The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) offers a two-year licensure for private trade, vocational, and technical schools that meet accreditation or approval requirements. Licensure ensures compliance with regulations, access to funding, and qualification for professional licensure, while certain schools may qualify for exemptions.

Exemptions

Schools that meet the following exemptions can request a letter from the Department:

1. Schools maintained or classes conducted by employers for their own employees where no fee or tuition is charged;
2. Courses of instruction given by a fraternal society, benevolent order or professional organization to its members and which are not operated for profit;
3. Classes conducted for less than five students at one and at the same time;
4. Classes or courses of instruction which are conducted for 20 or less class sessions during any 12-month period;
5. Avocational, hobby, recreation, or health classes or courses;
6. Courses of instruction on religious subjects given under the auspices of a religious organization; and
7. Schools registered or authorized by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) or by boards and commissions placed in DCCA for administrative purposes.

To request an exemption, please submit:

1. Which exemption your school is applying for and any additional information to support this exemption.
2. Copy of a certificate of good standing from the Business Registration Division under DCCA.
3. Hawai‘i Department of Taxation tax clearance.
4. Course catalog.

Please email any requests.

Accreditation or approval

A private trade, vocational or technical school that requires licensure shall submit required documentation.

PTVT requires proof that the school is accredited by an accrediting commission of career schools and colleges, accrediting council for continuing education and training, or an accrediting bureau of health education schools; provided that in lieu of such accreditation, the school may provide a letter from relevant state, federal or other licensing authority demonstrating that the private trade, vocational or technical school’s curriculum is sufficient to prepare a graduate to qualify for professional licensure.  

It is strongly recommended to seek accreditation from agencies that are recognized by the US Department of Education. This will not only add validity to your school but also allow your school to qualify for financial aid and other assistance from the federal government.

Creating Your School Catalog

Please make sure your students have all the information they need before deciding to attend your private trade, vocational or technical school.  The following are items that should appear in a school catalog and/or website:

• Entrance policy (equal opportunity in education, non-discrimination, etc.).
• Admission requirements (high school diploma or GED required, etc.).
• Application process (steps and duration, etc.).
• Staff and qualifications (descriptions of staff, academic and work history).
• Programs available.
• Description of certificate upon finishing a program.
• Licensure/certification information (if applicable, e.g., massage therapy).
• Student-instructor ratio.
• Description of facilities (provide pictures).
• Description of equipment (provide pictures).
• Attendance policy (describe policy on missed classes, leaves of absence).
• Make-up policy.
• Class schedule.
• Grading.
• Satisfactory progress (how will students be assessed during the term).
• School calendar.
• Program costs and refund policy.
• Payment plans.
• Financial aid.
• Placement assistance.
• Student services (e.g.,. assistance with registration, books, etc.)
• Complaint procedure.
• School policies and procedures (academic or administrative).
• School mission and philosophy.
• Transferring hours.
• Availability of transcripts (either electronic or hard copy).
• Student conduct and rules (including harassment pPolicy).
• Termination.
• Appeals.