DPOS – Division of Private Occupational Schools

The Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS) is an agency within the Department of Higher Education.

The mission of the Division is to implement the directives of the General assembly, to provide standards for and to foster and improve private occupational schools and their educational services, and to protect the citizens of this state against fraudulent or substandard private occupational schools.


DPOS Rules and Regulations

The official publication of these rules exists in the Code of Regulations on the Colorado Secretary of State website

8 Colorado Code of Regulations 1504-1

View Full Rules and Regulations (Effective 04/01/2022)


Ancillary/Supplementary Education – DPOS Rules and Regulations

Definitions

E. “Ancillary/supplementary education” means an optional stand-alone course to further the knowledge of a professional holding an active license in good standing that is regulated by a Colorado state professional licensing entity. Those seeking an exemption from the provisions of Article 64, Title 23, C.R.S, for ancillary/supplementary education pursuant to § 23-64-104(1)(c), C.R.S., must apply for the exemption in a manner approved by the Board. The education must be less than 40 hours and must be less than $1000. Additionally, the education, curriculum, syllabi, and licensed professional instructing the education must be approved by an industry recognized certification board, or registered product manufacturer or supplier.

I. “Bona fide” means a trade, business, professional or fraternal organization that: is widely recognized by the industry; primarily benefits the organization’s membership or mission; conducts its activities in a manner that serves public or charitable purposes, rather than commercial purposes; receives funding and revenue and charges fees in a manner that does not incent it or its employees to act other than in the best interest of is membership; compensates its employees in a manner that does not incent its employers to act other than in the best interest of its membership; and has existed and operated as a bona-fide organization for two years or more. The Division has the discretion to determine whether the trade organization meets the definition of bona fide and whether its level of oversight is adequate. Those seeking an exemption from the provisions of Article 64, Title 23, C.R.S, for education pursuant to § 23-64-104(1)(h), C.R.S., must apply for the exemption in a manner approved by the Board.


Ancillary/Supplementary Education Questionnaire

If you are providing ancillary education to licensed individuals in Colorado as defined in the definitions section of the DPOS rules, you may be exempt from DPOS regulation. In order for your educational offerings to be exempt it must meet the definition of “ancillary/supplementary education”.

To determine if your educational offering is exempt you must complete and return the ancillary/supplementary education questionnaire to the Division for review. If it is determined that your education does not fall under this definition and exemption, the Division will notify you via email with that determination.

Ancillary/Supplementary Education Questionnaire