Curriculum is normally considered the course outline explaining the subjects taught. I think the term you are looking for is requirements. In most US airlines upgrade is controlled by seniority, your time with the airline. You can hold a Captain position when all the pilots with more seniority than you hold a Captain position or (by not bidding for Captain) have said they don't want to be a Captain. That being said there a FAR regulation that says a Captain must have 1000 hours airline experience as a First Officer. Many regional airlines are running into the situation where pilots would be able to hold a Captain position by seniority but they don't have the 1000 hours airline experience. So someone with less seniority is able to hold a Captain position. As soon as the pilot gains the required 1000 hours they can (if they want) bid for Captain and then regain their position on the seniority list.