Classification of highest educational attainment

1 - Less than secondary school graduation (highest)

This category includes persons with no schooling and persons who received some schooling but did not obtain a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Persons who received education that could be counted towards a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree are excluded from this category.

2 - Secondary school diploma or equivalent (highest attainment)

This category includes persons who have obtained a secondary or high school certificate or its equivalent and who have not obtained any higher degrees, certificates or diplomas. Secondary school diploma or equivalent includes academic or vocational high school diplomas or certificates as may be obtained by graduating from secondary school. It also includes successfully completing a high school equivalency test such as the General Educational Development (GED) test, or obtaining an Adult Basic Education (ABE) certificate where it is equivalent to the completion of secondary school. Persons who obtained a Secondary School Vocational Diploma (SSVD) or Diplôme d'études professionnelles (DEP) or any other postsecondary certificate diploma or degree are excluded from this category.

3 - Some postsecondary education (highest)

This category includes persons who have received some postsecondary education that could be counted towards a certificate, diploma or degree from a postsecondary institution or an occupational certificate, diploma or degree awarded by provincial or federal authorities, such as the Journeyman/woman designation or teaching and nursing certificates. Persons who have received such a certificate, diploma or degree are excluded from this category.

4 - Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree (highest)

This category includes persons who have received a certificate, diploma or degree from a postsecondary institution or an occupational certificate, diploma or degree awarded by provincial or federal authorities, such as the Journeyman/woman designation or teaching and nursing certificates.