28 CFR §544.82
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (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.
- (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, 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) 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) (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.