Classification of highest certificate, diploma or degree

2 - Certificate, diploma or degree

This category includes persons who have obtained any certificates, diplomas or degrees, or their equivalents.

2.2 - Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree (highest)

This category includes persons who have obtained a certificate, diploma or degree beyond the secondary school level from a postsecondary institution or a vocational certificate, diploma or degree awarded by provincial/territorial or federal authorities, such as the journeyperson designation in the trades or teaching and nursing certificates. Possession of a postsecondary qualification does not imply that the person has also completed a secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalency certificate. Persons who have a secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate as their only completed educational credential are excluded from this category.

2.2.1 - Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma (highest)

This category includes persons who have obtained a certificate, diploma or equivalent award in the skilled trades or in entry-level vocations, career and technical occupations. This may allow them to obtain or maintain an industry, government or professional designation. Persons who obtained qualifications from secondary level vocational training programs in the province of Quebec - such as the Diplôme d'études professionnelles/Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP/DVS) - are included in this category. This category also includes persons who have obtained a journeyperson certificate in the trades through successful completion of the examinations for a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) as well as persons with qualifications in the trades that are higher than that of pre-employment, apprenticeship or entry level. Persons who also have a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, other than an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma, are excluded from this category.

2.2.1.1 - Trades certificate or diploma other than Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification (highest)

This category includes persons who have obtained a certificate, diploma or equivalent award from an accredited educational institution in entry-level vocations, or in career and technical trades occupations that do not result in a Certificate or Diploma of Apprenticeship, Certificate of Qualification or a Journeyperson's designation. Persons who obtained qualifications from secondary level vocational training programs in the province of Quebec - such as the Diplôme d'études professionnelles/Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP/DVS) - are included here. Persons who have obtained a Certificate or Diploma of Apprenticeship and/or a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) or a Journeyperson's designation in their trade are excluded from this category. Persons who also have a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, other than an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma, are excluded from this category.

2.2.1.2 - Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification (highest)

This category includes persons who have successfully completed a registered apprenticeship training program, consisting of supervised on-the-job training which may be accompanied by course work or "in-class" technical training, and have received a Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A) or a Diploma of Apprenticeship and/or a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) or Journeyperson's designation (JP) in their trade. Certificates of Qualification and Journeyperson's designations are obtained after successfully passing a provincial/territorial examination.

Individuals who have not completed a formal apprenticeship program but who have extensive experience working in their trades may also apply to write the provincial/territorial exam in their trades. If successful on the exam, they also obtain a Certificate of Qualification or Journeyperson's designation. These persons, known as trade qualifiers or trade challengers, do not receive a Certificate or Diploma of Apprenticeship. For trades designated as Red Seal, the Red Seal endorsement is affixed to the Certificate of Qualification or Journeyperson's designation.

Persons who also have a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, other than an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma, are excluded from this category.