15-20.4-04. Minimum standards - Exceptions

15-20.4-04. Minimum standards - Exceptions 1. All postsecondary career schools must be accredited by national or regional accrediting agencies recognized by the United States department of education. The board may additionally require such further evidence and make such further investigation as in its judgment may be necessary. Any postsecondary career school operating in this state seeking its first authorization to operate may be issued a provisional authorization to operate on an annual basis until the school becomes eligible for accreditation by a recognized accrediting agency. Schools issued a provisional authorization to operate must demonstrate a substantial good-faith showing of progress toward such status. Only upon accreditation shall a school become eligible for a regular authorization to operate. A school shall give written notification to the board within thirty days of any change to the school's accreditation status. 2. This section does not apply to postsecondary career schools operating in this state that do not grant degrees and that offer mainly hands-on training in low census occupations, as determined by the board. "Degree" as used in this subsection means a document that provides evidence or demonstrates completion of a course of instruction that results in the attainment of a rank or level of associate or higher.