[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 16, Volume 1] [Revised as of January 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 16CFR254.0] [Page 170-171] TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES CHAPTER I--FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION PART 254_GUIDES FOR PRIVATE VOCATIONAL AND DISTANCE EDUCATION SCHOOLS --Table of Contents Sec. 254.0 Scope and application. Sec. 254.0 Scope and application. 254.1 Definitions. 254.2 Deceptive trade or business names. 254.3 Misrepresentation of extent or nature of accreditation or approval. 254.4 Misrepresentation of facilities, services, qualifications of staff, status, and employment prospects for students after training. 254.5 Misrepresentations of enrollment qualifications or limitations. 254.6 Deceptive use of diplomas, degrees, or certificates. 254.7 Deceptive sales practices. Authority: 38 Stat. 717, as amended; 15 U.S.C. 41-58. (a) The Guides in this part apply to persons, firms, corporations, or organizations engaged in the operation of privately owned schools that offer resident or distance courses, training, or instruction purporting to prepare or qualify individuals for employment in any occupation or trade, or in work requiring mechanical, technical, artistic, business, or clerical skills, or that is for the purpose of enabling a person to improve his appearance, social aptitude, personality, or other attributes. These Guides do not apply to resident primary or secondary schools or institutions of higher education offering at least a 2-year program of accredited college level studies generally acceptable for credit toward a bachelor's degree. [[Page 171]] (b) These Guides represent administrative interpretations of laws administered by the Federal Trade Commission for the guidance of the public in conducting its affairs in conformity with legal requirements. These Guides specifically address the application of section 5 of the FTC Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the advertising, promotion, marketing, and sale of courses or programs of instruction offered by private vocational or distance education schools. The Guides provide the basis for voluntary compliance with the law by members of the industry. Practices inconsistent with these Guides may result in corrective action by the Commission under section 5 if, after investigation, the Commission has reason to believe that the practices fall within the scope of conduct declared unlawful by the statute. [63 FR 42572, Aug. 10, 1998]