---
kind: "section"
citation: "28 C.F.R. § 544.82"
title: "28"
number: "544.82"
heading: "General program characteristics."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/28/544.82"
---

# §544.82. General program characteristics.

- (a) The Supervisor of Education shall assure that the following minimum criteria are met for the institution's education program set forth in [§ 544.81](/cfr/28/544.81.md).
  - (1) **There is a written curriculum which establishes measurable behavioral objectives and procedures.**
  - (2) There are clear criteria which establish minimum expectations for program completion, as well as provisions for the assessment of student progress.
  - (3) **There are provisions for periodic review of the relevancy and effectiveness of the program.**
  - (4) Unless unusual circumstances (e.g., college credit courses) exist, all programs should allow for open entry and exit, at least on a monthly basis.
  - (5) The Supervisor of Education may establish other requirements necessary to assure that the stated goals of the program are achieved.
- (b) Upon an inmate's completion of a program specified in [§ 544.81](/cfr/28/544.81.md), staff may issue and/or review and file a certificate when it contributes to an inmate's future plans in such a way that it validates the inmate's education and training; supports the inmate's chances of securing employment; improves the inmate's acceptance for advanced education; or enhances the inmate's opportunity for success in any other activity the inmate chooses to pursue. The certificate will confirm that the inmate has completed the requirements to receive a certificate that fits one or a combination of the following categories:
  - (1) **Accredited certificates—** high school diplomas and occupation training certificates approved or issued through local school districts, state departments of education, or other recognized accrediting educational organizations;
  - (2) **Postsecondary certificates and transcripts—** postsecondary degrees or course certificates approved or issued through a sponsoring accredited educational institution;
  - (3) **General Educational Development tests—** programs sponsored by the American Council on Education;
  - (4) **Private certificates—** outside agencies, private business and industry, other than those stated in [paragraph (b)(1)](#b-1) of this section;
  - (5) **Institutional certificates—** approved general education, occupation training, recreation, adult continuing education and social education certificates, issued to an inmate who completes a program, and when the institution cannot provide a certificate as provided in [paragraphs (b)](#b) (1) and (4) of this section; or
  - (6) **Transcripts—** issued to an inmate who completes general education programs, formal occupation training, on-the-job and apprentice training and work assignments. With the inmate's consent, transcripts may be sent to schools and colleges, business, industries and other agencies.

## Notes

### Source

Source: 58 FR 65852, Dec. 16, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 18 U.S.C. 3621, 3622, 3624, 4001, 4042, 4081, 4082 (Repealed in part as to offenses committed on or after November 1, 1987), 5006-5024 (Repealed October 12, 1984 as to offenses committed after that date), 5039; 28 U.S.C. 509, 510.

### Source

Source: 44 FR 38249, June 29, 1979, unless otherwise noted.