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Detailed definition
Highest certificate, diploma or degree is the classification used in the census to measure the broader concept of 'Educational attainment.'

This variable refers to the highest level of education that a person has successfully completed and is derived from the educational qualifications questions, which asked for all certificates, diplomas and degrees to be reported.

The general hierarchy used in deriving this variable (high school, trades, college, university) is loosely tied to the 'in-class' duration of the various types of education. At the detailed level, someone who has completed one type of certificate, diploma or degree will not necessarily have completed the credentials listed below it in the hierarchy. For example, a person with an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma may not have completed a high school certificate or diploma, nor does an individual with a 'master's degree' necessarily have a 'certificate or diploma above bachelor level.' Although the hierarchy may not fit all programs perfectly, it gives a general measure of educational attainment.

This variable is reported for persons aged 15 years and over in private households.

Users are advised to consult data quality comments for this variable, available in the Education Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2016
Values (English)
Total - Highest certificate, diploma or degree
No certificate, diploma or degree
Secondary (high) high school diploma or equivalency certificate
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma
Trades certificate or diploma other than Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification
Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma
University certificate or diploma below bachelor level
University certificate, diploma or degree at bachelor level or above
Bachelor's degree
University certificate, diploma or degree above bachelor level