# 16 C.F.R. § 254.0 (2026): Scope and application

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_0

## Section

- **Citation:** 16 C.F.R. § 254.0 (2026)
- **Heading:** Scope and application
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 16 CFR: Commercial Practices / Chapter I: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION / Part 254: GUIDES FOR PRIVATE VOCATIONAL AND DISTANCE EDUCATION SCHOOLS / § 254.0: § 254.0   Scope and application.

## Text

(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.
(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, and the recruitment of students for, 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 of the FTC Act 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, as amended at 78 FR 68989, Nov. 18, 2013]

## Nearby sections

- [16 C.F.R. § 254.0 (2026) § 254.0   Scope and application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_0.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.1 (2026) § 254.1   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_1.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.2 (2026) § 254.2   Deceptive trade or business names.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_2.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.3 (2026) § 254.3   Misrepresentation of extent or nature of accreditation or approval.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_3.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.4 (2026) § 254.4   Misrepresentation of facilities, services, qualifications of staff, status, and employment prospects for students after training.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_4.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.5 (2026) § 254.5   Misrepresentations of enrollment qualifications or limitations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_5.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.6 (2026) § 254.6   Deceptive use of diplomas, degrees, or certificates.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_6.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.7 (2026) § 254.7   Deceptive sales practices.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_7.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_0. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.