Office for Career and Technical Schools
The administrative arm of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development responsible for regulating non-credit bearing, non-degree granting postsecondary proprietary schools pursuant to (-IC-22-4.1-21-10).
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- Consumer Information
- Helpful Resources
- Authorization
Mission
Our mission is to maintain a strong regulatory framework that upholds the highest educational and ethical standards and actively monitors institutions to safeguard students from the adverse effects of sudden school closures. The Office for Career and Technical Schools (OCTS) enforces strict financial stability requirements. This includes maintaining surety bonds and insurance to cover tuition refunds, ensuring that their investment in education is secure, and that their academic progress remains uninterrupted.
If you represent a credit-bearing / degree-granting institution seeking authorization, contact the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Board for Proprietary Education (BPE).
IMPORTANT: It may be a violation of Indiana Code for you to offer to the public for a fee, tuition or charge educational and/or training services without authorization.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office for Career and Technical Schools at OCTS@dwd.IN.gov.
CCSAF Payment Due Dates:
| Quarter | Payment Due Date |
|---|---|
| January 1 - March 31 | May 15th |
| April 1 - June 30 | August 14th |
| July 1 - September 30 | November 14th |
| October 1 - December 31 | February 14th |
Virtual Payment System
We are excited to announce the launch of new virtual payment portal, designed to provide a faster, more secure, and user-friendly experience. With enhanced security features and real-time processing, you can now complete your payments quickly and with confidence.
We appreciate your continued support and are confident this new system will enhance your experience with OCTS.
Consumer Information
OCTS is charged with protecting students, educational institutions, the general public, and honest and ethical operators of post-secondary proprietary schools that are non-credit bearing and non-degree granting from dishonest and unethical practices. OCTS maintains and updates a list of authorized and closed/defunct institutions for the public (see below):
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Title III Information
Proprietary institutions most likely fall under Title III of ADA. Please review the informational document that outlines some provisions of Title III. We recommend that you consult an attorney for specific questions or concerns.
Student Protection Fund
IC 22-4.1-21-15 and IC 22-4.1-21-18 requires each educational institution authorized by OCTS to submit an institutional surety bond and contribute to the Career College Student Assurance Fund which will be used to pay off debt incurred due to the closing of a school, discontinuance of a program or loss of authorized by an institution. To file a claim, each student must submit a completed “Student Complaint Form” below.
Student Complaint Process
OCTS is responsible for reviewing and responding to student claims for monetary reimbursement against post-secondary proprietary schools that are non-credit bearing and non-degree granting. OCTS adjudicates only claims for monetary reimbursement and cannot adjudicate claims involving programmatic content. Monetary claims for reimbursement are limited to tuition and fees paid out of pocket by the student. OCTS does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate claims for reimbursement of scholarships, financial assistance, or fee reductions. OCTS cannot offer legal advice or initiate civil court cases.
Students filing claims must meet these requirements:
- Be a current or former student in a program at a school regulated by OCTS (see List of Authorized Institutions).
- Follow and exhaust the school’s complaint resolution process with the school directly; or provide a detailed explanation (see Complaint Form in step 3) as to why the school’s complaint process was not completed.
- File a formal claim with OCTS by completing the online Student Complaint Form, and attaching the following documents:
- A statement of the facts supporting the claim and outlining the problem, and
- A copy of the enrollment agreement signed by the student, and
- Copies of all receipts for tuition paid by cash, check, money order or credit card, and
- Any other material which substantiates the claim.
OCTS will review the claim and contact the claimant if additional information or clarification is needed. When the student’s initial claim is determined valid by OCTS, OCTS will forward a copy of the claim to the school, and the school will have three (3) weeks to respond. Upon receipt of the school’s response, OCTS will adjudicate the claim and issue a final determination. Both the student and the school will receive notification of the OCTS final determination. The determination by OCTS is final and is not appealable through the Department.
NOTE: If you believe a school has acted in a discriminatory manner, you may wish to contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission using the ICRC’s complaint form.
Education and Training Resources
Indiana Career Explorer
Indiana Career Explorer (INCE) users can search educational programs throughout Indiana to find necessary training and certifications, and Indiana’s in-demand jobs are highlighted throughout INCE to support users through all stages of planning.
INTraining
Programs that meet additional demand and credential requirements will be placed on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) allowing eligible participants the opportunity to receive WIOA funding for training services
Institution Resources
Schools, institutions and providers are encouraged to use the resources on this page to help with student recruitment. The guides and videos are free for use.
Review previous recordings of Quarterly OCTS webinars
- January 23, 2023 Webinar (4th Quarter 2022)
- August 10, 2023 Webinar (3rd Quarter 2023)
Authorization
SEEKING AUTHORIZATION
If an institution is seeking initial authorization for a non-credit-bearing/non-degree-granting career or technical school, please proceed and follow the authorization steps.
- Note: Not all documents and/or forms are compatible with every internet browser. If you are having trouble accessing any forms or documents, please email us at OCTS@dwd.IN.gov.
DETERMINATION OF STATUS QUESTIONNAIRE (DOSQ)
Prior to submitting the applications, proprietors need to complete the DOSQ. If authorization is required, you will receive an identification number that you enter to complete the orientation.
Determination of Status Questionnaire
NEW INSTITUTION ORIENTATION
After receiving the identification number, complete the orientation and submit the verification page. The orientation provides an overview of both the regulatory process and application requirements.
- Note: DO NOT complete and submit the application before receiving notification from OCTS. Fees paid by institutions are non-refundable.
INITIAL APPLICATION
Submitting the initial application for authorization is crucial, as it marks the first step in obtaining the necessary approvals to operate legally and in compliance with regulatory requirements. With submission, make sure all required forms and supporting documentation are attached, completed, and accurate. This will help expedite the review process and prevent delays in obtaining approval.
ANNUAL APPLICATION
Submitting the annual application for authorization is essential to maintaining ongoing compliance with regulatory standards and ensuring uninterrupted authorization. The annual application is important for identifying any changes in operational scope, staffing, courses offered, or procedures that may impact authorization.
