Licensing application pause
The temporary pause on new applications for licensing under the Alberta Private Vocational Training Act will be lifted on September 30, 2023.
The forms and guidelines below, which have been made easier to use, were updated on September 19, 2023. Use them for all licensing applications.
Overview
Vocational training programs offered by private institutions must be licensed by the Government of Alberta in accordance with the Private Vocational Training Act and the Private Vocational Training Regulation. This legislation supports private institutions’ participation in Alberta's post-secondary system and provides protections to students enrolled in licensed programs.
Before you start
You are required by law to licence career training programs you want to offer, unless your program is considered exempt.
If you are unsure if your program needs a license, or have any additional questions, contact a licensing officer by emailing [email protected] or calling 780-427-5609.
Our licensing team can help you understand:
- if your program requires a licence
- if your proposed program could meet licensing requirements
- how the application process works
It is important to ensure you have passed Step 1 and have been approved before moving ahead to step 2.
Step 1. Apply for Program Approval
The below sections must be completed for each program that you are seeking to licence. For new institutions, at least one program must be approved in Step 1 before you can move to Step 2.
You can download the checklist to help keep track of the required documents. Do not submit your application until you have completed all components.
Application for Program Approval Checklist (PDF, 109 KB)
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
- Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
- Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.
If you are still having problems opening the form, contact PDF form technical support.
Step 2: Apply for Institution Approval (new schools only)
You must have passed step 1 before starting step 2.
Step 3: Post Financial Security
Private Career Colleges are required to post security before they receive their license. The posted security protects tuition paid by students enrolled in licensed vocational training programs.
Colleges must:
- post and maintain security for every campus where licensed career training is offered
- pay the amount required by government
- ensure the post is in the form of a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit issued by an approved financial institution
The security you submit must remain in force while you have a licence. You cannot make any adjustments without written approval by government. You will be asked to increase your security amount if it's determined that your current amount is not sufficient based on increases in enrolment.
Step 4: Licensing Agreement Information Session
Private Career Colleges branch provides all new licenses an information session to review the Licensing Agreement, also known as the Terms and Conditions of Licensing.
Other ongoing licensing requirements will also be discussed so you are fully aware of the roles and responsibilities of private career colleges offering licensed training programs in Alberta. The following document outlines your ongoing requirements as a licensee. Refer to this document regularly.
Contact
To connect with the Private Career Colleges Branch:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-5609
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
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