Overview
To renew an occupational school license online, you need to log in to the eLIPSE 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.
General Instructions
When your license becomes eligible for renewal, you will select the option to “Renew License” in the eLIPSE portal, complete the application, and submit payment to DOL. The Office of Private Occupational School Education will review your renewal application and will notify you if additional information is needed. Once your renewal application is approved, you will be notified, and must print copies of the school’s renewed license to be posted at each location at which the school is approved by DOL to operate to operate.
Renewal Application Timeline
The eLIPSE portal will allow schools to begin submitting a renewal application 90 days before license expiration. Renewal applications are due 60 days before license expiration. If you submit a renewal application less than 60 days before license expiration, you will be assessed a late fee of $200, which will be added to your renewal fee. Renewal fee
The school’s renewal fee is based on the Annual Adjusted Gross Revenue (AAGR) of the school’s last completed fiscal year. With your application for a renewal, you will be required to enter the school’s total revenue from tuition, fees, and profit on books and supplies for the most recent school fiscal year and the system will calculate your renewal fee. The minimum renewal fee is $250.
You may also use this worksheet for planning purposes.
The school’s calculation is subject to review and audit. Records relating to the school’s calculation must be retained by the school for seven (7) years.
How to Apply
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 renewal and amendments to the school’s license or the owner of the school should create a MyMassGov account.
OSA Financial Application
Schools will be notified by the Office of the State Auditor (OSA)90 days before the school’s license expiration to submit their yearly financial determination application to the OSA. These financial applications are due to the OSA 60 days before license expiration. As part of DOL’s renewal application, you will be asked to provide the date you submitted your financial application to the OSA.
Required forms and documents
These documents must be uploaded for the online renewal:
- Ownership Type Documentation. Note: 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.
- 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
- Property lease or deed, for each approved location
- A Business Certificate or a D/B/A Certificate
- Building Inspection Report
- Fire Inspection Report, for each approved location
- Proof of adequate liability insurance, coverage selections page only
- Federal Student Aid approval(s), if applicable
- Accreditation approval(s), if applicable
- GI Bill approval letter, if applicable
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.
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.