Overview
To renew an occupational school license online, you need to log in to the ePLACE Portal, which requires a user name or email and password. If you don’t have an account, you need to register. If you don’t remember your password, you have to request a new one.
If you need help getting started, email occupational.schools@mass.gov.
Required forms and documents
These documents may be uploaded during the online renewal process.
- 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 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 Cirriculum 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 Form.
Renewal fees
You may also pay the renewal fee online. There is a non-refundable convenience fee for all payments made online by credit card or check.
To determine the renewal fee in accordance with G.L. c. 112, § 263 use this formula:
- Add total revenue from tuition, fees, and profit on books and supplies for the most recent school fiscal year and multiply that by .0049 to determine the total renewal fee. Do not round up or down when calculating the total fee. The minimum renewal is $250.
- You can also use this worksheet for planning purposes.
The renewal fee is due at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the school’s license. The school’s calculation is subject to review and audit. Records relating to the school calculation must be retained by the school for 7 years.
Logging in to ePLACE
If you have the email or User Name and password for your account, visit ePLACE and log in. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one. If you forgot your password, you can request a reset.
Renewal instructions
As you complete your renewal, you will have the option to “save without submitting.”
Log in to ePLACE
Select "Manage my Licenses and Permits"
Find your license in the "Identifying Number" column
Find "Renew" at the end of the row
Then, submit
IMPORTANT: Send an email to occupational.schools@mass.gov to let us know your renewal has been submitted. Please include the Identifying Number.
Help with ePLACE
For help with ePLACE you can call the Help Desk at (844) 733-7522 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also email ePlace_Helpdesk@Mass.Gov
For non-technical issues, contact the Division of Occupational Licensure.