California: A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain State Approval for a Private Postsecondary Institution

1. Licensing Agency

California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) – This bureau, under the Department of Consumer Affairs, is responsible for licensing and regulating private postsecondary schools in California. It oversees both degree-granting colleges and vocational schools, whether located in California or enrolling students from the state.

Agency Contact – Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) – Licensing Section
Bureau Chief: Debbie Cochrane (or Licensing Chief: Gregory Donkerbrook) – Phone: (916) 574-8900
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818

2. Degree-Granting Institutions

Process – All private colleges offering academic degrees (associate, bachelor’s, graduate degrees) must secure an Approval to Operate from BPPE before advertising or teaching in California (unless qualifying for an exemption – see “State Exemptions” below). This requirement applies to institutions physically located in California and to out-of-state or online universities enrolling California residents. Key steps include:

• Determine Applicable Path – Identify if the school will apply as an Accredited institution or Unaccredited. If the college already holds accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency, it can pursue approval by means of accreditation (a somewhat streamlined process). Unaccredited degree schools must undergo BPPE’s full approval review. Additionally, confirm the school isn’t exempt: e.g. a nonprofit religious college offering only theological degrees might claim a religious exemption (outlined later).
  
  
• Prepare Application Materials – Gather all required documentation. This typically includes: organizational papers (articles of incorporation, bylaws, and list of owners/officers), a detailed school catalog describing programs and policies, outlines of each degree program (curricula, course descriptions, credit hours, and graduation requirements), faculty information (CVs, credentials for each instructor), and financial statements (usually current audited or reviewed financials demonstrating stability). Facilities information (campus address, floor plans or campus maps, and equipment lists for labs) must be prepared. Unaccredited degree applicants must also develop an Accreditation Plan – a roadmap for achieving accreditation within the allowed timeframe (typically candidacy or pre-accreditation candidacy within 2 years and full accreditation within 5 years of the BPPE’s approval).
  
  
• Online Application – Create an account in BPPE’s online application portal (Connect) and complete the “Approval to Operate an Institution” application form. BPPE provides separate application forms for accredited vs. non-accredited institutions, but both can be submitted electronically. Upload all supporting documents as instructed. (Alternatively, applications can be mailed to the Bureau’s office using the official PDF form, but online submission is preferred for tracking and speed.)
  
  
• Fees Payment – Pay the required fees when submitting the application. The initial application fee for a new degree-granting institution is $5,000 (non-refundable). If the school is out-of-state with no physical presence in CA, a $1,500 registration fee applies for a separate Out-of-State Registration (valid for 5 years). All institutions, once approved, will also be subject to an Annual Fee based on revenue (currently 0.55% of tuition revenue from California students, with a minimum $2,500 per year). These fees fund the Bureau’s oversight. (No surety bond is mandated in California, but institutions participate in a Student Tuition Recovery Fund, discussed under compliance.)
  
  
• Review & Evaluation – BPPE analysts review the application for completeness and compliance with California’s standards. They will verify that the curriculum meets state requirements for each degree level, that faculty have appropriate qualifications (e.g. advanced degrees in the field of instruction), and that financial resources are sufficient. For unaccredited institutions, the Bureau’s review is especially rigorous: the school must demonstrate that its programs meet minimum educational standards and that it can fulfill its accreditation plan. BPPE may request additional information or clarifications during this process. In some cases, an onsite inspection of the campus facility may be conducted by Bureau officials to verify the classrooms, equipment, and student support resources before a final decision.
  
  
• Additional Review – No separate higher-education commission approval is required in California; BPPE is the sole licensing authority for private colleges. However, if a proposed program falls under another professional regulatory agency’s purview, that agency’s approval may be needed in parallel. For example, programs leading to professional licensure (nursing, cosmetology, etc.) must also be approved by the respective California licensing boards. Out-of-state institutions seeking to register must similarly provide all required disclosures and will be evaluated by BPPE to determine if their registration is granted. (Notably, California is not part of the multi-state SARA agreement, so even accredited distance-learning universities must register with BPPE if enrolling California students, unless exempt by statute.)
  
  
• Licensure Decision – Upon satisfying all requirements, the Bureau grants an Approval to Operate. For a new degree-granting institution, BPPE often issues an initial approval with a defined term (typically 5 years). The approval letter and certificate will list the campus location(s) and the authorized degree programs. If the school is unaccredited, the approval to offer degree programs may be provisional, contingent on making progress toward accreditation. (BPPE will expect such a school to achieve accreditation within the mandated timeframe; failure to do so can result in loss of approval to award degrees.) An approved out-of-state institution will receive a California registration valid for 5 years, after which re-registration is required.
  
  
• Continuous Compliance – Once licensed, a college must operate in ongoing compliance with the California Private Postsecondary Education Act and BPPE regulations. Key obligations include: providing students with an approved Enrollment Agreement and School Performance Fact Sheet (detailing outcomes like graduation and job placement rates), observing all advertising/marketing rules (no false or misleading claims), and maintaining student records and transcripts for the required retention period. Schools must post BPPE’s notice on their website/catalog and collect from students the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) fee (when applicable) – this state-managed fund protects students in case of school closure. Institutions are required to file an Annual Report each year with BPPE, disclosing updated enrollment data, financial statements, and performance metrics. Any substantive changes in operation must be reported to BPPE: for example, adding a new degree program, relocating the campus, or changing ownership or mission requires advance notification and often Bureau approval via a separate application (e.g. Change of Location, Change in Educational Objectives, Change of Ownership forms). Additionally, unaccredited degree-granting schools must stick to their Accreditation Plan milestones. BPPE will monitor that such a school achieves accreditation candidacy and full accreditation as scheduled; extensions are rarely granted, so compliance is critical to continue offering degrees.
  
  
• Renewal – An Approval to Operate is not perpetual. Degree-granting institutions must renew their BPPE approval every five years. The renewal process involves submitting an Application for Renewal of Approval to Operate, updating all institutional information and academic offerings, and paying the renewal fee (typically the same $5,000 fee). The renewal application must demonstrate continued compliance – including current financial health, maintenance of accreditation (if applicable), and updated curriculum or facility information. Schools should begin the renewal process well before the expiration of the five-year term. If a renewal application is submitted on time, the existing approval remains active during BPPE’s review. Once renewed, the institution receives another multi-year approval term. (Failure to renew by the expiration date causes the approval to lapse, making it illegal to operate until reinstated.)
  
  

Checklist of Required Items (Degree-Granting Application) – When seeking California approval as a degree-granting institution, ensure the following materials are prepared and submitted:

• Completed BPPE Application Form (specific to Accredited or Non-Accredited institutions) with all sections filled out and signed.
  
  
• Institutional Plan & Catalog – A current school catalog or prospectus outlining mission, admission standards, academic policies, student services, tuition/refund policies, etc.
  
  
• Program Descriptions – Detailed outlines for each degree program: program objectives, curriculum/course sequence, credit hours or clock hours, and any internship or thesis requirements. Include sample syllabi if available.
  
  
• Faculty Qualifications – A list of instructors and academic administrators, with their degrees, licenses, and experience for teaching in each program. Provide CVs or resumes for faculty to show they meet state qualification standards.
  
  
• Financial Documentation – Current financial statements (balance sheet, income statement) prepared according to BPPE’s standards. Typically a reviewed or audited statement by a CPA is required to show the institution has adequate financial resources.
  
  
• Facility & Equipment Information – Documentation of the campus facilities: address and proof of control of the site (lease or deed), a description of classrooms, labs, libraries, and major equipment or learning resources available to students. Include campus layout or floor plan diagrams if required.
  
  
• School Policies and Compliance Docs – Copies of the Enrollment Agreement, cancellation and refund policies, and the School Performance Fact Sheet format, to demonstrate compliance with student protection rules.
  
  
• Accreditation Evidence or Plan – If already accredited, attach a copy of the accreditation certificate or letter from the accreditor. If unaccredited (and applying to offer degrees), include the BPPE-required Accreditation Plan detailing steps and timeline for achieving accreditation within five years.
  
  
• Ownership and Governance Info – A list of owners (any individual or entity with ≥25% ownership) and governing board members, with relevant background information. Any prior legal or regulatory issues involving the owners (such as prior school closures or violations) must be disclosed with explanatory statements. Also designate a California Agent for Service of Process (for legal notices) if the institution is out-of-state or not incorporated in CA.
  
  
• Fee Payments – Proof of payment of the application fee (and, if applicable, out-of-state registration fee). Payment is usually made online or via check/money order accompanying the mailed application.
  
  

Fees & Timelines (Degree-Granting Institutions) – Key fees and expected timeline for licensing a degree-granting institution in California:
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3. Vocational and Career Schools

Process – Private non-degree schools (e.g. career institutes, technical schools, vocational training centers) follow a similar path to licensure. Any private postsecondary institution in California offering certificate/diploma programs or career training must obtain BPPE approval to operate (unless fully exempted by law). The steps mirror those for degree colleges, with adjustments for the different scope of programs:

• Applicability – Determine if the school’s programs require BPPE approval. “Vocational” programs that do not confer degrees (for example, coding bootcamps, cosmetology schools, truck driving schools, language training institutes, etc.) are under BPPE oversight unless exempt. Out-of-state career schools delivering online training to California students also must register with BPPE (the same $1,500, 5-year registration applies). Check exemption categories: some short programs or those overseen by other boards might be exempt (see “State Exemptions”).
  
  
• Application Preparation – Compile required documents much like a degree school. This includes: a catalog of student policies and program descriptions, detailed curricula/outlines for each vocational program (listing course topics, hours of instruction, and any practical training or externship components), instructor lists with qualifications (instructors should have relevant expertise or industry certifications), and financial statements demonstrating the school’s stability. Facilities and equipment lists are crucial for career schools – the application should describe the training labs, workshops, or tools (for example, machinery for a trades program or computers for a tech program) that will be available to students. Because no degree is granted, an accreditation plan is not required for a purely vocational institution (accreditation is optional unless the school later seeks to award degrees).
  
  
• Submission Method – Use BPPE’s online system or PDF forms to apply for an Approval to Operate a Non-Degree Institution. The application format is essentially the same; the institution will simply indicate that it offers diplomas/certificates instead of degrees. All supporting materials (catalog, program outlines, instructor info, etc.) are uploaded or enclosed. The process and portal are identical to degree schools’ applications, minus any degree-specific attachments.
  
  
• Fees Payment – The fee schedule for vocational schools is the same base cost as for degree institutions. A new non-degree school pays the $5,000 application fee to BPPE with its license application. Annual fees (0.55% of revenue) likewise apply after approval (minimum $2,500/year). If an out-of-state vocational school (for example, an online coding bootcamp based elsewhere) enrolls Californians, it must pay the $1,500 registration fee. There is no discounted fee for being non-degree; however, very small programs might fall under an exemption if total charges are under the $2,500 threshold (in which case no BPPE fee or license is needed).
  
  
• Review & Evaluation – BPPE reviews non-degree school applications for compliance with educational standards and consumer protections. The programmatic review will focus on whether the training content is up-to-date and sufficient to teach the advertised job skills. The Bureau ensures the school has adequate equipment and facilities for hands-on training (if applicable), and that instructors are properly qualified (e.g. appropriate certifications or industry experience in the vocational field). For career schools, BPPE also looks at student services like job placement assistance or externship opportunities if promised in the catalog. There is an emphasis on truth-in-advertising: the school must not make unrealistic guarantees about employment. As with degree institutions, BPPE may conduct a site visit of the campus or training site to verify facilities. Because accreditation isn’t mandatory for non-degree institutions, the evaluation is the state’s primary quality check – unaccredited career schools are accepted as long as they meet state standards.
  
  
• Additional Review – Many vocational programs prepare students for licensed occupations, so other agencies might be involved. For instance, a cosmetology school must also be approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology; a truck driving program might need DMV certification for commercial driver training; a medical assistant program could require approval from a health board for any externships. While BPPE handles the school’s overall license, the institution should obtain any program-specific approvals from the relevant California licensing boards. BPPE will often ask for proof of such approvals (or exemption from them) during the application review. Aside from these, no separate educational commission is required – BPPE’s decision is final for licensing.
  
  
• Licensure Decision – Approved vocational schools receive a BPPE Approval to Operate listing their training programs and campus. The approval is typically granted for a 5-year term before renewal is needed. The certificate will note that the institution is authorized to offer the specific non-degree programs (diplomas, certificates) listed in the application. Because there is no degree accreditation condition, vocational school approvals are not labeled “provisional” – however, newly established schools may be closely monitored by BPPE in their early years. If all documents are in order, a career school license can sometimes be issued in a slightly shorter timeframe than a degree college, given the narrower scope of review. Out-of-state vocational providers that register will similarly receive confirmation of registration for five years.
  
  
• Continuous Compliance – After licensing, vocational institutions must adhere to all BPPE regulations just like degree-granting institutions. They must use enrollment agreements and student disclosures that meet state requirements, and maintain student outcome data (completion rates, job placement rates, if applicable) to include on the School Performance Fact Sheets. The school is expected to update BPPE annually with any changes and file the Annual Report. Any changes in location, adding a new program, or changes in ownership/management must be reported to BPPE and often require prior approval. Vocational schools are not required to become accredited; however, if they decide to add degree programs in the future, they would then need to initiate the accreditation process as per state law. All schools, degree or non-degree, must comply with STRF regulations: collect the STRF fee from students (when not set to $0) and remit it quarterly, and provide students with STRF disclosures. Additionally, BPPE may conduct periodic compliance inspections of approved schools (visiting the campus to audit records and confirm continued adherence to standards). Schools should be prepared for such inspections during their approval term.
  
  
• Renewal – A career school’s approval is renewed on the same 5-year cycle. The renewal application for a non-degree institution requires updating program lists (removing or adding any programs), submitting current financials, and confirming that the school still meets all criteria. The renewal fee is the same $5,000. If a vocational school has expanded into degree offerings during its license term, it must show accreditation progress for those degree programs at renewal. Conversely, if a school remained purely vocational, renewal is straightforward as long as the school has stayed in compliance (e.g., filed its annual reports, paid fees, and responded to any student complaints). Timely renewal submission is important to avoid any lapse in authorization.
  
  

Checklist of Required Items (Vocational School Application):

• Completed BPPE Application for Approval to Operate (Non-Accredited institution, if not accredited).
  
  
• School Catalog/Student Handbook detailing admissions requirements, program descriptions, grading policy, attendance, conduct, tuition and fees, refund policy, etc.
  
  
• Program Syllabi or Outlines for each certificate/diploma program, including total clock hours of instruction, modules or subjects taught, and any practical training components.
  
  
• Instructor Qualifications – list of instructors for each program with their qualifications (e.g. licenses, certifications, years of industry experience). Include copies of any required instructor licenses (for example, cosmetology instructor license).
  
  
• Facility and Equipment List – description of training facilities (classrooms, workshops, labs) and major equipment or training aids. For hands-on trades, list the tools, machines, or software the school will use to train students. Include any campus floor plan or photos if needed to illustrate the setup.
  
  
• Financial Capacity Documents – a balance sheet and income statement (preferably prepared by an accountant) to show the school has enough financial resources to fulfill commitments to students (operating funds, refund reserve, etc.).
  
  
• Operating Policies and Forms – copies of the enrollment agreement, any promotional brochures or advertisements (to ensure they meet truth-in-advertising rules), and the template of the School Performance Fact Sheet for each program (showing how outcomes like completion and placement will be disclosed).
  
  
• Approvals from Other Agencies (if applicable) – if a program requires approval from another state board (e.g. Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for beauty programs, or DMV certification for driving schools), include copies of those approvals or evidence that an application is pending.
  
  
• Payment of Fees – Proof of payment of the $5,000 application fee. (If the school is based outside California, also include the $1,500 out-of-state registration fee, unless exempt due to nonprofit accreditation status.)
  
  

Fees & Timelines (Vocational & Non-Degree Schools):
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4. Religious Exempt Institutions

Certain institutions can operate exempt from BPPE approval on the basis of their religious purpose. California law provides a religious exemption for institutions that meet strict criteria under Education Code §94874(e). Eligibility criteria include:

• The school must be owned, controlled, and operated by a bona fide religious organization and legally organized as a nonprofit religious corporation in California. (Proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as a religious entity is required.)
  
  
• Educational programs are limited to the principles of the religious organization. The institution can only offer degrees and diplomas in religious disciplines (such as theology, ministry, religious education, divinity, etc.). Secular programs or programs leading to non-religious vocations are not allowed under this exemption.
  
  
• The degrees conferred must reflect the religious nature of the education. California specifies that a religious-exempt school may grant, for example, Bachelor of Religious Studies, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Theology, or similar titles – the degree title must explicitly reference its religious character. The school cannot award generic degrees (like B.A. or M.S. in standard fields) and may not offer any degree in physical science or other secular fields.
  
  
• All advertising, catalogs, and documents must make it clear that the institution’s programs are for religious purposes. The school cannot imply state approval or accreditation (since it is exempt), and typically must include a disclaimer that its degrees are religious and “not meant for general academic or vocational purposes outside of the ministry context.”
  
  

Filing for Exemption: To be recognized as a religious-exempt institution in California, the organization must file an Application for Verification of Exempt Status with the BPPE. This is a formal process to notify the Bureau and obtain an official acknowledgment of the exemption. The steps are:

• Complete the Exemption Application – The form will ask for institutional information and the specific subsection of the law under which exemption is claimed (in this case §94874(e) for religious institutions). You must provide documentation of the religious organization’s status – typically, articles of incorporation showing the nonprofit religious purpose, and evidence of current nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.
  
  
• Describe Programs and Titles – The school should include a description of the religious programs it intends to offer, including the curricula and the exact degree titles (to demonstrate they conform to the religious-focus requirements). This helps the Bureau verify that all instruction is theological or ministry-related.
  
  
• Submit the Application with Fee – The exemption verification application is submitted to BPPE (same mailing address or online system) along with a $250 filing fee. This fee is non-refundable and covers the Bureau’s review of the exemption claim.
  
  
• Bureau Review – BPPE will review the submission to ensure the institution truly qualifies. They may ask for additional information or clarification (for instance, evidence that the faculty or institution leaders are part of the religious organization, or copies of promotional material to ensure no secular degrees are advertised). If the criteria are met, BPPE will issue a Verification of Exempt Status letter or certificate confirming that the institution is exempt from the BPPE Act. Only after receiving this verification should the school begin operations, to have documentation on file that it is operating lawfully under an exemption.
  
  
• Operating Under Exemption – A religious-exempt college must abide by the limitations of the exemption. It cannot enroll students in programs outside its religious scope, and it should refrain from using terminology protected under the Act (like “college” or “university” or “degree”) in a manner that misleads the public about its exempt status. Many such schools include a clear statement in all materials that they are “exempt from state oversight pursuant to CA Education Code §94874(e)”. If the institution ever expands into secular education, or no longer meets the religious criteria, it would lose the exemption and then would need to seek BPPE approval.
  
  

In summary, religious exemption offers qualifying seminaries and faith-based colleges a way to operate without BPPE licensure, but it must be handled carefully – the institution’s mission and programs must remain strictly religious in nature, and a one-time filing with the Bureau (with renewal only if substantive changes occur) is required to officially document the exemption.

5. State Exemptions

California law exempts certain institutions and programs from BPPE oversight entirely. Below is a comprehensive list of exemption categories (Education Code §94874 and §94874.1), under which a school may operate without a BPPE license. If an institution fits ANY of these categories, it does not need to obtain approval to operate (though some may choose voluntary approval). The categories are:

1. Avocational and Recreational Programs – An institution offering solely avocational or recreational education. These are hobby, leisure, or personal enrichment courses (e.g. art appreciation, languages for personal interest, dance classes) not leading to employment. If all programs are avocational/recreational in nature, the school is exempt.
   
   
2. Bona Fide Membership Organization Training – An institution offering educational programs only to members of a trade, business, professional, or fraternal organization, where that organization genuinely sponsors or oversees the training. (The training is not open to the general public, and the organization is a separate entity from the school.) For example, a professional association that provides courses exclusively to its dues-paying members could be exempt. (Note: If the “membership” is basically open enrollment to anyone who pays a fee, this exemption doesn’t apply – it must truly be a closed-group training for an established organization’s members.)
   
   
3. Approved Pre-Apprenticeship Programs – Programs offered by certain labor organizations or councils that provide pre-apprenticeship training in conjunction with state-approved apprenticeship programs. To qualify, the organization must meet Workforce Development Board criteria and be listed (or eligible for listing) on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) for apprenticeship training. This exemption ensures that union or trade apprenticeships and their feeder programs aren’t duplicatively regulated by BPPE.
   
   
4. Government Operated Schools – Any postsecondary educational institution established and run by the government – whether federal, state, or a local government subdivision (city, county, public school district). Public universities, community colleges, and training programs operated by government agencies fall here and are not subject to BPPE oversight.
   
   
5. Test Preparation Courses – Institutions offering test preparation services for exams required for admission to higher education. For example, an SAT/ACT prep course provider or a company solely offering GRE/GMAT prep would be exempt from BPPE requirements, since they are just prepping students for admissions tests, not granting postsecondary instruction credits or degrees.
   
   
6. Continuing Education & License Exam Review – An institution providing continuing education or license examination preparation, if and only if the program is approved or sponsored by a recognized body. This includes continuing education courses that are approved by a state licensing agency, a government entity, or a bona fide professional organization for purposes of professional license renewal or exam preparation. (Example: a course certified by the California Board of Nursing for nurses’ CE units, or a workshop run by a professional association for its certification exam.) These programs, being overseen by other authorities, are exempt from BPPE.
   
   
7. Religious Institutions (Theological Schools) – As detailed in the section above, an institution owned, controlled, and operated by a nonprofit religious organization, devoted to religious education only, is exempt. The curricula must be limited to religious principles and the degrees limited to evidence of religious education. (Secular or non-religious programs disqualify the exemption.)
   
   
8. Short-Term Career Programs (Low Cost) – An institution that does not award degrees and charges $2,500 or less in total for each educational program, with no state or federal financial aid involved. This exemption captures very short-term, low-cost courses (for example, a coding bootcamp that charges $2,000 total and doesn’t accept any government aid). If a program’s total charges stay at or below $2,500 and students are not using federal aid or loans, the program can operate without BPPE approval. (Note: The $2,500 cap may be adjusted for inflation by the Bureau via regulation; as of now it remains $2,500.)
   
   
9. Accredited Law Schools – Law schools that are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), or law schools (and unaccredited law study programs) approved and regulated by the California Committee of Bar Examiners (State Bar of CA), are exempt from BPPE. These law programs operate under the authority of the Bar and need not seek a BPPE license.
   
   
10. Nonprofit Workforce Development Programs – A nonprofit public benefit corporation that provides workforce development or rehabilitation services may be exempt if it meets all criteria of §94874(h). Specifically, the nonprofit must have 501(c)(3) status, focus on job training/rehabilitation services, and be accredited by a specialized accreditor recognized by the CA Department of Rehabilitation. (These might include certain long-established vocational rehabilitation programs for disabled or disadvantaged populations.) Such organizations already operate under other oversight and thus are not regulated by BPPE.
    
    
11. WASC-Accredited Institutions – An institution that is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), either the Senior Colleges and Universities commission or the WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, is exempt. This clause effectively exempts most traditional regionally-accredited California colleges (since WASC is the regional accreditor for California). For example, a private nonprofit university in California that is regionally accredited by WASC does not need a BPPE approval. (Note: Many of these institutions are also non-profit; this exemption was designed to avoid dual oversight of schools that already meet rigorous regional accreditation standards.)
    
    
12. Flight Instruction Providers – Flight schools or flight instruction programs regulated by the FAA are exempt if they meet two conditions: (1) they do not require students to sign up for any loans or financing (no student debt obligation), and (2) they do not collect more than $2,500 in advance payments from a student. This exemption, under §94874(j), was created to relieve small flight training academies from BPPE oversight as long as they limit upfront costs and debt risk for students. (If a flight school takes large prepayments or facilitates student loans, it would not be exempt and would need BPPE approval.)
    
    
13. Community-Based Organization Programs – An institution operated by a community-based organization (CBO), as defined in federal law (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WIOA), can be exempt under §94874(k) if it meets specific criteria. The CBO must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), not offer degrees, and primarily provide short-term career skills training often in partnership with local workforce development boards. It must either be on or seeking listing on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List and cannot offer programs that require licensure (unless they’re otherwise exempt). Essentially, this covers certain charitable community training programs (for example, a local job-training nonprofit receiving WIOA funds) so they are not burdened by BPPE oversight in addition to their workforce funding oversight.
    
    
14. Regionally Accredited Institutions (Out-of-State) – Under Education Code §94874.1, any institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be eligible for exemption. This broadens the exemption beyond WASC to include schools accredited by other regional accreditors (Middle States, Higher Learning Commission, SACS, etc.). In practice, this means an out-of-state accredited university that is regionally accredited and coming into California (or enrolling California students) might be exempt from BPPE, provided it also meets any additional requirements in §94874.1 (for instance, often this applies if the institution is non-profit and in good standing). This exemption ensures that well-established regionally accredited colleges from other states aren’t overly impeded when operating in California. (Important: While exempt from a full BPPE approval, out-of-state accredited institutions still need to comply with the Out-of-State registration if they enroll Californians, unless they meet the specific nonprofit criteria in the law. Always consult BPPE if unsure whether this exemption fully applies.)

Note: Institutions claiming an exemption should formally verify their status with BPPE. The Bureau allows (and in some cases requires) filing of a verification of exemption form to confirm that the institution indeed qualifies under one of the above categories. Operating without BPPE approval or a valid exemption could lead to legal penalties. Thus, schools should carefully review these categories and maintain documentation for their exemption. If any doubt exists, it is wise to contact BPPE for guidance or obtain a written verification of exempt status.

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