18(c). Highest qualification ever attained

5.6. Highest qualification ever attained

Qualifications are the degrees, diplomas, certificates, professional titles that an individual has acquired, whether by full time or part-time study, whether conferred by educational authorities, special examining bodies or professional bodies. The acquisition of an educational qualification therefore implies the successful completion of a course of study or training program.

The type of examinations dealt with here is public examinations, (except SEA/Common Entrance and 14 plus Exams) as distinct from examinations organized within particular schools. The examination, which the respondent classifies as the highest, is to be recorded. The responses try to make provisions for persons educated at a time when the national education system differed from the one in place at the time of the census.

[p.17]

"Diploma / equivalent certificate of achievement" refers to certificates that have been awarded for shorter courses and should not be confused with a diploma that is done at the post secondary level as a step towards further degreed qualification.