Basic Cognitive Skills at FPC Alderson: What Your Loved One Will Learn and How It Counts

Basic Cognitive Skills is an EBRR program offered across the Bureau of Prisons, including at FPC Alderson. It uses a cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach, teaching core thinking tools like the "Five Rules for Rational Thinking" and "Rational Self-Analysis." These help someone slow down, question assumptions, and make more deliberate choices. The BOP also positions it as a foundation for other CBT programs - so completing it can open doors to additional programming that builds on the same skills.

Basic Cognitive Skills awards 24 hours of EBRR program credit. In the BOP’s approved programs guide, it’s listed as “available at all BOP institutions,” which means it’s considered available at FPC Alderson as well.

Who teaches Basic Cognitive Skills matters - it affects whether the program gets credited correctly. The BOP's program guide is clear: to ensure fidelity and proper credit, Basic Cognitive Skills must be delivered by Psychology Services staff. If your loved one is taking something with a similar name, the key question is whether it's the official class run through Psychology Services. That's what determines if it counts for EBRR credit.

• ✓ Ask whether the class is the official BOP “Basic Cognitive Skills” program
• ✓ Confirm the instructor is Psychology Services staff (not a different department)
• ✓ Ask whether completion will be recorded for EBRR credit once the program is finished

Basic Cognitive Skills targets "cognitions" - the BOP's term for thinking patterns that drive decisions and behavior. The curriculum uses CBT-style skills consistent with cognitive modules in other BOP treatment and reentry programs. It's also designed as a stepping stone to programs like Emotional Self-Regulation and Criminal Thinking. For someone looking to build momentum with programming while incarcerated, it's a practical starting point.

1. Ask if they’re enrolled - Have your loved one check with their unit team (often through their case manager/counselor) about whether they’re on the list for Basic Cognitive Skills.
2. Confirm who is delivering it - Make sure the program is being delivered by Psychology Services staff, since that’s tied to fidelity and proper credit.
3. Verify how completion is recorded - Ask whether completion will be entered/recorded as EBRR credit when the program is finished.
4. Escalate program questions if needed - For additional information about approved programs, you can email the BOP Reentry Services Division at BOP-RSD-NRB-FSA@BOP.GOV.

The BOP's approved programs guide confirms Basic Cognitive Skills is available across BOP institutions, but doesn't publish Alderson-specific details like class dates, waitlists, or enrollment procedures. The most reliable way to get current timing and availability is through the facility's unit team or Psychology Services. For broader program questions, you can also reach out to the Reentry Services Division at the email listed above.