VA Educational Benefits


State Approving Agency (SAA)

In order for a veteran, reservist or dependent to utilize their VA Education Benefits at a place of postsecondary education, training, or license and certification, the program must be approved by a State Approving Agency.
The Nevada Commission of Postsecondary Education has designation by the State of Nevada to approve training programs in accordance with standards and provisions of Chapters 30, 32, 33, 24, 25 and 36 of Title 38, U.S.C., and Chapters 1606 of Title 10, U.S.C.

    Mission of the SAA

    Our mission is to ensure that every eligible veteran, reservist/National Guard member, and other eligible persons are afforded the opportunity to pursue their educational or vocational program goals to their full potential. The Nevada State Approving Agents will work to protect the eligible person’s right to a quality education or a quality training program.

      Primary Responsibilities

      The State Approving Agencies (SAAs) were established from the GI Bill of Rights. Title 38, U.S. Code, Chapter 36, Administration of Education Benefits, authorizes the establishment of SAAs. 38 CFR, 21.4151(b) summarizes SAA responsibilities under the law. They are:

        • To inspect and supervise schools and training establishments within their state;
        • To determine programs of education and training that may be approved for veterans;
        • To determine whether a school or training establishment at all times complies with established standards; and
        • To render services and obtain information necessary for the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to approve or disapprove courses of education offered by any agency of the Federal Government within their states.

          The Commission on Postsecondary Education’s State Approving Agency (CPE/SAA) is responsible for program approval and oversight for: an expectation is allowed per the regulation:

            • Public, proprietary profit and non-profit institutions of higher learning with academic and professional degree and certificate programs
            • Apprenticeship programs – formal training leading to journeyman status
            • On-the-job training programs – supervised job instruction programs
            • Flight schools – programs for vocational flight training
            • High Schools
            • Licensing and Certification Tests

              Under Nevada Administrative Code 394.375, all facilities seeking approval must comply with The Commission on Postsecondary of Education Regulations unless an exception is allowed per State regulations.

                Regulatory Authority

                NAC 394.375  Applicability of regulations to institutions approved for the training of veterans. (NRS 394.411)  Any institution licensed by or under the jurisdiction of an agency of government which seeks approval to offer training to veterans or which has been approved for the training of veterans is subject to the regulations of the Commission, if the agency of government has no criteria, or where the criteria are less stringent than that of the Commission. The regulations of the Commission apply to contested cases concerning approval of programs for the training of veterans. Regulations of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs may supersede the Commission’s regulations and policies when applied to institutions approved for the training of veterans.

                SAA Contact

                Kelly Wuest
                CPE Administrator/SAA Director
                702.486.7330

                Facilities Seeking Initial Approval

                Continued Approvals