FAQs

The Frequently Asked Questions section of the website and corresponding answers are intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be legal advice nor should be considered such, neither is it intended to be an exhaustive reference on the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational School’s laws.

General Questions

1. What is a private vocational school?
   The schools the OBPVS licenses are defined by the training offered rather where located/housed.  Beginning in August 2015, the Oklahoma Legislature clarified that in addition to live training and correspondence courses, the OBPVS should license on-line (distance education) schools that make certain training available to Oklahoma residents.  The three main training features that require a school license in Oklahoma are that the entity is:

   1. Private, meaning it is not a public entity or fully paid by tax funding
   2. Remunerated for the training provided
   3. Offering training of a vocational or occupation nature.
      For additional information refer to Title 70 O.S. §21-101, the statutory definition of a private vocational school and the License Wizard page. 

       

2. What are the OBPVS Office Hours? 
   Monday through Friday. The OBPVS has a staff of two (2) who may occasionally all be assigned to off-site activities at the same time. Please call prior to coming to the office to be sure someone will be here when you arrive.
    
3. What Holidays does the OBPVS take? 
   The OBPVS is closed for all state holidays.
    
4. Where is the OBPVS located? 
   3700 N. Classen Blvd., Ste. 250 (2^nd Floor)
   Oklahoma City, OK 73118
    
5. What does the OBPVS license? 
   Schools that 1) are not public schools, 2) that charge people for the training that is 3) usually postsecondary (after 12^th grade) in nature and used for the student to gain employment.
    
6. Can I ask if a school is licensed? 
   Yes, and the OBPVS will tell you how long the school has been licensed or see the list of licensed schools.
    
7. Is there a list of schools already licensed? 
   Yes. Click to download a PDF of the licensed schools.
    
8. What does it mean to be, "accredited"? 
   Accreditation may be used at least two different ways depending on the context in which it is used.
   
   1. To the OBPVS it is used in identifying a separate, independent process conducted by a non-governmental entity with its own application steps. The standards applied by an accreditor vary with each accreditor. 
   2. The term "accreditation" may be implied by others to mean the authority of the OBPVS to license a school. However, the OBPVS does not identify itself with the term accreditation this way. Schools are, "licensed," by the OBPVS.
       
9. Does the OBPVS require schools to be accredited? 
   No. If a school secures accreditation and self-imposes the higher standards of the accreditor, the school will be responsible for maintaining the accreditor's higher standards.

1. Does the OBPVS take complaints? 
   Yes, from students applying to or enrolled in a school licensed by the OBPVS. The complaint should be submitted in writing to the OBPVS by the affected student within one year of the event giving rise to the complaint. See OAC 565:1-3-2 and OAC 565:10-11-8 in the OBPVS Rules document (PDF).
    
2. Can the period to complain be extended? 
   See OAC 565:1-3-2(f) in the OBPVS Rules document (PDF).
    
3. Is there a Compliant Form? 
   Yes. Obtain Click here for form 1250CM.
    
4. Do I have to use the OBPVS Complaint Form? 
   Use is recommended, but the OBPVS will accept the same necessary information in the format of a signed letter. A plain email cannot be accepted, because a signature is required to start the complaint.
    
5. May I attach documentation? 
   Yes.    
   
   1. For many complaints, additional information is helpful to the OBPVS' complaint investigation.
   2. It is not mandatory, but helpful, for the student to provide a brief chronology of the event details to help the OBPVS understand the reason for the complaint.
   3. Attach all of the COPIES desired, but do NOT send the OBPVS original documents.
       
6. How do I file a Complaint? 
   Mail, FAX, or scan the complaint (Form or letter, plus any supporting documentation and copies) to the OBPVS. The 1250 CM Complaint Form provides specific submission details.
    
7. Will the School be told that I complained? 
   Yes. The OBPVS is required to forward the Complaint to the School for its response as part of the investigation.
    
8. What if the School retaliates against me? 
   Schools are not permitted to do so. If the student thinks this is the case, that matter should be reported to the OBPVS for separate handling.
    
9. How does the OBPVS determine a Complaint? 
   The OBPVS applies the private vocational school Statute, Rules, the individual student's catalog and enrollment agreement, and other relevant documentation or information to ascertain if a violation of OBPVS standards has occurred. The OBPVS does not have authority (or jurisdiction) over every possible matter.

1. What is a, "Closed School"?
   A school that at one time was licensed by the OBPVS, but is no longer open for whatever reason, and therefore is no longer OBPVS licensed.
    
2. Is it common for a school to close? 
   The OBPVS has many schools still open today that were originally licensed in the 1990s, or earlier, but some schools do close.
    
3. Why would a school close? 
   Private vocational schools are independent businesses not supported by tax dollars, so from time to time a business decision is made to cease providing training.
    
4. What typically happens when a school closes? 
   The majority of school closures have an orderly wind-down. That is, the school decides to close, then either internally or externally teaches out its last students, and makes arrangements regarding student records. Unfortunately, a school may, instead, close abruptly without advance notice to the school's students, the OBPVS, the U.S. Department of Education, or the school's independent accreditor(s).
    
5. What is a, "Teach out"? 
   A teach-out is simply a term used for a school making arrangements for its students to complete training prior to ending a Program or closing the school. Internal teach-outs are conducted by the school. External teach-outs are arranged with another school(s) and may take place at the original school location or at another location that may include the facility of a different school. The purpose of a teach-out is for the original school to facilitate its existing students completing their training.
    
6. Does anyone approve teach-outs? 
   As applicable to a specific school, the OBPVS, the U.S. Department of Education, or the independent Accreditor may each review and be required to approve the teach-out arrangements.
    
7. When there is a smooth closure, who keeps the student records? 
   Those arrangements are determined by the closing school. Some ship records in hard-copy or electronically to another private vocational school for retention. When this is done, the accepting school is able to issue the closed school's transcripts just like it does for its own students. Other times, the closing school transfers its records to a commercial vendor from whom the student will access her or his records in the future.
    
8. When there is an abrupt closure, where do student records go? 
   The answer will depend on the closure. The school remains responsible for student records, but you may call or email the OBPVS for information. When possible, the OBPVS tries to provide information to students about where records are held or if the school delivered the records somewhere.
    
9. Does the OBPVS maintain any Student Transcripts?  Presently, the OBPVS has transcripts for only two recently closed Schools.  The OBPVS obtained those Transcripts with special permission granted due to unusual closure circumstances.
    
10. What Student Transcripts does the OBPVS have now?  The OBPVS  received incidental approval to accept Transcripts for only those students enrolled at the Wright Career Colleges in Oklahoma City and Tulsa during or after August 2007 and through April, 2016.  The OBPVS also has the Transcripts for Heritage College in Oklahoma City that are reported to date aback to the College's opening.
     
11. I attended a Wright College during the time specified [or I attended Heritage College]. How do I access my Transcript?  Telephone or email the OBPVS to ask to be provided with a Transcript Request Form.
     
12. How long does it usually take the OBPVS to process a Transcript Request?  Typically, Transcripts are issued within one or two business days.
       
13. How can I be sure that my Transcript is issued as quickly as possible?  a)  Be sure the completed Transcript Request is read-able.  b)  Be sure to sign the Request before submitting it.  c)  If an Employer or another School will permit the Transcript to be transmitted directly from the OBPVS to that entity via email or facsimile (not always the case) -- be sure to provide the OBPVS with an accurate email address or FAX mnumber, including Area Code.

1. What is the Licensing Year? 
   An OBPVS license is valid for one year running from July 1 to June 30^th. However, by State law found at Title 75 O.S. §314, when a school's relicensing application is filed on-time, then the existing license remains valid until the OBPVS acts on (makes a final determination about) the renewal application.
    
2. Relicensing Questions
   1. How often is relicensing required?
      Annually. 
   2. When is a relicensing application due? 
      Every year BY June 1^st, unless June 1^st falls on a weekend, then the due date is the NEXT business day. 
   3. The school was first/originally licensed after the last July 1^st. Do we still need to submit a Relicensing Application and Fee(s) by the next June 1^st?
      Yes.
       
3. How do I (or the new Owner) apply to transfer a school's license? 
   No one may transfer ownership of a license. Under Title 70 O.S. §21-108 and Rule OAC 565:10-1-4. Both are available as Form 1330CM and Form 1390CM, respectively.
    
4. Mandatory Training Questions
   1. When does the mandatory annual training take place? 
      Live workshops usually occur in late March, while webinars are scheduled in April. 
   2. When will I receive notice of a Year's Training Calendar? 
      The OBPVS will post the training Schedule on the Announcements of this website in the LICENSED SCHOOLS section of announcements, send-out mass emails, or give notice via regular USPS mail. 
   3. What if I cannot attend one of the multiple training events? 
      The Board will assess a fine to the school, plus a school representative will have to view a recorded training session and pass a test. 
   4. What's the alternative to a fine? 
      If an individual's attendance does not look possible, the school may contact the OBPVS staff to find out if another person is eligible to attend. 
   5. The school is a member of a group. Does each school within the group have to have a representative attend the mandatory training? 
      No. However, when the future attendee registers with the OBPVS, he or she needs to list each school that he/she will represent.
       
5. Changes - After the original license is issued, do changes have to be submitted? 
   Yes, and often the changes will need to be submitted for advance approval by the OBPVS.
    
6. What changes have to be submitted and when?
   1. School Catalog – Preferably at least 30 days, in advance of use, longer if possible submit the Catalog draft, a brief narrative, and the Form 1210C. 
   2. Seminar Brochure – At least 30 days, in advance of use, if possible, submit the Brochure draft. 
   3. School Enrollment Agreement ("EA") – At least 30 days, in advance of use, if possible, submit the EA draft, a brief narrative for complex changes, and the OBPVS-Form-1220C.pdf .
   4. Seminar Registration Form - At least 30 days, in advance of use, if possible, submit the draft.
   5. Change of Location - At least 30 days in advance of the move (except when not possible due to inaccessibility or destruction of the current location), submit all possible documents (Insurance ACORD, Occupancy Certificate and/or Fire Marshal Inspection – depending on the local Fire Code), a revised Catalog including the Form 1210C (as described above) and a revised Enrollment Agreement including the Form 1220C. 
   6. New Instructor – Within 30 days after hire. Submit the Forms 1140CM, 1145CM (Column A) and 1155CM, together with all supporting documentation required by the Qualification type(s) marked on the Form 1140CM. 
   7. Changing an Instructor's Class Assignment(s) – Within 30 days after change. Use Form 1145CM (Column B). 
   8. Changing the School Director [Campus Director, often called an Executive Director] – Within 30 days after hire, submit the Form 1150CM and 1155CM together with all supporting documentation required by the Qualification type(s) marked on the Form 1150CM. 
   9. Changing the School's Authorized Administrative Official ("AAO") - Within 30 days after hire. Use Forms 1150CM and 1155CM together with all supporting documentation required by the Qualification type(s) marked on the Form 1150CM. 
   10. Adding a Solicitor:
       1. Must be approved by the OBPVS before the Solicitor engages in marketing for the school. 
       2. Use the Forms 1280CM, 1290CM and 1155CM. Plus provide (2) small passport size photos sized at about 1 x 1 inches. 
       3. Are Digital Photos accepted? 
          Yes, if printed on paper that will not "melt" during the lamination process for the License card.
   11. When the employment ends for an AAO, Director, or Instructor – Notify the OBPVS in writing (an email is fine) within 30 days after the employment end date. 
   12. When a Solicitor's employment ends – Notify the OBPVS in writing (an email is fine) and ALSO return unexpired License Cards if the school was able to have the wallet-sized card returned by the Solicitor. 
   13. Changing Insurance Carriers for the mandatory Liability Coverage – Submit a new Insurance ACORD or Certificate of Insurance BEFORE the existing coverage expires, or is cancelled. Or, ask the carrier to send the ACORD/Certificate to the OBPVS on the school's behalf. 
   14. Changing Insurance Carriers for a Surety Bond – Submit a replacement Form 1160CM from the new Insurer before the existing Bond is surrendered for cancellation. You are invited to call or email the OBPVS to plan the banking change. 
   15. Changing the Bank, Savings & Loan, or Credit Union that holds the School's Certificate of Deposit (C.D.) - The OBPVS has to give permission for release of the original C.D. Please call or email the OBPVS as early as possible to obtain assistance to plan the banking change.
        
7. Does the OBPVS accept electronic/email submissions of changes to Catalogs, EAs, and Seminar Brochures or Registration Forms? 
   Yes, when the school's receipt of the OBPVS approval is time-sensitive. For example, when the school is re-certifying with the U.S. Department of Education, applying to the State Accrediting Agency for veterans funding, or has approval pending with an independent accrediting organization.
    
8. When are hard copies better? 
   When the school is applying for approval in ample time and will accompany the change submission with the required Catalog review fee payment. That is, if already mailing the payment, then enclose the Catalog draft, brief narrative, and Form 1210C.
    
9. Is there any difference in the OBPVS' approval of items submitted for review electronically or in hard copy? 
   Only that for Catalogs, the initial approval will be electronic in the body of an email and without listing the approved Program details. After payment is received, the formal approval letter providing Program details will be generated.
    
10. Does Oklahoma recognize non-substantive changes? 
    No. Some states do, Oklahoma does not. That means documents requiring OBPVS approval, have to be submitted in advance of the change except for personnel changes. For Instructors, AAOs, and Directors changes are allowed to be submitted within (30) days after hire, or after the end of employment, termination. Solicitors no longer working for the School must also be reported to the OBPVS within 30-days after the end of employment.
     
11. What are the Fees? 
    The OBPVS Fees are set by Statute. Refer to either the Form 1330CM, Title 70 O.S. §106, or the Fee Listing.
     
12. School Personnel Matters
    1. Does the OBPVS accept electronic/email submissions? 
       Yes. 
    2. Will the OBPVS accept scans or .pdf files of Personnel Qualification Forms? 
       Yes, as long as the Form(s) are signed, a Notary (if applicable) uses an Ink Stamp instead of an Embossed Stamp, and the document is legible when received by the OBPVS. 
    3. The Forms 1140CM and 1150CM may require a Transcript to be submitted to demonstrate a School Employee's academic qualifications. Do Transcripts need to be originals (official copies)? 
       The OBPVS accepts unofficial and copied Transcripts. An Official Transcript is only required when the OBPVS specifically corresponds that one is needed.
    4. How do I know what the Qualifications are to be approved to be an AAO, [Campus Executive] Director, Instructor, or Solicitor? 
       See the Rules at OAC 565:11-1 or study the narratives adjacent to the Qualification Check Boxes on Forms 1140CM (Instructor), 1150CM (AAO or Director), or Form 1280M (Solicitor). All forms are available on the forms page. 
    5. The Forms 1140CM and 1150CM list multiple types of Qualifications. Does an applicant to be an Instructor or AAO/Director have to meet ALL of the Qualifications? 
       No! Generally one "type" of Qualification will work. If an applicant meets multiple standards, check more than one box. But, usually meeting one type of qualification is sufficient. 
    6. What documentation must accompany Forms 1140CM or 1150CM? 
       That depends on the "qualification" type/standard.
       For:
       1. Academic - Submit a Transcript copy. 
       2. Work Experience – Fully and completely fill out the "employment portion" of the Form and/or submit a Resume'. 
       3. National or State License - Submit proof of it. 
       4. National Certification - Submit a copy of the certification or download verification of certification from the website of the National organization. A completion certificate from a private vocations school does not constitute national certification.
    7. Describe an "other qualification". 
       These must be individually approved by the OBPVS Board. Please do NOT check this box if another, standard qualification applies. To be approved, the "other" qualification would need to be something that is comparable to a required qualification type. Its purpose is to provide sufficient background to allow him/her to perform the role's official duties. 
    8. What are the differences between an Authorized Administrative Official ("AAO") and a Director?
       1. The Director serves as the on-campus primary contact for the OBPVS during site visits. 
       2. Except on-site, the AAO serves as the primary contact (the one that the OBPVS sends all correspondence to). The official, designated by the school, has the sole authority to represent the school and act on its behalf with the OBPVS. That's why some Forms require signature by the AAO.
    9. May the AAO and the Director be the same person? 
       Yes. 
    10. Do the Director and AAO have to be the same person? 
        No. Often the OBPVS sees an AAO being designated by a school who offices out-of-state and works in a department such as "Compliance," or "Accreditation and [State] Licensing." The AAO will typically be expert in what to report and how to respond to inquiries from Agencies like the OBPVS. 
    11. Does the Owner(s) have to serve as the Director or AAO? 
        No. The Director and AAO positions need to be filled by a person(s) who have the time to dedicate to the performance of those respective duties. For more information refer to the position requirements in OBPVS Rules as OAC 565:10-11-1. 
    12. The OBPVS Rules mention that the Director must be a person who is familiar with educational administration including, "the development of curriculum capable of preparing students for specific job entry levels." Are there any exceptions? 
        Yes. When curriculum is set nationally either by a national Director/V.P. of Education or provided by a Vendor for certification (such as computer certifications like Microsoft® or CISCO®) the Director's role in curriculum-setting is minimized or fully eliminated. However, the school should submit that information to the OBPVS for an initial staff review then ultimate Board approval as an, "other qualification." 
    13. I see that Oklahoma requires Personnel Qualifications to be filed for Instructors, AAOs, and Directors. What about other School Officials? 
        When a change occurs for example with the Directors (or V.P.s) of Career Services, Education, Financial Aid, or other support departments, the School is not required to submit those changes to the OBPVS and does not have to secure OBPVS approval. 
    14. Will the OBPVS tell me the status of a Solicitor license Approval or Renewal? 
        Yes. Just call us. 
    15. Does everything get submitted during relicensing (What is midyear relicensing)?
        No.  While relicensing is due for all Schools and Seminars on June 1^st each year, mid-year changes happen at any other time of the year and are made at the discretion of the School or Seminar.  Frequent examples include changes of key personnel such as adding Instructors or Solicitors, or replacing the Director or Authorized Administrative Official.  The next most frequent mid-year changes are submitted to the OBPVS for advance approval of School Catalog or School Enrollment Agreement changes or Seminar Brochure or Seminar Registration Form changes.  When a School adds or changes a Program, a Catalog Change is required and the Enrollment Agreement may need to be changed if the School uses a fully pre-printed Form that lists the existing Programs.  In mid-year, with a Program addition or change, an Outline of Course Hours FORM 1280C (or the School's substantially similar form) is also required to be submitted.

1. How do I know if I have to be licensed? Are there licensing Exemptions? 
   Yes. Exemptions to licensing are set out in law. Refer to Form 1330CM (the OBPVS' Enabling Statute, Title 70 O.S. §21-101.1) and the License Wizard.
    
2. May I telephone or email the OBPVS to be sure I am reading an Exemption correctly? 
   Yes.
    
3. How do I apply for an Exemption? 
   Refer to Page 2 in the Form 1440CM (Instructions to Apply for a License).
    
4. Is it only Oklahoma Schools that the OBPVS licenses? 
   No. The OBPVS also licenses correspondence and on-line schools. In addition, some live Schools located outside of Oklahoma offer to Oklahomans using national publications or call centers. Those, too, must be licensed by the OBPVS.
    
5. Does a Branch have to be licensed? 
   Yes. The Branch applies just like a New [Main Campus] School. A separate application must be submitted, although certain materials like the Catalog may be shared.
    
6. How do I know when I apply I will apply as a School or as a Seminar? 
   The standards to be licensed as a Seminar are set by Administrative Rule and Statute. To decide, make use of the License Wizard.
    
7. What do I do if I still can't tell the difference? 
   Call or email the OBPVS for assistance.
    
8. How do I start the application process?
   1. The OBPVS staff suggests that you start by reviewing these "New Applicant" Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. 
   2. Then, prepare the full Application. 
   3. After conducting its own internal review, the applicant submits all documents to the OBPVS in printed form (via hard-copy) along with the required fee(s).  The OBPVS receipt starts a 120-day period for the Applicant to complete the application and the OBPVS to approve or deny the license. 
   4. The date the OBPVS receives the initial Application starts a one-hundred twenty (120) day period for Application completion and approval. However, if an OBPVS staff review is delayed, then the 120-day period does not begin until the staff starts its review. 
   5. The OBPVS staff will then conduct an initial, detailed "desk review." 
   6. The OBPVS staff will communicate any missing or incomplete items to the applicant in writing (usually via an email attachment), along with any initial documents that require revision. 
   7. The applicant then returns to working on the Application to prepare missing items, and to submit information to complete unfinished items after finishing, and to make required changes. 
   8. The OBPVS staff conducts a re-review. This step repeats as often as necessary until all documents are on file, complete, and compliant with Oklahoma's private vocational school laws and Rules, or the OBPVS denies approval for the application. 
   9. If the school is not denied and is located in Oklahoma, the OBPVS staff will next schedule a site visit (inspection). 
   10. If the site visit is successfully passed, the OBPVS approves the application as documented by issuance of:
       1. A physical license for a Main school, and an Approval Letter detailing the OBPVS-approved programs of study and each program's total cost and length, or 
       2. The same type of an Approval Letter for a Branch school.
           
9. Does this mean the Form 1450CM is not the only requirement to apply? 
   That's correct. There's a checklist on page 9 of the Form 1450CM.
    
10. What does it take for an applicant to complete the entire New School Application Process"?
    1. The Form 1450CM needs to be fully completed. 
    2. All other supporting forms (or substantially similar documents) must be submitted, and fully completed 
    3. All copies or other required documentation must be submitted 
    4. All Forms must be properly signed and notarized (when indicated) 
    5. Taken together, the package of documentation needs to evidence that the applicant may comply with the private vocational school laws and Rules of Oklahoma.
        
11. Where do I get the Forms to apply for a license? 
    There are alternative answers, depending on what suits you and your timing best:
    1. Refer to the forms page to download a packet of all forms or a desired, individual form. 
    2. Email or telephone the OBPVS to ask for the Form Set to be emailed to you. These requests are fulfilled using two standardized emails. The first will provide explanatory materials and the second will provide the actual Forms. 
    3. Mail a check to the OBPVS for the statutory Application Packet Fee for Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) and a hard-copy Application Packet, including explanatory materials will be mailed to you via regular USPS Mail.
        
12. How long does it take to become licensed? 
    The OBPVS staff conducts its reviews in the order that an application is received, that is first-come, first-served for completed Applications.  Receipt of the Application establishes the 120-Day period for Application completion or denial.  The process is expedited when the OBPVS' additional information requests identified during an initial review(s) are promptly fulfilled by the Applicant.
     
13. Why would an application be denied?
    The OBPVS Board wishes to encourage interested persons to make available vocational education for Oklahomans. By law, the OBPVS Board sets minimum standards. If the applicant is unable to comply with the standards for instruction/Instructors, other personnel, facility, financial stability, etc. the Application will be denied, but not until after the Applicant has the opportunity to remedy an identified deficiency(ies) if the item is able to be remedied.
     
14. What does it mean to be, "accredited"? 
    The term "accreditation" may be used in a couple of different ways depending on the context in which it is used.
    1. To the OBPVS it is used in identifying a separate, independent process conducted by a non-governmental entity with its own application steps. The standards applied by an accreditor vary with each accreditor. 
    2. The term "accreditation" may be implied by others to mean the authority of the OBPVS to license a school. However, the OBPVS does not identify itself with the term accreditation this way. Schools are, "licensed," by the OBPVS.
        
15. Does the OBPVS require schools to be accredited? 
    No. If a school secures accreditation and self-imposes the higher standards of the accreditor, the school will be responsible for maintaining the accreditor's higher standards.
     
16. If "accreditation" is being used by the U.S. Department of Education (Department) as a prerequisite to being approved for Title IV Funding for students, what does that mean? 
    Visit the US Department of Education list of approved Department Accreditors.
     
17. What does it take to be accredited to satisfy a Department Title IV Funding requirement? 
    Use the information in the US Dept. of Education to review the Standards provided on each individual accreditor's website. In general, an accreditor's standards will be more complex and may be more strict than the OBPVS' minimum standards. Many Accreditors require a school to be licensed and operate for two (2) years before the accreditation application process begins.
     
18. What is required for a school to be eligible for Title IV Funding approved by the Department? 
    In general, a license of State Authorization must be held, the Department's application process must be successfully accomplished, and the school must be accredited by a Department-approved accreditor. Hence, the Department application cannot be started until at least two (2) years of operations are completed. To learn more, use the various government websites provided.
     
19. School Personnel Matters
    1. The Forms 1140CM and 1150CM may require a Transcript to be submitted to demonstrate a School Employee's academic qualifications. Do Transcripts need to be originals (official copies)? 
       The OBPVS accepts unofficial and copied Transcripts. An Official Transcript is only required when the OBPVS specifically corresponds that one is needed. 
    2. How do I know what the Qualifications are to be approved to be an AAO, [Campus Executive] Director, Instructor, or Solicitor? 
       1. See the Rules at OAC 565:11-1 of the Form 1390CM, or 
       2. Study the narratives adjacent to the Qualification Check Boxes on Forms 1140CM (Instructor), 1150CM (AAO or Director), or Form 1180CM (Solicitor). All forms are available on the forms page.
    3. The Forms 1140CM and 1150CM list multiple types of Qualifications. Does an applicant to be an Instructor or AAO/Director have to meet ALL of the Qualifications? 
       No! One "type" of Qualification is sufficient. However, if an applicant meets multiple standards, please check more than one box. 
    4. What documentation must accompanyForms 1140CM or 1150CM? 
       That depends on the "qualification" type/standard. For:
       1. Academic - Submit a Transcript copy. 
       2. Work Experience – Fill out the "employment portion" of the Form and/or submit a Resume'. 
       3. National or State License - Submit proof of it. 
       4. National Certification - Submit a copy of the certification or download verification of certification from the National organization's website. A completion certificate from a private vocational school does not constitute national certification.
    5. Describe an "other qualification." These must be individually approved by the OBPVS Board. Please do NOT check this box if another, standard qualification applies. To be approved, the "other" qualification would need to be something that is comparable to a required qualification type. Its purpose is to provide sufficient background to allow him/her to perform the role's official duties. 
    6. What are the differences between an Authorized Administrative Official ("AAO") and a Director?
       1. The Director serves as the on-campus primary contact for the OBPVS during site visits. 
       2. Except on-site, the AAO serves as the primary contact (the one the OBPVS corresponds with) and is the official, designated by the school, with sole authority to represent the school and act on its behalf with the OBPVS (why some Forms require AAO signature).
    7. May the AAO and the Director be the same person? 
       Yes. 
    8. Do the Director and AAO have to be the same person? 
       No. Often the OBPVS sees an AAO being designated by a school who offices out-of-state and works in a department such as "Compliance," or "Accreditation and [State] Licensing." The AAO will typically be expert in what to report and how to respond to inquiries from Agencies like the OBPVS. 
    9. Does an Owner(s) have to serve as the Director or AAO? 
       No. The Director and AAO positions need to be filled by a person(s) who have the time to dedicate to the performance of the respective duties. For more information refer to the position requirements in OAC 565:10-11-1 available in the OBPVS Rules. 
    10. The OBPVS Rules mention that the Director must be a person familiar with educational administration including, "the development of curriculum capable of preparing students for specific job entry levels." Are there any exceptions? 
        Yes. When curriculum is set nationally either by a national Director/V.P. of Education or provided by a Vendor for certification (such as computer certifications like Microsoft® or CISCO®) the Director's role in curriculum-setting is minimized or fully eliminated. However, the school should submit that information to the OBPVS for an initial OBPVS staff review then ultimate Board approval as an, "other qualification." 
    11. I see that Oklahoma requires Personnel Qualifications to be filed for Instructors, AAOs, and Directors. What about other School Officials? 
        When a change occurs for example with the Directors (or V.P.s) of Career Services, Education, Financial Aid, or other support departments, the School is not required to submit those changes to the OBPVS and does not have to secure OBPVS approval. 
    12. Will the OBPVS tell me the status of a Solicitor license Approval or Renewal? 
        Yes. Just call us.