When you finish high school, the next step for many is an Education Post Secondary Award. This type of award refers to certificates, diplomas, or other formal credentials granted after secondary (high school) education. These awards show you’ve completed a recognized program beyond high school, whether at a vocational school, community college, or university.
In this article, we’ll explain what an Education Post Secondary Award means, the different levels of awards, how they vary by country, and why they are valuable for students and careers today.
What is an Education Post Secondary Award?
An Education Post Secondary Award is a credential you receive once you finish a program of study beyond high school. It’s not yet a full university degree in many cases, but it indicates formal education beyond secondary school. These awards may be short certificates, diplomas, or sometimes sub-degree credentials.
They are very common in vocational and technical education, community colleges, or universities that offer shorter programs.
Levels & Types of Education Post Secondary Awards
These awards come in different levels depending on duration, complexity, and credit hours. Some common types include:
- Certificates (less than one academic year): These are short programs; for example, a few weeks to less than 12 months.
- Certificates or Diplomas (1-2 years): These take longer and cover more depth; could be vocational or technical training.
- Diplomas (2-3 years or more): More advanced than certificate programs, often before or instead of a bachelor’s degree.
- Associate Degrees (in some countries): These are often considered post secondary awards that may last about 2 years and may allow transfer into a full degree.
The exact names and requirements vary by country—Education Post Secondary Awards in Australia will differ from those in the U.S., UK, Canada, etc.
How Education Post Secondary Awards Differ from Degrees
While both are post high-school credentials, there are some differences:
| Feature | Post Secondary Award | Bachelor’s Degree / Higher Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Often shorter (months to 2 years) | Typically longer (3-4 years or more) |
| Depth of Study | More focused, often vocational / technical | Broader, more theoretical, often includes general education |
| Cost | Often less expensive | Higher tuition and associated costs |
| Purpose | Entry to job, skill acquisition, stepping stone | Deeper specialization, academic research, professional degrees |
| Flexibility | Often flexible, part-time, workplace-based | More structured, may require full-time attendance |
Benefits of Obtaining an Education Post Secondary Award
Getting a post secondary award has several advantages:
- Faster Entry into the Workforce
Because these programs are shorter, you can start working sooner than if you waited to complete a full degree. - Skill Development
Awards are often focused on practical, vocational skills needed in specific industries (e.g. technical trades, healthcare support, computing, etc.). - Career Flexibility
Sometimes they allow you to upskill or reskill without committing many years to study. - Stepping Stone to Further Education
Many students use certificates or diplomas to gain entry to degree programs later, often getting credit for what they’ve already done. - Affordable Option
Less tuition cost, fewer expenses, less time required, which may lower financial burden.
Challenges and Things to Watch For
Like any educational path, there are challenges with post secondary awards:
- Recognition: Some awards are not universally recognized—employers or other education institutions may not accept all programs equally.
- Quality Variation: Standards differ between institutions; some awards are more rigorous than others.
- Pathway Limitations: Depending on the field, certain roles may require a full degree. A certificate or diploma might not be sufficient.
- Cost vs Return: Even though awards are cheaper than degrees, the return (in pay, opportunities) might also be lower, depending on field.
How Countries Classify Education Post Secondary Awards
Classification and naming vary greatly by country:
- In the United States, IPEDS defines post secondary awards with categories such as awards of less than one year, one to two years, or two to four years for certificates and diplomas. University of Toledo
- Also in the Common Education Data Standards (CEDS), “Enrollment in Postsecondary Award Type” includes certificates and diplomas under different time/credit frames. ceds.ed.gov+1
- In many countries, vocational education frameworks separate awards by their credential level (certificate, diploma, associate degree).
FAQs About Education Post Secondary Award
Q1. Who is eligible for a Post Secondary Award?
Typically, someone who has completed secondary school (high school) is eligible. Some vocational programs also allow admission based on experience or equivalency.
Q2. How long does it take to earn a Post Secondary Award?
It can take from a few months (for short certificates) up to two or more years (for diplomas or associate level programs).
Q3. Can a Post Secondary Award lead to a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. In many systems, credits from diplomas or certificates can transfer into degree programs.
Q4. Is a Post Secondary Award enough for many jobs?
For many technical, trade, or support roles, yes. But for fields like law, medicine, or research, a full degree is often required.
Q5. How do I choose a good institution for a Post Secondary Award?
Look for accreditation, alignment with your career goals, recognition by employers or universities, flexibility of delivery mode (online, part-time), and costs vs benefits.