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Plain language definition
Information indicating the person's most advanced certificate, diploma or degree.
Detailed definition
Information indicating the person's most advanced certificate, diploma or degree. This is a derived variable obtained 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 graduation, 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 registered apprenticeship graduate 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 the bachelor's level.' Although the hierarchy may not fit all programs perfectly, it gives a general measure of educational attainment.
Values (English)
Total - Highest certificate, diploma or degree
No certificate, diploma or degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma
Trades certificate or diploma (other than apprenticeship)
Registered Apprenticeship certificate
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 or diploma above bachelor level
Degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry
Master's degree
Earned doctorate