# 16 C.F.R. § 254.1 (2026): Definitions

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_1

## Section

- **Citation:** 16 C.F.R. § 254.1 (2026)
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **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 / § 254.1: § 254.1   Definitions.

## Text

(a)
Accredited.
A school or program of instruction that has been evaluated and found to meet established criteria by an accrediting agency or association recognized for such purposes by the U.S. Department of Education.
(b)
Approved.
A school or program of instruction that has been recognized by a State or Federal agency as meeting educational standards or other related qualifications as prescribed by that agency for the school or program of instruction to which the term is applied. The term is not and should not be used interchangeably with “Accredited.” The term “Approved” is not justified by the mere grant of a corporate charter to operate or license to do business as a school and should not be used unless the represented “approval” has been affirmatively required or authorized by State or Federal law.
(c)
Industry member.
Industry Members are the persons, firms, corporations, or organizations covered by these Guides, as explained in § 254.0(a).
[78 FR 68990, Nov. 19, 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)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.