# 16 C.F.R. § 254.6 (2026): Deceptive use of diplomas, degrees, or certificates

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_6

## Section

- **Citation:** 16 C.F.R. § 254.6 (2026)
- **Heading:** Deceptive use of diplomas, degrees, or certificates
- **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 / § 254.6: § 254.6   Deceptive use of diplomas, degrees, or certificates.

## Text

(a) It is deceptive for an Industry Member to issue a degree, diploma, certificate of completion, or any similar document, that misrepresents, directly or indirectly, expressly or by implication, the subject matter, substance, or content of the course or program of instruction or any other material fact concerning the course or program of instruction for which it was awarded or the accomplishments of the student to whom it was awarded.
(b) It is deceptive for an Industry Member to offer or confer an academic, professional, or occupational degree, if the award of such degree has not been Approved by the appropriate State educational agency or Accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, unless it clearly and conspicuously discloses, in all advertising and promotional materials that contain a reference to such degree, that its award has not been Approved or Accredited by such an agency.
(c) It is deceptive for an Industry Member to offer or confer a high school diploma unless the program of instruction to which it pertains is substantially equivalent to that offered by a resident secondary school, and unless the student is informed, by a clear and conspicuous disclosure in writing prior to enrollment, that the Industry Member cannot guarantee or otherwise control the recognition that will be accorded the diploma by institutions of higher education, other schools, or prospective employers, and that such recognition is a matter solely within the discretion of those entities.
[78 FR 68991, 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_6. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.