Arizona: A Step By Step Guide To Obtain State Approval For A Private Post Secondary Institution

Licensing Agency

Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (AZPPSE) – Licensing & Regulation Program
(Responsible for licensing and regulating private vocational schools, career colleges, and degree-granting private institutions in Arizona.)

 Agency Contact
Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education – Licensing & Regulation Program
Executive Director: Kevin LaMountain – Phone: (602) 542-5709
Mailing Address: 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Degree-Granting Institutions

Process
Arizona law requires any private postsecondary institution to secure a state license before offering degree programs in Arizona (for-profit or non-profit, unless the institution qualifies for an exemption). The licensing process is similar for both degree and non-degree schools, but colleges granting degrees must meet additional degree-specific requirements like accreditation. Key steps include:

• Determine Exemption Status – Review Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. §§ 32-3021 & 32-3022) to see if the proposed school or program is exempt from licensing. Certain entities (for example, short-term hobby courses, employer-sponsored training, or religious institutions conferring only religious degrees) are not subject to state licensure. (See State Exemptions below for a full list of exempt categories.) Schools that qualify as exempt may choose to apply for licensure voluntarily, but it is not mandatory.
  
  
• Submit Letter of Intent (Pre-application) – Initiate the process by contacting Board staff and submitting a brief Letter of Intent through the AZPPSE e-licensing portal. Create an account in the portal, set up an institution profile, and file a pre-application/letter of intent indicating your plan to operate. Notify the Board (via email as instructed) once the pre-application is submitted. Board Review: The Board will evaluate your letter of intent and inform you whether licensure is required. If your proposed operation clearly falls under an exemption, the Board will issue a letter stating that your institution is not under its jurisdiction (meaning you do not need a license). If a license is required, Board staff will “open” the appropriate license application for you in the online portal and provide next-step instructions.
  
  
• Prepare Application Materials – Gather all required documentation and information for the full license application. The Board’s guidelines outline everything you must submit, which generally includes:
  
  
  
  • Organizational documents (e.g. articles of incorporation, ownership details, and governing board or officers information)
    
    
  • Academic catalog and program descriptions – detailing the degree programs, courses, admission requirements, academic policies, grading, etc.
    
    
  • Curriculum outlines for each degree program (program objectives, course sequence, credit hours)
    
    
  • Faculty qualifications – resumes or CVs and academic credentials for instructors and academic administrators
    
    
  • Facility information – campus address, floor plans or facility layout, evidence that classrooms and equipment meet health and safety codes
    
    
  • Financial statements – evidence of financial stability (such as recent audited financial statements or financial capacity documentation)
    
    
  • Surety bond or security – a surety bond (or acceptable letter of credit/cash deposit) in the minimum amount of $15,000, to protect student tuition (the Board may require a larger bond based on the school’s financial condition and revenue size, especially if the institution is not accredited)
    
    
  • Accreditation documentation – proof of institutional or programmatic accreditation for each degree program or a detailed plan and timeline for obtaining accreditation (required if the institution or any degree program is not yet accredited)
    
    
  • Student policies – copies of the student enrollment agreement, refund policy, and grievance procedure
    
    
  • Fee payment receipts or proof of payment for all required application fees (see “Fees & Timelines”)
    
    
• Online Application – Complete and submit the official license application via the AZPPSE E-Licensing Portal. The application is an extensive form covering ownership, management, program details, finances, and compliance with state standards. You will upload all supporting documents collected above. (Note: The online system will have separate sections for vocational programs vs. degree programs – be sure to select “License to Grant Degrees” as the license type.) Double-check that every required field and attachment is included before final submission; an incomplete application will delay the process.
  
  
• Fees Payment – Pay the required fees associated with the application. Arizona’s filing fee for a new private postsecondary license is $2,000 (non-refundable). This base fee covers review of up to five (5) proposed programs; if you are seeking authorization for more than five degree programs, an additional $100 fee per program is due. All fees are typically paid through the online portal at the time of application submission. (If paying by check or another method is necessary, contact the Board for instructions.) Remember that fees are not refundable even if a license is denied or later revoked.
  
  
• Review & Evaluation – Board staff will conduct a thorough review of your application for completeness and compliance with Arizona’s statutes and rules. This includes verification of the information you provided: background checks may be performed on owners and key personnel, and the Board will evaluate the institution’s financial soundness, academic curricula, and policies. For degree-granting programs, the Board places emphasis on accreditation status – unaccredited degree programs face extra scrutiny. As part of the evaluation, the Board will perform an on-site inspection of the school’s facilities (either before approval or soon after opening) to verify the educational resources, equipment, and administrative capacity described in your application. Board staff may contact you with questions or require you to address any deficiencies. Promptly respond to any requests for additional information. (By rule, specific timeframes guide this process – for instance, you may be given a 60-day window to correct any application deficiencies if identified.)
  
  
• Additional Review – Unlike some states, Arizona does not require a separate higher education commission or external agency approval for licensing out-of-state or new institutions. The State Board for Private Postsecondary Education itself is the sole authority that evaluates and approves licenses for both in-state and out-of-state institutions operating in Arizona. (If your institution plans to participate in interstate distance education reciprocity agreements such as NC-SARA, you would pursue that authorization separately after obtaining the state license, but it is not part of the state licensing process.) In certain cases, the Board may consult with subject matter experts for academic review of new degree programs, but there is no formal second-tier approval required beyond the Board’s decision.
  
  
• Licensure Decision – Once the Board staff determines that your institution has met all licensing requirements, the Board will grant the license at an official Board meeting or through delegated authority. You will receive a Private Postsecondary Education License certificate, specifically a “License to Grant Degrees.” The license will explicitly list each approved degree program (by title, level, and any subject field) and the approved campus location(s) where instruction is offered. The initial license issued is typically valid for one year. (All Arizona private postsecondary licenses must be renewed annually – see “Renewal” below.) The license certificate must be prominently displayed at your institution’s premises where students and the public can see it. If the Board denies the application, you will be notified of the reasons and may have an opportunity to correct deficiencies or appeal as provided by law.
  
  
• Continuous Compliance – After obtaining the license, the school must operate in ongoing compliance with Arizona laws and the Board’s regulations. Key operational rules include: maintaining the surety bond or approved security (the Board can adjust the required bond amount over time based on your enrollment and financial condition); adhering to all representations made in your catalog and enrollment agreements (any misleading advertising or false promises to students are prohibited); implementing the Board-mandated tuition refund policy and student grievance process; keeping student records secure and accessible; and notifying the Board in advance of any substantive institutional changes. Changes that require prior Board approval (via a supplemental application) include adding new degree programs, opening a new location or campus, changing the ownership of the school, or making a major change to the school’s name. (Each of these changes involves submitting a supplemental application and a fee – for example, Arizona charges $500 to review a new program or new location, and $2,000 for a change of ownership application. Minor changes, like certain curriculum updates or facility upgrades, may require only notification.) The Board also requires all licensed schools to annually contribute to the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF), which is a student protection fund; the amount and method are communicated by the Board (typically a small percentage or fixed amount paid with license renewal). Schools must respond to Board requests and allow inspections or audits if needed. Non-compliance can result in disciplinary actions ranging from fines and probation up to license revocation, so it is critical to manage the school with a culture of compliance.
  
  
• Renewal – Licensure must be renewed every year. Arizona issues licenses on an annual cycle, and to continue operating legally the institution must submit a renewal application well before the current license expires. The Board will email a renewal notice (usually sent ~60 days prior to expiration). It is the licensee’s responsibility to track expiration dates even if the notice is not received. A renewal application entails updating all required information (enrollment data, any changes in programs or staff, current financial statements, etc.) and paying the annual renewal fee (see fee schedule below). Renewal filings are done through the e-licensing portal (there is a dedicated License Renewal section in the portal). Important: If you miss the renewal deadline, Arizona imposes a $100 per day late fee after the due date – and operating with an expired license is unlawful. Typically, the renewal packet (with all attachments) is due about 60 days before the license’s expiration to allow time for Board review. Once your renewal is approved, the Board will issue an updated license certificate for the new year. (There is no grace period beyond expiration – failure to renew on time can lead to automatic suspension of the license.) Keep in mind that a license is non-transferable: if the school is sold to new owners or plans to relocate, you must notify the Board and the new owners must apply for a brand new license; the existing license cannot simply be transferred or assigned.

Checklist of Required Items (Degree-Granting License Application)
When applying for a license to grant degrees in Arizona, be prepared to submit the following key items and documentation:

• Completed License Application Form (through the AZPPSE online portal, with all sections filled out)
  
  
• Institutional Plan/Catalog – the school’s catalog or prospectus detailing mission, admission requirements, tuition and fees, program descriptions, course listings, academic policies, graduation requirements, etc.
  
  
• Program Curriculum Outlines – objectives and outlines for each degree program (showing courses, credit hours, and how the program meets its educational goals)
  
  
• Faculty and Staff Roster – list of instructors and key academic staff, including their qualifications (degrees held, professional experience, relevant certifications) to demonstrate a qualified faculty for each program
  
  
• Financial Capacity Documentation – recent financial statements (balance sheet, income statement) or audit report demonstrating the institution has the financial resources to operate and sustain the programs (new startups may include investors’ statements or a business plan with budgets)
  
  
• Facility Documentation – evidence of ownership or lease of the instructional site(s), plus documentation that facilities are adequate (could include floor plans, square footage, campus safety/security plans, and applicable health/fire inspection certificates)
  
  
• Surety Bond or Equivalent – copy of the executed surety bond (or letter of credit/cash deposit) in the required amount (minimum $15,000) naming the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education as the beneficiary, as assurance for unearned tuition refunds
  
  
• Accreditation Evidence or Plan – for each degree program: either current accreditation letters/certificates or if not yet accredited, a written plan detailing steps and timeline to achieve accreditation (including proof of at least having applied for accreditation candidacy with a US Dept. of Education-recognized accreditor)
  
  
• Student Protection and Policies – copies of the school’s student enrollment agreement, refund policy, and complaint/grievance procedure; plus information on how the school will comply with Arizona’s student protection fund (STRF) contributions
  
  
• Ownership and Governance Information – list of owners, shareholders, or governing board members of the institution (include background information if required), and any required personal affidavits or background check authorizations
  
  
• Fee Payments – proof of payment of all applicable fees (initial $2,000 license fee and any additional program fees) as required by the Board

(The Board’s “General Information Packet” for new applicants provides a complete list of application materials and formatting instructions. All submissions should be organized and, if requested, indexed/tabbed according to the Board’s instructions to facilitate review.)

Fees & Timelines
The table below summarizes the major fees and expected timeframes in the Arizona licensing process for a new degree-granting institution:
‍

Notes: Arizona’s annual renewal fee is calculated based on the school’s Gross Tuition Revenue (GTR) in Arizona for the previous year. The fee ranges from $750 (for GTR under $50,000) up to $6,000 (for GTR $20 million and above), with intermediate tiers (e.g. $975 for GTR $50k–$249k, $1,800 for GTR ~$500k–$999k, etc.). Most new or small colleges will fall in the lower tiers initially. Timelines: The overall process from initial letter of intent to license approval can vary, but schools should generally expect a few weeks for the initial paperwork and profile setup, and roughly 3–4 months for the full review, depending on the complexity of the application and the Board’s meeting schedule. Plan accordingly and start early – especially to allow time to gather all documents. The Board issues license approvals on a rolling basis throughout the year, rather than only on fixed dates. Once licensed, renewals are processed more quickly (typically within a month of submission) as long as all required reports and fees are in order. Always meet the renewal deadlines to avoid interruptions in authorization.

Vocational and Career Schools

Non-degree postsecondary schools (career institutes, trade schools, vocational training programs, etc.) follow the same application process and licensing path as outlined above for degree-granting institutions. All steps – from the initial letter of intent, portal application, fees, Board review, through annual renewal – apply equally to vocational schools. However, there are a few important differences and nuances for private vocational program licenses as opposed to degree licenses:

• Accreditation Not Required – Unlike degree-granting colleges, a vocational institution is not required to obtain accreditation to receive or maintain its license. Arizona law does not mandate accreditation for purely vocational programs. (Many trade schools are unaccredited and can be licensed as long as they meet state standards.) If a vocational school later decides to add degree programs, it would then need to pursue accreditation for those programs. But for stand-alone career schools, accreditation is optional. The Board will still expect the school to meet all state quality and compliance standards, but there is no separate accreditation benchmark for licensure.
  
  
• Program Review Emphasis – In evaluating a vocational school’s application, the Board’s focus is on job-specific training quality and outcomes. The curriculum and facility review will ensure that the programs have adequate instructional hours, up-to-date equipment, and qualified instructors to teach the hands-on skills being offered. The school should demonstrate that it provides practical training aligned with industry needs and, if applicable, offers career services or job placement assistance for graduates. In contrast to academic degree programs, vocational courses do not need to include general education subjects – but they must still meet their stated educational objectives and equip students with employable skills. The Board may verify that any advertised employment or certification outcomes are realistic. Overall, the licensure standards (faculty qualifications, financial stability, facilities, ethical advertising, etc.) remain the same, but the nature of compliance is tailored to career education (for example, an aviation mechanic school must have the proper tools and shop space for training, a cosmetology school must meet health/sanitation standards, etc.).
  
  
• License Type – A private vocational school can typically be approved for a Regular License upon meeting the requirements, even if the school is new and not accredited. By rule, Arizona issues a “regular” one-year renewable license to accredited schools and also to non-accredited vocational institutions that satisfy all criteria. (In contrast, a new non-accredited degree institution is initially given a provisional one-year license, renewable only a limited number of times until it achieves accreditation.) In practice, this means vocational schools are not put on a provisional status solely due to lack of accreditation – as long as they fulfill the statutory requirements, their license renews annually like any other.
  
  
• Surety Bond Requirement – Both vocational and degree-granting institutions are subject to Arizona’s bond or security requirement for student protection. There is no reduced bond amount specifically for vocational schools; the minimum bond is $15,000 for any private postsecondary institution. Most vocational schools, being non-accredited, will be required to post the bond or equivalent security. The Board has discretion to increase the required bond above $15,000 based on the school’s gross tuition revenue and financial history. (For example, a very large trade school may need a higher bond.) Conversely, long-established or financially strong accredited institutions might have the bond requirement reduced or waived, but this scenario typically applies to degree-granting colleges. In short, new vocational schools should plan for at least a $15,000 surety bond as part of their licensing conditions.
  
  

Process: Aside from the points above, the process for obtaining a Private Vocational Program License mirrors the degree process. You must submit a letter of intent, use the online portal for the main application, provide all the necessary documentation (ownership information, program catalog, instructor credentials, financials, facility details, etc.), pay the same fees, and undergo Board staff review and an on-site inspection. The vocational license will list each approved program (e.g. diploma or certificate programs in specific trades) and is valid for one year, requiring annual renewal. During operation, a vocational school must abide by the same compliance rules – including maintaining the bond, adhering to its stated policies, notifying the Board of changes, and contributing to the Student Tuition Recovery Fund. One difference in practice is that vocational schools often have shorter program lengths and may have more frequent start dates, so maintaining accurate enrollment and tuition reports for renewal is important. But fundamentally, Arizona holds career schools to the same oversight standards (student protection, truthful advertising, educational adequacy) as it does degree institutions.

Application – Submission method and content: The initial application for a vocational license is submitted through the AZPPSE E-Licensing Portal, just like for degree schools. Be sure to select the option for a “Private Vocational Program License” when starting the application. The online form and required attachments will parallel those for degree institutions. You will need to upload your school’s catalog, course outlines, instructor lists, facility and equipment descriptions, financial documents, and so on. The Board’s requirements (listed in A.R.S. §32-3021 and the administrative rules) ensure that any private career school meets basic quality benchmarks. While completing the application, emphasize the practical competencies students will gain and how the training prepares them for employment or certification in the field. There may be slight differences in the application questions for vocational programs (for example, you won’t be asked about degree accreditation, but you might need to provide information on any professional licensing your graduates will be eligible for). Overall, however, the structure and submission of the application are the same as described for degree schools. Prepare your materials thoroughly and follow all instructions to avoid delays.

Fees Payment – Fee amounts: The fee structure for vocational school licensure is identical to that for degree institutions. The initial license application filing fee is $2,000, covering up to five programs (most vocational schools won’t exceed five distinct programs, but if you do, the $100-per-additional-program fee applies as well). Annual renewal fees are based on gross tuition revenue using the same tiered schedule (minimum $750 per year for small schools, scaling upward for larger revenue brackets). All supplemental fees (for adding new programs, new locations, changes, etc.) are likewise the same flat amounts (e.g. $500 for a new program addition, $500 for relocating or adding a site). Payment is made through the online system or via other Board-approved methods. One practical note: vocational schools often have lower tuition revenue in their early years, so they typically fall into the lower renewal fee tiers – but as the school grows, the renewal fee will increase according to the state’s schedule. Budget accordingly for the renewal each year. (Remember, fees are non-refundable.)

Review & Evaluation – Board review process: The Board staff’s review of a vocational license application will check for all the standard criteria: completeness of the application, verification of the school’s financial stability, ensuring instructors are qualified to teach the specific trades or skills (often meaning relevant industry experience or certifications), and that the curriculum meets the objectives. An on-site inspection will be conducted to verify the facilities (e.g. labs, workshops, training equipment) and to confirm that the school’s operations match what was promised in the application. Because there is no accreditation for the Board to rely on, the state’s evaluation is the primary quality control. The Board may pay particular attention to things like: safety of the training environment (for fields like cosmetology, welding, trucking, etc.), proper instructor-to-student ratios for hands-on training, and that the school isn’t making unrealistic claims about job placement rates. If any deficiencies are found, you will be notified and given a chance to correct them (for example, updating a policy or improving a facility issue) before the Board makes a final decision. The timeline for review is comparable to that of degree programs – expect roughly a few months from application submission to license issuance, assuming no major problems in the application.

Additional Review – No second agency or external commission is involved; AZPPSE is the sole regulator for private vocational schools in Arizona. There is no separate board for trade schools – the same Board handles both academic and career institutions. In some cases, if your vocational program falls under the oversight of another Arizona agency or licensing board (for instance, certain health-related programs might need approval from a health professions board), you must comply with those specific regulations separately. However, for purposes of state authorization to operate, the AZPPSE license is the main requirement. (Example: A truck driving school must have an AZPPSE license, and also ensure its instructors or program meet Department of Transportation standards. Or a nursing assistant program needs the Arizona State Board of Nursing’s curriculum approval but still comes to AZPPSE for the school license.) Board staff will inform you if any such additional clearance is known as part of your field, but it is generally the school’s responsibility to obtain any industry-specific approvals in parallel with the AZPPSE license.

Licensure Decision – Upon satisfying the requirements, your school will be granted a Private Vocational Program License. The Board issues an official license certificate, which will enumerate the approved programs (typically these might be diplomas, certificates, or specific course offerings rather than degrees). The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Just as with degree licenses, the certificate must be displayed at the school’s place of business. If the application is denied, the Board will provide reasons; common reasons for denial could include failure to demonstrate financial responsibility, incomplete materials, or the presence of owners/administrators with disqualifying backgrounds (for example, certain criminal convictions can bar approval). If denied, the school may correct issues and reapply or appeal according to Board rules. Assuming approval, once you have the vocational license in hand, you can legally enroll students and operate the school under the terms of the license.

Continuous Compliance – A licensed vocational institution must continuously adhere to the state’s regulations just like a degree institution. Some ongoing compliance highlights:

• Maintain Standards: Continue to meet the minimum standards (qualified faculty, adequate facilities, updated equipment, etc.) for as long as the license is active. The Board can conduct inspections or require reports to ensure the school still meets these standards each year.
  
  
• Student Policies: Implement the required student protections – clear disclosures of all costs, fair refund practices, truthful advertising (no misleading job placement guarantees or “free” claims that are not true), and a process for students to file complaints internally.
  
  
• Notify of Changes: Any significant changes in programs, location, ownership, or school name must be reported to the Board before they happen. For example, if you want to introduce a new certificate program in a different field than what’s on your license, you must apply for Board approval of that new program (and pay the $500 fee) before advertising or offering it. If you plan to move the school to a new address or open an additional training site, you must get that new location approved (again a $500 fee) in advance. If the school is sold or there’s a transfer of controlling interest, the new owner must apply for a new license (because licenses aren’t transferable). Even less major changes, like modifications to your enrollment agreement or catalog, should be submitted to Board staff as part of your renewal or via required notifications so they have current documentation on file.
  
  
• Student Tuition Recovery Fund: Continue making the required annual STRF payments. All licensed vocational schools have to contribute to Arizona’s Student Tuition Recovery Fund to help protect students in case of school closures. The Board will typically assess a small fee or percentage each year as part of the renewal process for this fund.
  
  
• Renewal and Reports: File your annual renewal on time each year with updated information. Vocational schools may also need to submit annual enrollment and completion data or other reports as the Board requires. Stay alert for any communications from the Board (they primarily use email) to ensure you don’t miss deadlines. Late renewals face heavy penalties ($100 per day), and non-compliance can lead to probation or revocation of the license.
  In summary, operating a private career school in Arizona comes with an ongoing responsibility to uphold the standards set by the state. The Board actively monitors licensed schools – so the focus should not only be on getting the license, but also on maintaining a quality operation to keep that license in good standing year after year.
  
  

Checklist of Required Items (Vocational License Application)
A vocational school license application will require many of the same documents listed for degree institutions. Below is a checklist of key items to prepare (largely identical to the degree checklist, except accreditation materials are not applicable for vocational programs):

• Completed Application (online) – Private Vocational Program License application form, filled out via the e-licensing portal, including all institutional details and program information.
  
  
• School Catalog/Program Brochure – describing the training programs, entry requirements, length of courses (clock hours or credit hours), tuition and fees, school policies (attendance, grading, conduct), and any credentials or certificates awarded.
  
  
• Course and Curriculum Outlines – for each vocational program or course offered, outline the curriculum (module descriptions, hours of instruction, practical training components, etc.) to demonstrate the program’s content and objectives.
  
  
• Instructor Qualifications – a list of instructors (and key staff) with their qualifications. For vocational programs, this could include professional licenses or journeyman certificates, years of field experience, and any teaching certifications. The Board wants assurance that instructors are competent in the skill they are teaching (e.g. a welding instructor should have appropriate welding certifications or industry experience).
  
  
• Financial Documentation – evidence of the school’s financial health or backing. Even if smaller in scale than a college, a vocational school must show it has sufficient financial resources. Include any available financial statements, a start-up budget or business plan, and documentation of funding or lines of credit available to the school.
  
  
• Facility and Equipment List – a description of the physical facilities (classrooms, workshops, labs) and major equipment that will be used for training. For example, list the number of computers, tools, machines, or vehicles (if a driving school) that will support the instruction. Include proof of facility ownership or lease and any relevant compliance with local zoning or safety codes.
  
  
• Surety Bond – a copy of the $15,000 (or greater, if specified) surety bond or alternative security deposit, as required by A.R.S. §32-3023. Ensure the bond documentation is properly executed (with the Board listed as beneficiary) and ready to be filed upon licensure.
  
  
• Student Enrollment Agreement and Policies – blank copies of the enrollment contract that students will sign, as well as the refund policy (how tuition will be refunded if a student withdraws or if the school cannot provide the training) and the formal grievance/complaint procedure that students can follow. These documents are reviewed to confirm they meet state standards (for instance, Arizona may require a certain minimum refund in the first week of class, etc.).
  
  
• Owner/Staff Background Information – as needed, information on the school owners and directors. The Board may require resumes, personal disclosure forms, and authorization for background checks. Any prior experience in education or business can be noted. The owners should not have disqualifying criminal history (fraud or felonies related to financial/educational misconduct could be an issue). Full transparency in the application will help avoid delays.
  
  
• Application Fee Payment – proof of having paid the $2,000 application fee (and any additional program fees if applicable). If paid through the portal, the system will record it; if paying by check or money order, include a copy of the payment receipt or confirmation.
  
  

(Essentially, the vocational license application packet looks very much like the degree one, minus the accreditation evidence. Make sure every required exhibit is included – missing documents are a common cause of delays or “administratively incomplete” applications.)

Fees & Timelines
Fees and expected timelines for vocational school licensing are the same as those for degree-granting institutions. To summarize:

• Initial Application Fee: $2,000 (one-time) for a new vocational license application. Covers up to 5 programs; $100 for each program over five.
  
  
• Annual Renewal Fee: Based on gross tuition revenue, using the identical tiered schedule (minimum $750 per year for small schools, scaling up to $6,000 for very high revenue schools). Most vocational schools will pay on the lower end of this range in their early years. Renewal is due yearly, about 60 days before the license expiration.
  
  
• Supplemental Fees: $500 when adding a new vocational program or a new training location; $2,000 if there’s a change of ownership; no fee for a name change or minor revisions, but notification is required.
  
  
• Surety Bond: $15,000 minimum bond (or equivalent surety) must be maintained continuously (the Board will inform you if a higher amount is required based on your enrollment figures).
  
  
• Timelines: The initial licensing process typically takes a few months from start to finish. The Board’s 10-day target for initial letter of intent review applies equally to vocational applications. After you submit the full application, anticipate several weeks for administrative completeness review and scheduling of a site visit, then potentially another month or two for the substantive evaluation and final Board approval. It’s not uncommon for a well-prepared vocational school application to be approved within about 90 days of submission. Planning ahead is crucial – do not recruit or enroll students until you have the license in hand. Once licensed, the renewal timeline is yearly; as long as you submit your renewal on time each year (and pay the fee), your license remains active without gaps.
  
  

(Overall, vocational schools should budget the same amounts of time and money for licensing as colleges do – Arizona does not differentiate fees or processing time by the type of school. The Board’s goal is to treat all private postsecondary institutions equitably under the law.)

State Exemptions

Under Arizona law, certain types of educational institutions and programs are exempt from the requirement to obtain a private postsecondary license. If an entity falls entirely within one of these categories, it does not need approval from the State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to operate. The following are the recognized exemption categories (per A.R.S. §32-3021(F) and related statutes):

1. Schools Regulated by Other State Agencies – Any school that is already licensed under another state law. (For example, cosmetology and barber schools, which are licensed by the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology or Barbering, or similar specialized schools overseen by a different state regulatory board, are exempt from AZPPSE licensing.)
   
   
2. Bona Fide Trade Association Programs – Instructional courses or programs sponsored by a legitimate trade association exclusively for the association’s members. (These are typically professional development courses provided internally to members of an industry group.)
   
   
3. Private Academic Schools (K-12 Prep) – Privately owned schools that provide academic education at the elementary or secondary level, essentially preparing students for college (general education curricula equivalent to K-12 or high school), even if they incidentally offer some vocational or technical courses as part of the curriculum. (In other words, a private college-preparatory school or a general education high school is not under AZPPSE jurisdiction, even if it has a shop class or a computer skills class, as long as its primary purpose is general academic education.)
   
   
4. Recreational or Avocational Instruction – Schools or individuals providing instruction in hobbies, recreation, artistic pursuits, or personal improvement that only incidentally lead to employment. This covers programs intended for personal enrichment or casual learning. (For example, a cooking class for hobbyists, a dance studio, a photography workshop, or adult education courses in literature would be exempt, provided they are not primarily marketed as job training for a new career.)
   
   
5. Training for Own Employees – Education or training programs conducted by an employer solely for the benefit of its own employees. (If a company runs an internal training program or “corporate university” exclusively to train its employees, it does not need a state license as a school, since it’s not open to the general public.)
   
   
6. Employer-Sponsored Training Programs – Instructional courses offered solely for employees of a particular company, where the employee is not charged tuition and the employer either provides the training or has a contract with a training provider to improve the employees’ job performance. (In this scenario, because the training is a benefit of employment and not a consumer education service, it is exempt. An example would be a hospital contracting a company to provide a new software training to its staff – as long as employees don’t pay and it’s only for that staff, no license is required.)
   
   
7. Flight Training under 14 C.F.R. Part 141 – Any flight instruction program that is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration under Part 141 of the federal aviation regulations. (FAA-approved pilot schools have their own federal oversight; Arizona exempts them from state postsecondary licensing.)
   
   
8. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs – A school or program that provides training solely for nursing assistants (certified nursing assistants and licensed nursing assistants) and is licensed by the Arizona Board of Nursing under the nursing statutes (see A.R.S. §32-1606(B)(11)). (Since the Board of Nursing regulates CNA training programs in Arizona, those programs do not need an AZPPSE license.)
   
   
9. Professional Driver Training Schools – Driving schools that are licensed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (under Title 28, Chapter 23 of Arizona law) to provide professional driver training (for example, truck driving schools, commercial driver’s license training programs). (These are overseen by ADOT or MVD, so they are exempt from AZPPSE oversight.)
   
   
10. Assisted Living/Nursing Care Administrator Programs – Training programs approved by the Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers (the state board that licenses those administrators) which are provided solely to train managers or caregivers for nursing homes or assisted living facilities. (If a program’s specific purpose is to prepare individuals for roles as licensed long-term care facility managers and it’s approved by that Board, it does not need a separate AZPPSE license.)
    
    
11. Yoga Teacher Training or Yoga Instruction – Programs that exclusively offer yoga teacher training courses or general yoga instruction. (Arizona explicitly exempts yoga training schools – recognizing that these are often for personal improvement or for teaching a non-academic discipline.)
    
    
12. Short Courses with Low Tuition – A private instructional program or course that is shorter than 40 contact hours in total length and charges less than $1,000 in total fees. (This exemption is meant to exclude very short-term seminars, workshops, or classes from the burdens of licensing – for instance, a weekend workshop or a one-week class that is under 40 hours and under the $1,000 fee threshold does not require state approval.)
    
    
13. Religious Degree Programs – An institution that offers purely religious education and awards only religious degrees for use within a religious organization, where the institution is owned, controlled, and operated by a religious organization that has IRS tax-exempt status. (In practice, this covers seminaries, Bible colleges, yeshivas, or other religious institutions that grant degrees like Doctor of Divinity, Bachelor of Theology, etc., provided those degrees are solely for the purpose of confirming the person’s training within that faith and not for secular employment. Such institutions are exempt from state licensing for those religious programs. Note: if a religious institution offers secular degrees or career programs beyond the strictly religious scope, those would not be exempt.)
    
    

Important: Schools believing they fall under an exemption should carefully review the law and, if uncertain, seek guidance from the Board. It is advisable to request written confirmation from the Board if you claim an exemption. Operating without a license when one is required can lead to legal penalties. The Board’s staff can issue a determination (as noted in the process above) when you submit a letter of intent – they will either direct you to proceed with a license application or confirm that your activities are exempt. Always err on the side of caution: if in doubt, ask the Board for an exemption determination or go through the licensure process to ensure compliance with Arizona state law.

For personalized guidance on navigating the authorization process for your private post secondary institution in Arizona, reach out to Expert Education Consultants (EEC) at +19252089037 or email sandra@experteduconsult.com

‍