The Private School Licensing Division is a part of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and as such, its records are public and subject to inspection within the bounds of the Open Records Law.

Mission
It is generally recognized that courses of instruction, whether in residence, distance, or correspondence, result in substantial benefits for students pursuing such courses, provided that such courses are designed and administered in accordance with recognized educational standards and practices. To ensure that Alabamians who attend private, proprietary postsecondary educational institutions are protected from fraud, the state enacted laws prescribing that all schools, except those exempted by law, shall first secure an Alabama Private School License from the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. All schools must either obtain an Alabama Private School License or a Certificate of Exemption.

Approval Process

In Alabama, approval to offer courses of instruction in residence, online, mail or otherwise involves a 3-step process with 3 separate agencies, 1) Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education (ADPE), 2) Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE), and 3) Alabama Secretary of State.

To apply with ADPE for a Private School License, please refer to the Guidelines for Policy to Obtain a Private School License as well as the online application. Required documents can be uploaded to the online application.

To apply with ACHE, please refer to their website http://www.ache.state.al.us and link to the red drop down box on the left entitle Non-Resident Institutions and access the Application for a Single Institution/Application for Multiple Public Institutions, Section One: Procedures will provide information on what is required.

To apply with the Alabama Secretary of State's Office, please refer to the website http://www.sos.state.al.us

ADPE approves Certificates of Exemption upon request only to State public institutions that are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Please provide a request letter with supporting documentation to:

Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education
Private School Licensure Division
P.O. Box 302130
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2130

2011 Legislative Amendments to Private School License Statute

The Private School License statute, Code of Alabama Chapter 46, Section 16-46-1 through 10, was amended in the 2011 Legislative Session. Primarily the amendment changes exemption requirements for postsecondary private schools. Click here to review ACT No. 2011-296.

Transparency

As of October 1, 2008, the Private School Licensure Division began requiring private/proprietary schools to complete an annual Report Card. This report card allows the Department of Postsecondary Education to maintain up-to-date information for each institution, both degree and non-degree granting. General information and program offerings are provided for each institution.

Contacts

Driver Training Schools

The Private School License Division is responsible for regulating private driver training schools under the Code of Alabama, Section 32-14-1 through 24, Driver Training School License Act.

§ Section 32-14-20 Required:

No person shall operate a driver training school or engage in the business of giving instruction for hire in the driving of motor vehicles or in the preparation of an application for examination given by driver's license examiners for a driver's license or permit, unless a license therefore has been secured.

Helpful Links for Driver Training Schools

Driver Training School License Act (PDF)
Driver School Act A G Opinion (PDF)
Driver Training School License Requirements (PDF)
Driver School Instructor Requirements (PDF)

Helpful Links

Legal Statement

The Code of Alabama Section 46-16-1 through 10 provides that the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education has approval /licensing authority for for-profit/proprietary vocational/technical school, non-degree-granting proprietary schools and non-accredited degree-granting institutions. No proprietary postsecondary school, unless otherwise exempted, shall operate within the State of Alabama unless the school first secures a Private School License. These licenses are based on recognized educational standards and practices; and are valid for a two year period.

Affiliated Divisions & Organizations