The Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is responsible for licensure and oversight of most of the private postsecondary schools operating in Nevada pursuant to NRS 394 and NAC 394. Before a postsecondary institution can operate in Nevada, the school must either be licensed or exempted by the CPE. All applications are online under the LICENSURE tab, including a single page form you can complete and submit to determine if licensure is required.
Initial licensure requires the school to complete the appropriate application – Degree or Non-Degree – and submit it to the CPE. The Commission meets quarterly, usually the first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, and the deadline for submission is no later than 60 prior to the scheduled meeting. Staff process applicants in the order received and early submission is encourage to provide schools adequate response time to address deficiencies.
There are numerous submission requirements listed on the checklist/forms within each application. Staff will work with the applicant to ensure the application is complete, but note that a CPA-prepared financial statement (audited or reviewed) is mandatory and if not submitted within the deadline, your application will be delayed until the proper documents are received. All non-degreed vocational schools must attend a School Licensing Workshop prior to submission. Any fees submitted to CPE are non refundable.
Applicants will have 6 months from the date of the Commission determination to fulfill all contingencies and be issued a licensed. Institutions that fail to meet any of the contingencies will have the provisional approval terminated and a new application would be required if the institution wishes to gain licensure.