Overview
Career 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 license career training programs you want to offer, unless your program is considered exempt. See Career training licence requirements for licensing exemptions.
If you are unsure if your program needs a licence, or have any additional questions, contact a licensing officer.
Get started
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Licensed institutions application
This application pathway is for licensed institutions (those with a career training licence from the Alberta government) that are seeking to license a new program.
If you are a new institution seeking to license a career training program for the first time see, New institution application.
Step 1. Apply for program licensing
Licensed institutions can apply for new program licences online.
Your college's Responsible Authority will need to set up an Alberta.ca Account for Organizations. You do not need to use your personal Alberta.ca Account to access this application.
The online application allows you to:
- manage multiple applications at the same time
- save your progress and come back later
- download required templates
- upload documents
- submit your application to Advanced Education
Within 4 weeks of submitting your application, we will screen your application and advise you via email if corrections are required. When the application is accepted into the licensing queue for review, the institution will be required to pay the application fee.
Effective April 1, 2025, licensed institutions must pay an application fee of $250 per program.
When payment is required, we will provide your college’s Responsible Authority with an invoice by email, along with instructions on how to pay your fees online using MyAlberta eServices.
Step 2. Apply for location approval (new locations only)
You must have passed Step 1 before starting Step 2.
If your program application has been approved and you are planning to deliver the program at a location that does not already have a licensed program, the director must approve your new campus. A review of the new premises will be conducted to determine if it is appropriate for the training.
Email the information below to [email protected]:
- New Institution Information Form
- documentation showing municipal approval of the onsite premises
- signed health inspection permit, if applicable
Note: If you are moving an already licensed program to a new location, see Licensed training program and college changes.
Step 3. Sign and submit the statutory declaration
A Statutory Declaration must be signed by your Responsible Authority and a Commissioner of Oaths. Once signed, scan and submit to us by email.
If you have questions about how to complete any of the above, contact us.
New institution application
This application is for new institutions that are seeking to license a program for the first time. If you are a licensed institution that has a career training licence from us, see Licensed institutions application.
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.
Step 1. Apply for a new program licence
The sections below must be completed for each program that you are seeking to license.
Download the checklist to help keep track of the required documents. Do not submit your application until you have completed all components.
Step 2. Apply for institution approval
You must have passed Step 1 before starting Step 2.
Step 3. Post financial security
Private career colleges are required to post financial security before receiving their licence. This security protects the tuition paid by students enrolled in licensed vocational training programs. Private career colleges must:
- post and maintain financial security for every campus where licensed career training is offered
- post the amount required by government
- ensure the posted security is in the form of a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit issued by an approved bonding agency or financial institution
The financial security you post must remain in effect for as long as you have a licence. You cannot make any adjustments without written approval by us.
Step 4. Licensing agreement information session
We will provide an information session to all new licensees to review the Licensing Agreement, also known as the Terms and Conditions of Licensing. During the session, the licensing requirements will be discussed to ensure you are fully aware of the roles and responsibilities of private career colleges offering licensed career training programs in Alberta.
Contact
Connect with the Private Career Colleges and Compliance 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]