Classification of highest educational attainment

4 - 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.

4.1 - Postsecondary certificate or diploma below bachelor level (highest)

This category includes persons who have obtained a college, CEGEP or university certificate or diploma below the bachelor level and who have not obtained any higher certificates, diplomas or degrees. It also includes persons who received an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma. Included are persons who have received an occupational certificate or diploma awarded by provincial/territorial or federal authorities, such as the journeyperson designation in the trades or non-university nursing certificates. Also included are university certificates or diplomas below the bachelor level that are commonly connected with professional associations in fields such as accounting, banking, insurance or public administration. The certificates and diplomas referred to in this category do not require a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite.

4.2 - Bachelor's degree (highest)

This category includes persons who have obtained a bachelor's degree awarded by a degree-granting institution and who have not obtained any higher degrees, certificates or diplomas. It includes for example, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Laws.

4.3 - University certificate, diploma or degree above bachelor level (highest)

This category includes persons who have obtained, through a degree-granting institution, a certificate, diploma or degree that usually requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite. This category includes persons who have obtained any of the following: 1) degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry; 2) master's degree or 3) earned doctorate.

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