Application for Certification

Approval to operate a postsecondary education institution in the state of Missouri is a three-step process.

1. The first step in the approval process is the submission of an application for certification. The complete application for certification to operate a school in Missouri is not available online. In order to receive a complete application for certification to operate, you must contact the MDHE and request the necessary materials. You may submit your application request via telephone or by submitting an application request form available below. A link to this form may also be found on the application information pages.

   For MDHE contact information, click here.

   To complete and submit an application request form, click here.

   Below are links to more information about and excerpts from each type of initial application.

   To operate a school and/or offer instruction in Missouri:

   Links to DHE500A

   To recruit students from Missouri:

   Links to DHE600

   It is important to note that the review process takes a minimum of 120 days after the application reaches the MDHE. Care and diligence in the completion of the application will usually result in a more prompt reply. The MDHE encourages you to study the rules and regulations for the certification program and all instructions before attempting to complete the application.




2. After the approval of the application, the second step of the process is the submission of a security deposit. This commitment of financial resources is for the purpose of student indemnification and to ensure compliance with specific certification standards. It must be maintained for as long as the school is certified to operate. You will receive additional information and instructions concerning this requirement once the application has been approved.



3. The final requirement is payment of the certification fee. Payment of this fee will be requested after the approval of the application and submission of the security deposit. The initial certification fee is $250 for all schools. Payment of the fee will not be accepted until all other parts of the process have been completed.