Helping Schools Become Licensed in Oklahoma: What You Need to Know
Oklahoma — If you’re thinking about starting a vocational or career training school in Oklahoma, getting licensed is an important first step—and you don’t have to do it alone. The Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools (OBPVS) is here to guide you through the application process from start to finish. Under Oklahoma’s law, you must be licensed to even start signing people up for classes!
To apply for a license, schools (including seminar-type schools) must complete the proper application forms and submit required supporting documents that show you meet state standards for operation. These forms help the OBPVS understand who you are, how your programs will work, and how you plan to serve students responsibly. Some of the key forms include:
- An Application Form – It gives crucial information and serves as a table of contents for required attachments. There are separate instructions for just this Form. Just email an OBPVS Staff person (see the Contacts TAB) to be sent those two forms.
- Forms 150CM and 1155CM – Director/Authorized Administrative Official Qualifications Record – Information about the leadership who will run the school.
- 1280CM – Course Outline Hours – Details about the courses you plan to offer and their length.
- Catalog DRAFT and Form 1210CM ( Catalog Checklist).
- Enrolment Agreement (contract) and Form 1220CM (“EA” Checklist).
- Instructor Qualification Set (Forms 1140CM, 1145CM, and 1155CM) for each proposed instructor.
- Additional forms and checklists may also be required depending on your programs and structure.
There are fees associated with the application process, too:
a. A new school currently cost $1,284 to help cover the Agency’s cost of reviewing your application and other materials. This amount excludes what costs you will pay to 3rd-Parties like an Insurance Company, Bond Co. (or Bank), a CPA for Financial Statements, and possibly a Fire Department (Marshal) for building inspections.
b. New branches of a main school cost $321 each.
c. For either a main or a branch, optional fees may apply if you will use a solicitor(s) to leave the school facility to do marketing. Solicitor licenses are not required for answering the telephone, website, social media, or other activities that can be conducted AT the school.
d. After initial licensure, main and branch school cost the same to have their licenses renewed each year.
e. All but two forms (the Application and Instructions) are available free of charge on this website, or for $25 a hard-copy packet will be mailed out to you.
After an application and the fee(s) are submitted, OBPVS staff will review everything on a first come-first serve basis (in the order received if there is more than one applicant). The staff, will reach out by email if more information is needed or existing information needs to be revised. Only after approval are you allowed to advertise or operate in Oklahoma.
One of the best parts of the process is that the OBPVS doesn’t just hand out forms and step away. They are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and help you understand what each requirement means. For example, if you’re unsure which forms you need or how to fill them out, you can contact OBPVS staff for support.
Starting a school is an exciting journey! With the right preparation and support, you can meet Oklahoma’s standards and serve students well. The OBPVS is here to help you succeed at every step of the way.
[End as of 17:06 on 1/29/2026].
