Tip Sheets

Certificate, Diploma, Applied Degree, Degree . . . What's the Difference?

People sometimes use terms such as certificate, diploma, applied degree and degree to mean the same thing. However, there are some important differences in the way these words are used in Alberta's post-secondary education system.

Alberta Journeyman Certificate (Apprenticeship) programs

	are available in 50 designated trades in Alberta
	require registered apprentices to complete a specified number of on-the-job training hours and periods of technical training at an approved training provider, followed by the successful completion of industry examinations
	enable certified journeypersons and completing apprentices to work in other Canadian jurisdictions where the designation is recognized, provided they have successfully written an Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) exam.

Alberta Occupational Certificate Training programs

	are available in six designated occupations in Alberta
	have varied requirements for certification based on industry standards
	formal training in designated occupations is the responsibility of industry and may be provided through one or more of the public institutions or private providers.

Certificate programs

	prepare students for entry into specific occupations
	generally require one year or less of full-time study at a college or technical institute
	require completion of some high school studies (often specified grade levels and subjects) for admission.

Universities also offer a variety of certificate programs. University-level certificate programs may require high school graduation, some post-secondary education or mature student status for admission.

Diploma programs

	prepare students for employment in a particular field or group of occupations
	generally involve two years of full-time, applied study at a college or technical institute
	require high school graduation (often with specified grades and subjects) for admission.

		Many colleges also offer general studies or liberal arts programs at the diploma level.
		University-level diploma programs require one year of academic study or equivalent beyond a bachelor's degree and may be applicable to related master's degree programs.

Applied Degree programs

	provide enhanced career preparation that combines theoretical approaches to learning with elements of practical application, providing a broader range of career and employment opportunities beyond entry-level in an industry
	are offered by some public colleges and technical institutes
	are four-year programs (usually a two-year diploma plus two additional years) consisting of six semesters (about three years) of academic studies and at least two semesters (about one year) of related paid, supervised work experience in the industry
	have admission requirements that may be similar to those of diploma programs. Completion of a related diploma program may be a prerequisite for admission to an applied degree program.

Bachelor's Degree programs

	provide a more theoretical or academic approach to learning with direct access to graduate studies
	are offered by universities, select colleges, and private institutions offering approved degree programs
	involve the equivalent of three or four years of full-time study (the length of program varies by discipline and by institution)
	have entrance requirements such as a minimum grade or average in specified Grade 12 subjects, including English 30-1. Admission to faculties with enrolment limits may require marks higher than the specified minimum average.

Athabasca University has an open admissions policy (few or no specific entrance requirements) for students 16 years of age and older.

Master's Degree programs

	generally involve a minimum of two years of full-time university study beyond the bachelor's degree level (there are time limits for completing degree requirements, and program lengths may vary)
	require a completed bachelor's degree for admission. Applicants who have a three-year undergraduate (bachelor's) degree are generally required to complete an additional qualifying year.
	may require completion of a thesis or a course-based (non-thesis) program.

Doctoral Degree programs

	require two or three years of full-time university study and research beyond the master's degree level (there are time limits for completing degree requirements)
	involve planning and carrying out high quality research to advance knowledge in the student's major field of study
	include the preparation and defence of a dissertation on an approved topic.

Other Relevant Tips Choosing a Post-Secondary Program Getting “What You Want, When You Want It” Takes Time and Planning For more, visit the TIPS home page at alis.alberta.ca/tips

Additional Reading Education and Training Planner and Time to Choose… a post-secondary education program produced by Alberta Employment and Immigration. For copies of these publications:

		download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop
		call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton
		visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline.

Last Updated: June 16, 2006