Exemptions

The Code Section list of exemptions from Private School Licensure can be accessed by clicking on the following link,   Section 16-46-3 Exemptions from chapter;records of private schools ceasing operations

Each school which claims an exempt eligibility must file a request for a Certificate of Exemption. Requests for Certificates of Exemption shall be filed with the Alabama Community College System and shall include a current copy of the school catalog and, the appropriate supporting documentation from the following:

  1. Copy of nonprofit charter of incorporation or documentary evidence establishing parochial or religious affiliation and an official catalog listing only sectarian courses or programs of study. 
  2. Policy statement of the firm which limits enrollment in courses offered only to currently employed persons or labor unions and trade association training programs with membership prerequisites for enrollment. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship Training Approval may establish exemption of apprenticeship and other on-the-job training programs.
  3. Copy of the charter or articles of incorporation with by-laws establishing a nonprofit mode of operation.
  4. Statement on letterhead of professional, business, or trade organization that enrollment in seminars or short courses is limited to members thereof. Each private school offering similar public seminars shall provide documentary evidence that a majority of enrolled students over the five years preceding the date of application for exemption have had at least half of their tuition and fees paid by their employers.
  5. Copy of appropriate license, certificate, or approval by the state board, commission, or agency, and/or listing in the current directory or such regulatory agency.
  6. Copy of the accreditation grant from an accrediting commission or agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The status of accreditation shall be validated annually.

The application for an exemption request may be located on our PSL Online system at https://psl.asc.edu/Account/Login.aspx.  Supporting documentation for the exemption will need to be uploaded to the Online System as well.

A public institution that is accredited may be exempt from licensure through the Alabama Community College System, but will still be required to apply with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

Nonprofit institutions are not exempt