(a)

1. (1) Institutions seeking an exemption from certification must submit an application for exemption from certification and provide required documentation.
2. (2) An institution applying for exemption from certification for the first time must not advertise or operate in Arkansas until the letter of exemption from certification is issued.

(b)

1. (1) Once the requesting institution has submitted an application to the Division of Higher Education, the application will be reviewed by the Division of Higher Education.
2. (2) Should the Division of Higher Education determine that the institution has not submitted the required application and documentation, the institution will be contacted and asked to submit the specified information within a defined time period.
3. (3) Division of Higher Education review of the application will be suspended until all requested institutional information is submitted to the Division of Higher Education which could delay the review of the application.
4. (4) Failure to submit the appropriate completed forms by the established timelines may result in no further consideration of the application for exemption from certification by the Division of Higher Education and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(c)

1. (1) If the institution meets exemption criteria, a letter of exemption from certification will be issued for three (3) years.
2. (2) Upon expiration of the exemption from certification, the institution must submit an application for renewal of the exemption.
3. (3) Institutions will not be assessed a fee for a letter of exemption from certification.

(e)

1. (1) The board may withdraw exemption status for proper cause.

2. (2) Such withdrawal will constitute a denial of exemption and require a:

   1. (A) Subsequent application for certification; or
   2. (B) Referral to the Consumer Protection Division of the office of the Attorney General for the discontinuation of institutional operations in Arkansas.