The Commission on Professional Standards in Education (COPS) is the only regulatory commission, appointed by the Governor, that sets licensure standards for educational personnel. It develops regulations based on accepted standards for professional staff in schools and governing examinations for the initial licensure of teachers and other educational personnel. COPS, with Department support, conducts partner work groups and public workshops and hearings to consider these regulations. Adopted regulations are sent to the State Board of Education for approval before being sent to the Legislative Commission for consideration and final adoption. Its membership reflects key components of the educational establishment. Of particular interest to COPS is ensuring that Nevada's educators are both highly qualified and highly effective in the education of Nevada's students.

The mission of COPS is to create rigorous regulations for the licensing of educational personnel in the State of Nevada with the overall goal of contributing to the professionalism of educators through its selection of educator testing instruments and facilitating a quality education for all students.