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.

21 - High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate (highest)

This category includes persons who have obtained a high school (secondary school) diploma or a high school equivalency certificate and who have not obtained any higher certificates, diplomas or degrees. High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate includes academic or vocational high school diplomas or certificates as may be obtained by graduating from high 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. 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 excluded from this category. Persons who obtained any postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree are excluded from this category.

22 - Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree (highest)

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