII and Article XIV, to the extent allowed by the individual's national certifying Board and following the processes and procedures identified by the Employer. Reductions in training are not assured or guaranteed and are always subject to the applicable national certifying Board's approval, upon request of the Program Director in his or her sole discretion. In no case may the Program Director be compelled to make the request of the national certifying Board. The request is made solely on the assessment of readiness for independent practice. The Program Director's determination regarding reductions-in-training are not subject to the grievance and arbitration proceedings of the Parties' Collective Bargaining Agreement.