About the Commission


Legislative Purpose

The Commission on Postsecondary Education is the predominant licensing authority charged by the Nevada Legislature for the oversight of private postsecondary educational institutions operating in Nevada. The Commission meets its oversight obligations through a rigorous licensure process and periodic reviews. The Commission has also been appointed by the Governor to serve as the State Approving Agency, providing oversight and approval for those institutions which offer training to veterans.

    Mission

    The Commission on Postsecondary Education provides licensing and regulatory oversight of private postsecondary educational institutions to ensure quality education and consumer protection for Nevada citizens.

      Composition of the Commission

      The Commission on Postsecondary Education is the predominant licensing authority charged by the Nevada Legislature for the oversight of private postsecondary educational institutions operating in Nevada. The Commission meets its oversight obligations through a rigorous licensure process and periodic reviews. The Commission has also been appointed by the Governor to serve as the State Approving Agency, providing oversight and approval for those institutions which offer training to veterans.

      The Commission is comprised of seven Governor-appointed commissioners the following experience:

      • Two must represent private schools
      • Two must represent the general public
      • Two must be knowledgeable of education
      • One must represent the interest of veterans
      • One Non-voting member is selected by the Director of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation

      The Commission meets a minimum four times each year to hear licensure applications and conduct other business related to their mission.  A full time staff of four individuals serve as the intake for all Commission business.

      CPE-licensed schools obtain licensure by submitting application and obtaining approval from the Commission for a provisional period.  During that period, staff will conduct a full review to ensure compliance with state standards.  Schools are then subject to periodic audits.

      Oversight authority can be found in Nevada Revised Statutes and Nevada Administrative Code Chapters 394.

        Authority

        Regulatory Authority:  The Commission on Postsecondary Education operates under the authority of NRS 394 and NAC 394.