Private career college registration

Ontario’s Act defines a career college as an institution providing vocational programs to students for a fee under individual contracts, with listed exclusions such as universities. A buyer of a training school meets the registration early, because the Act says it cannot be passed on. This entry covers Ontario only; check the rules where the school operates.

What the Act and regulation say

• No person may operate a career college unless the person is registered (s. 7(1)). A registration is not transferable to another person (s. 16).
• A registration may be made subject to conditions specified by the Superintendent or prescribed by regulation, and the registrant must operate the college in accordance with them (s. 15).
• Career colleges pay premiums and levies to the Training Completion Assurance Fund, which lets students complete elsewhere or get a refund if a college ceases to provide their program (ss. 3, 5).
• Under O. Reg. 415/06, s. 47, a career college must tell the Superintendent of a change in ownership, whether by a transfer of all or substantially all of its assets, a share transfer large enough to change the board, or a change in partners, at least 30 days before the change occurs.

What to check or ask

Ask the Superintendent’s office how a buyer is registered when the seller’s registration cannot transfer, and when notice must be filed. Ask what conditions apply and whether the college’s Fund payments are current. The Ontario licences and permits guide sets out the wider picture.