Structure of the US Education System - Career and Technical Qualifications

Structure of the US Education System - Career and Technical Qualifications

Structure of the US Education System - Career and Technical Qualifications

Post secondary career and technical education (vocational) schools, as well as some short programs offered at degree-granting institutions, provide education and training leading to certificates and diplomas below degree level.

For purposes of research and policymaking, non-degree certificates and diplomas at the sub-degree level are defined by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as follows:

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma (at least 1 but less than 2 academic years).  Requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level (below the associate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years , or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma (at least 2 but less than 4 academic years).   Requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level (below the bachelor’s degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years , or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

In addition, there are short programs of less than one year that provide training or refresher courses in specific subjects.  These may result in the award of an educational certificate or diploma, but often result in a certification by industry or a professional association and do not carry academic credit.

OVAE Career and Technical Education Page provides information and links pertaining to postsecondary vocational and technical education and training.