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How to Obtain State Approval for Colleges and Universities in Nevada

Before a postsecondary institution can operate in Nevada, it must either be licensed or exempted by the Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE). This guide, a crucial resource, clearly and concisely explains the steps necessary to obtain state approval, including submitting required forms and compliance with specific regulations.

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Understanding the Regulatory Framework

The Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is the regulatory body responsible for the licensure and oversight of most private postsecondary schools operating in Nevada under NRS 394 and NAC 394. It sets and enforces the regulations that institutions must comply with to meet educational standards and protect student interests.

State Approval Readines

If you're new to state approval, start with our initial questionnaire. This provides a comprehensive understanding of your organization's readiness for state approval.

Our goal is to help you achieve successful approval from your state and ensure the process is as efficient and stress-free as possible for you and your team.

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Steps to Obtain State Approval

  1. Determine if Licensure is Required
  • Initial Inquiry:
    • Complete and submit the single-page online form under the LICENSURE tab on the CPE website to determine if licensure is required.
  1. Initial Licensure Application
  • Choose the Appropriate Application:
    • Determine if your institution needs a Degree or Non-Degree application based on the programs offered.
  • Complete the Application:
    • Fill out the chosen application form with detailed information about your institution, including the programs offered, faculty qualifications, and financial stability.
  • Submission Deadline:
    • Apply at least 60 days before the scheduled quarterly meeting of the Commission, which typically occurs on the first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November.
  • Checklist and Supporting Documents:
    • Ensure all submission requirements on the application checklist are met, including a CPA-prepared financial statement (audited or reviewed).
    • All non-degreed vocational schools must attend a School Licensing Workshop before submission.
  • Submission:
    • Submit the completed application and all supporting documents via the CPE portal or mail them to:
  1. Application Review Process
  • Staff Review:
    • CPE staff will process applications in the order received. Early submission is encouraged to allow adequate time to address any deficiencies.
  • Quarterly Commission Meeting:
    • The Commission will review the application during their quarterly meeting.
  • Approval and Contingencies:
    • If the application is approved, the institution will have 6 months to fulfill all contingencies and be issued a license.
    • If the institution fails to meet any contingencies, provisional approval will be terminated, and a new application will be required.
  1. Document Submission and Compliance
  • CPE Document Submission Form:
    • Submit documents using the CPE Document Submission Form, which is available online.
  • Electronic Submissions:
    • Do not submit documents via email. Use the portal to check for viruses or mail documents to the CPE office.
  • Background Checks:
    • Ensure all staff and faculty undergo fingerprint-based background checks. The cost is $40.25, and the new form 40C must be used.
  1. Distance Education Exemption
  • Exemption Form:
    • Institutions offering distance education without a physical presence in Nevada must complete the Nevada Exemption for Distance Education form.
  • Certification Statements:
    • Certify that the institution has no physical presence in Nevada, does not solicit students within the state, and is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
  • Submission:
    • Mail the original signed and notarized exemption form to the CPE office.
  1. License Evaluation Request
  • Evaluation Form:
    • Complete the License Evaluation Request form, providing detailed information about the institution and its training programs.
  • Supporting Documents:
    • Attach any supporting documents and mail the notarized form to the CPE office.
  1. Annual Reporting
  • Year-End Report:
    • Licensed institutions must submit a Year-End Report from January 1 to December 31 by April 30 of the following year.
    • The report is in Excel format and must be submitted via the CPE portal.
  • Late Submissions:
    • Institutions that fail to submit the report on time or request an extension must pay a $250 fine.

How Accreditation Expert Consulting Can Help

Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) offers services to assist institutions in obtaining state approval and ensuring ongoing compliance. Here’s how AEC can help:

  1. Expert Guidance on Regulatory Compliance
  • Regulatory Navigation: AEC provides detailed guidance on navigating Nevada’s regulatory requirements and ensures your institution meets all state standards.
  • Compliance Check: Perform a thorough compliance check to ensure all application documents meet the CPE’s criteria.
  1. Application Preparation and Submission
  • Form Completion: Assist in accurately completing the necessary application forms and compiling all required documentation.
  • Document Preparation: Help prepare essential documents, including institutional plans, curriculum details, and faculty qualifications.
  1. Review and Feedback
  • Pre-submission Review: Conduct a pre-submission review of your application to identify and rectify potential issues.
  • Feedback and Revisions: Provide actionable feedback and assist with necessary revisions to strengthen your application.
  1. Liaison with the Louisiana Board of Regents
  • Communication: Act as a liaison between your institution and the CPE to ensure clear and effective communication.
  • Follow-up: Monitor the progress of your application and follow up as needed to expedite the approval process.
  1. Strategic Planning and Implementation
  • Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan to guide your institution through approval and ensure sustainable growth.
  • Implementation Support: Provide ongoing support to implement the approved programs and maintain compliance with state requirements.
  1. Training and Development
  • Faculty Training: Offer training sessions for faculty and staff on regulatory compliance and best practices in academic program development.
  • Administrative Support: To streamline the proposal submission and approval process, provide administrative support.

AEC Note

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Nevada involves a series of well-defined steps, from initial inquiry to application submission and evaluation by the Commission on Postsecondary Education. By following these steps and utilizing the support of Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC), institutions can efficiently navigate the approval process, ensure compliance with state regulations, and focus on delivering high-quality education to their students. AEC’s comprehensive services, including expert guidance, application preparation, review and feedback, liaison with the CPE, strategic planning, and training, provide valuable support to institutions seeking state authorization and continuous improvement.

We have collaborated with educational institutions nationwide that hold accreditation from prominent national and regional agencies, including:
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