Classification of highest educational attainment

1 - Less than secondary (high) school graduation (highest)

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

2 - Secondary (high) school diploma or equivalent (highest attainment)

This category includes persons who have obtained a secondary or high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate and who have not obtained any higher certificates, diplomas or degrees. Secondary (high) 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 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. Persons who completed some education that could be counted toward a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree are excluded from this category.

3 - Some postsecondary education (highest)

This category includes persons without a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree who have completed 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/territorial or federal authorities, such as a Journeyperson's designation in the trades 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 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.