Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) occupational school regulations
Please follow the steps below to determine whether you need to be licensed to operate a private occupational school.
Before completing an application for licensure, please review the applicable regulations, set forth at 230 CMR 12.00-17.00; a copy can also be ordered online through the Secretary of State’s office.
If it is determined that your organization requires a license, you will be directed to submit an application for a private occupational school license. If it is determined that your organization is not required to be licensed, you will be notified and receive a follow-up email.
Monthly Workshops
The DOL provides monthly workshops for individuals and organizations considering operating a private occupational school, those seeking to apply for a private occupational school license, and current applicants that need assistance with specific paperwork.
These virtual workshops are provided via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend, please register on the Private Occupational Schools - New and Prospective Applicants Workshop Microsoft Teams portal.
These virtual workshops are provided via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend, please register for one of the following dates on the Microsoft Teams portal.
| Date | Microsoft Teams Attendance and Registration Link |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2026 | Private Occupational Schools - New and Prospective Applicants Workshop | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams |
| October 9, 2026 | Private Occupational Schools - New and Prospective Applicants Workshop | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams |
| November 6, 2026 | Private Occupational Schools - New and Prospective Applicants Workshop | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams |
| December 4, 2026 | Private Occupational Schools - New and Prospective Applicants Workshop | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams |
How to apply and application fees
Application Fees
Please note that applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee. The application fee is $2500 for for-profit entities, and $1250 for non-profit entities. You may pay the fee online or by mail with a check or money order. There is a convenience fee for online payments.
Application Timeline
You have nine (9) months from the date of your preliminary application submission to complete your application for an occupational school license (this is not from the date of your license determination request). If your application remains incomplete after nine (9) months from your date of submission, your application will be closed. After that time, to obtain a license as an occupational school, you must submit a new application to DOL and pay a new application fee.
How to Apply
Read all steps carefully before starting your application.
Step 1: Create an eLIPSE account. If you do not already have an account with MyMassGov, when you log-in to eLIPSE for the first time, you will need to create a MyMassGov account. Either the individual who will handle the application or the owner of the prospective school should create a MyMassGov account.
Step 2: Complete a License Determination Request. In eLIPSE, complete a License Determination Request to see whether you must apply for an occupational school license.
Do not proceed to Step 3 until after you receive a determination from DOL that you must apply for an occupational school license.
Step 3: If DOL determines you must be licensed, please request a new applicant financial application for an occupational school by emailing the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) at at OccupationalSchools@massauditor.gov. Submit your completed financial application to the OSA so it may determine financial eligibility and the amount of surety to be held.
- Do not proceed to Step 4 until after you receive a determination from the OSA that you are financially qualified to apply to DOL for an occupational school license.
Step 4: Contact other agencies as necessary. If you plan to offer any program that is also overseen by other state or federal agencies, contact those agencies for required approvals.
Examples of Programs:
- Nurse Aide: Contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Nurse Aide Registry to complete their separate application process for Nurse Aide or Nursing Assistant Training (NAT) programs. See the Technical Assistance Handout specific to prospective NAT schools.
- Massage Therapy: Read the memo regarding the Licensure and Oversight of Private Occupational Massage Therapy Schools if you plan to operate a massage therapy program
- Practical Nursing: To offer a Practical Nursing (PN) program, you must be licensed by the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) and be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-approved accrediting agency. The program must also be approved by the Department of Public Health’s Board of Registration for Nursing.
- Dental Assisting: If you plan to offer a dental assisting program, you must review requirements to register as a dental assistant in Massachusetts through the Board of Registration in Dentistry. DOL will work with you and the Board to obtain required program approvals.
- Commercial Driving: If you plan to offer a professional driving program Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), CDL-A, or CDL-B, you must also submit an application through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
- Trade Programs: If you plan to offer a trade program for which there is a Board of Registration, please contact the Board Division of Occupational Licensure | Mass.gov to determine requirements for curriculum and instructors. Please work with the relevant Board to obtain approval of your program, which you will then submit with your application for an occupational school license.
Step 5: Get surety. Once the OSA has reviewed your financials, they will also determine the level of surety you need. DOL recommends getting a Surety Bond to fill this requirement, as it is the easiest to get and to keep up. See more information on surety options, including templates and directions, at Office of Private Occupational School Education: Surety Forms and Instructions.
Step 6: Submit your preliminary application for an occupational school license and payment to DOL via eLIPSE.
Application Timeline
You have nine (9) months from the date of your initial application submission to complete your application for an occupational school license. If your application remains incomplete after nine (9) months have elapsed from your date of submission, your application will be closed. After that time, to obtain a license as an occupational school, you must submit a new application to DOL and pay a new application fee.
Required attachments for preliminary applications. The following items must be uploaded with your preliminary application. See TA for Preliminary and Secondary Applications for more detailed information about required documents
- Financial Determination from the Office of the State Auditor (OSA)
- Ownership Type Documentation. Note: Corporations that are not currently operating as schools and want to offer courses must amend their articles of organization with the Secretary of State’s Office and include with the application a copy of the certified amendment.
- FEIN
- For each owner, upload a signed and notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form, a completed Professional and Criminal History Attestations, and a completed signature page of Ethics Training.
- Non-instructional Staff. For each non-instructional staff person, upload a signed and notarized CORI Authorization and a completed Professional and Criminal History Attestations. Include a signature page of Ethics Training, if required.
- Instructors. For each instructor, upload a signed and notarized CORI Authorization form and a completed Professional and Criminal History Attestations. Include a printout of their professional license, if required.
- Enrollment agreement (contract)
- Program Catalog/Student Handbook
- Curriculum
- Sample Certificate and/or Transcript
Step 7: Submit your secondary application to DOL via the eLIPSE platform.
Required attachments for secondary applications. The following documents must be uploaded to your secondary application. See TA for Preliminary and Secondary Applications for more detailed information about required documents
- Property lease or deed
- A Business Certificate or a D/B/A Certificate
- Facility inspection reports
- Floor plan
- Board of Health approval, if needed.
- Proof of adequate liability insurance
- Federal Student Aid approval(s), if applicable
- Accreditation approval(s), if applicable
- GI Bill approval letter, if applicable
Step 8: Host a site visit. Once your completed application and any necessary additional approvals have been submitted, DOL will schedule a site visit for an inspection.
If you have any questions, you may call our Welcome Center at 617-701-8895 any time between 9:00am- 5:00pm. Our welcome center staff will guide you through the process.
Required attachments for initial applicants
The following items must be uploaded with your application. Documents and forms can be found on Information for Occupational Licensing.
- Ownership Documentation:
- For each owner, upload an Owner Information form, notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form, Sexual Offender Record Information (SORI) form, and a Signature Page of ethics training.
- Ownership Type Documentation:
- Corporations must submit a copy of their Articles of Incorporation and documentation of employee identification number (EIN) or federal employer identification (FEIN) number. (Note: Corporations that are operating (not as schools) and now want to offer courses must amend their articles of organization with the Secretary of State’s Office). Enclose a copy of the certified amendment.
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must submit a copy of their Articles of Organization and documentation of EIN or FEIN number
- Partnerships must submit a notarized copy of their partnership agreement and Articles of Organization, along with documentation of EIN or FEIN number
- Individual owners must submit consent to do business from the city/town clerk for locations of operation
- Franchises must submit a signed copy of their franchise agreement
- A Business Certificate, or D/B/A Certificate, from the cities or towns of operation
Corporations that are not operating as schools and want to offer courses must amend their articles of organization with the Secretary of State’s Office and include a copy of the certified amendment.
Facility inspection reports
Current Building and Fire Inspection reports for each facility students will enter. If you don’t have separate inspection reports, a current Certificate of Occupancy report signed by both the local building and fire inspectors may be submitted.
- Building Inspection Report Form: For each location, upload the current Certificate of Inspection or use the Building Inspection Report Form. You must also include the Building Use Group in accordance with the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards, 780 CMR 304 or 305.
- Fire Inspection Report Form: For each location, upload the current Certificate of Inspection or use the Fire Inspection Report Form.
Enrollment agreement
An Enrollment Agreement, also known as an Enrollment Contract, on school letterhead that complies with state regulations (G.L. c. 255, §13K). View this Sample Enrollment Agreement to ensure you include all required information.
School closure plan
A completed School Closure Plan.
Property lease or deed
If you own the property, upload a copy of the deed. If the property is being leased, upload a copy of the lease, signed by both the lessee(s) and the lessor(s) that includes the lessor’s name, address, and telephone number.
Floor plan
A copy of the floor plan indicating the approximate size and purpose of each room.
Board of Health approval
If you will be teaching in an allied health program that requires approval from the local board of health, you must provide a copy of the approval. Oversight programs like phlebotomy and other allied health programs is at the discretion of the local board of health.
Proof of adequate liability insurance
Documentation proving adequate liability insurance.
Policy statements
On school letterhead, or marked with the school catalog or student handbook, include the following policy statements
- Entrance requirements in accordance with 230 CMR 15.05(1)(b)
- Attendance policies, including the consequences of not following them
- Grading policies, including the consequences of not maintaining minimum grade requirements
- Satisfactory progress pursuant to 230CMR 15.01(10)
- School rules and regulations, including the consequences of not following them
- Guidance and counseling policies
- Job placement
- School calendar with dates of courses, days off, days the school is closed, or any other breaks
- Student complaint resolution process in accordance with (230CMR 15.07), including that the school must respond to a student’s written complaint in writing within 10 days and students may contact the Office of Private Occupational School Education at any time
Program course catalog
A copy of the catalog
Federal Student Aid approval(s) (if applicable)
A copy of the approval letter(s)
Accreditation approval(s) (if applicable)
A copy of the approval letter(s)
GI Bill approval letter (if applicable)
A copy of the approval letter
Surety
Initial applicants must submit by first-class mail the original surety document in the amount determined by the State Auditor along with the surety and a copy of the State Auditor’s determination letter.
Instructors
For each instructor, upload a CORI Authorization, which is an application packet containing an Instructor Certification Form, notarized CORI Form, notarized SORI Form, and resume or Curriculum Vitae. Include a printout of their professional license, if required.
Non-instructional staffers
For each staffer, upload a CORI Authorization, which is an application packet that contains a Staff Certification Form, notarized CORI Form, and SORI Form. Include a signature page of Ethics Training, if required.
Electronic Records Waiver (if applicable)
A copy of the completed Electronic Records Waiver