Texas Private, Career & Vocational School Licensure

Post-secondary career schools, colleges and vocational institutions in the State of Texas are strictly regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Operating a non-exempt school without first obtaining licensure is prohibited by Texas law, and these regulations are strictly enforced by the TWC. Our attorneys have extensive experience and a long history of working with the TWC to obtain licensure for career/vocational schools and colleges.

The Texas licensure process is very complicated and difficult to navigate, and the on-going compliance requirements imposed by Texas law are particularly hard to follow. For instance, a school owner must ascertain whether her school qualifies as a "large school" or a "small school", and whether it is a "seminar", "residence" or "distance learning" school. Often, creative structuring of the school's curriculum and course offerings can minimize the cost of obtaining licensure and ease the burden of complying with the licensure requirements. For instance, it may be possible to structure a school's curriculum in a manner to make it a "seminar school" as opposed to a "residence school", the former of which are less regulated. In addition, the TWC's required refund policies and the ever-evolving nature of the TWC guidelines warrant special, on-going attention to ensure compliance. We can also help draft a school's catalog and enrollment contract in a manner that meets the stringent TWC guidelines, each of which must be submitted with the application.

Dunlap, Grubb & Weaver can effectively assist school owners obtain licensure to operate in Texas, because we understand and are very familiar with the rules and regulations that apply to Texas schools, and the licensure process in general. Our Texas clients engage us to monitor their school for on-going compliance after licensure, since the TWC is allowed to, and regularly does, make unannounced inspection visits. If an inspector finds deficiencies during such a visit, penalties will be imposed upon the school ranging from a demand to correct the deficiencies to revocation of the school's license, depending on the nature of the violation.

Whether you are considering applying for licensure in Texas, in the middle of the process, or whether your school is already licensed, our firm can provide valuable assistance with maintaining or obtaining a license to operate in Texas.

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