APC GROWTH

The number of certificates awarded has skyrocketed more than 800 percent over the past thirty years. In 1984, less than two percent of adults had a certificate as their highest educational attainment. By 2010 the percentage had grown to almost thirteen percent.

•Twenty four percent of all 23 to 65 year-old workers had attended a vocational, technical, trade, or business program at some point.

•Seventy five percent of those who had attended these schools earned a certificate.

•Overall, eighteen percent of prime-age professionals have obtained certificates and twelve percent have certificates as their highest educational attainment.

•One third of certificate holders have an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or graduate degree; and

•On average, certificate holders earn twenty five percent more than high school graduates without post-secondary education.

Overall, a certificate is the highest form of education held by one in ten American workers. Studies show that one-third of certificate holders also hold associates, bachelor’s or graduate degrees; suggesting that workers are getting certificates to bolster their skills, increase their clout and exploit their skills in a tight job market place; as well as going back to educational institutions throughout their careers with a third of certificates earned by students over the age of thirty.