253.36—Prohibited practices.
(a) Coercion in competition.
An applicant for competitive examination, eligible on any register, or officer or employee in the executive branch of the Government may not directly or indirectly persuade, induce, or coerce, or attempt to persuade, induce, or coerce any prospective applicant to withhold filing application, or any applicant or eligible to withdraw from competition or eligibility for the purpose of either improving or injuring the prospects of any applicant or eligible for appointment. The penalty for violation of this section by applicants or eligibles shall be cancellation of application or eligibility, as the case may be. The penalty for violation of this section by an employee shall be as determined by the head of the agency.
(b) Instruction of applicants.
Employees are forbidden to instruct, either directly or indirectly, or to be concerned in any manner with the instruction of any person or classes of persons with a view to their special preparation for examinations conducted pursuant to the regulations in this part, except as a part of a government authorized or sponsored program. Violations of this restriction shall be considered sufficient cause for removal from the service.