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.

2.2.2 - College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (highest)

This category includes persons who obtained a postsecondary certificate or diploma from a community college; a CEGEP (either general/pre-university or technical); an institute of technology; a school of nursing; a private business school; a private or public trade school; or a vocational school. Included in this category are persons who obtained a teaching or nursing certificate awarded by a provincial department of education, with the exception of teachers' or nurses' qualifications at the bachelor level or above obtained at university-affiliated faculties of education or nursing. Persons with an apprenticeship or trades certificate and no other college, CEGEP or other postsecondary and non-university certificate or diploma are excluded from this category. Persons with university certificates, diplomas or degrees are also excluded from this category.

2.2.2.1 - Program of 3 months to less than 1 year (College, CEGEP and other non-university certificates or diplomas) (highest)

This category includes persons whose highest qualification is a college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma, based on a program that is typically completed in 3 months to less than one academic year (an academic year may be less than 12 months in duration). Persons who also have such certificates or diplomas from programs that are typically completed in a longer time period are not included in this category.

2.2.2.2 - Program of 1 to 2 years (College, CEGEP and other non-university certificates or diplomas) (highest)

This category includes persons whose highest qualification is a college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma, based on a program that is typically completed in one to two academic years but not more than two academic years (an academic year may be less than 12 months in duration). Persons who also have such certificates or diplomas from programs that are typically completed in a longer time period are not included in this category.

2.2.2.3 - Program of more than 2 years (College, CEGEP and other non-university certificates or diplomas) (highest)

This category includes persons whose highest qualification is a college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma, based on a program that is typically completed in more than two academic years (an academic year may be less than 12 months in duration).