BOP Program Statement 5356.01 § 4

Work assignment appointments and promotion potential may be affected by an inmate’s

educational status and literacy program participation.

These limitations on work assignment appointment and promotion apply to all inmates, including

those exempted from required participation in the literacy program by § 544.71.

(a) Appointment.

(1) An inmate who does not meet the literacy requirement may be assigned to a grade 4

position contingent upon the inmate's continued enrollment in the literacy program.

(2) An inmate ordinarily must show prior attainment of a GED credential or high school

diploma in order to be considered for a commissary work assignment above minimum pay

level, an institution work assignment above grade 4 compensation, or an industrial work

assignment above grade four or in a non-graded incentive pay position.

(3) If labor force needs require, an inmate who does not meet the literacy requirement may be

assigned to an industrial non-graded incentive pay position if the inmate is simultaneously

5356.01 6/22/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 6

enrolled in a literacy or related program. Withdrawal from the literacy program shall result in

termination of the assignment. Local Federal Prison Industry (FPI) management may elect to

retain the reassigned inmate in an hourly rated grade 4 position.

(b) Promotion. An inmate ordinarily must show prior attainment of a GED credential or high

school diploma to be promoted above the minimum pay level or grade in a commissary work

assignment, an institutional work assignment, or an industrial work assignment.

(c) Exceptions. The Warden may, for good cause, exempt inmates on a case-by-case basis from

the literacy requirements for work assignment appointment and promotion. Staff shall document

such exemption in the inmate's education file and central file.

Pay Exemptions for Inmates Who Need Extended Time in the Literacy Program. The

Warden or designee may grant a pay promotion exemption if an inmate is in the literacy program

and needs more than 480 hours to complete the program. The intent of this exemption is to

encourage the inmate to stay in the literacy program and continue to make a strong effort. The

Warden will not delegate this authority below the SOE level.

The SOE will recommend this exemption unless Education staff determine the inmate is not

making an acceptable level of effort. Education staff will review the pay promotion exemptions

at least every 240 instructional hours. If not recommended for a pay exemption, the low level of

effort must be documented.

Inmates will lose their pay promotion exemptions if they do not continue to make a strong effort,

are found guilty of a prohibited act that occurred in the literacy program (e.g., Unexcused

absence from work or any program assignment, Insolence towards a staff member) or withdraw

from the program.

Education staff will refer to the ESB page of the Bureau’s intranet site for guidance regarding

limitations on work assignment appointments and promotions and the appropriate education

transaction codes utilized for documentation in the applicable Bureau inmate management

system.