Education and Training Level Definitions
The categories of education, training and experience used here were developed
by the Occupational Outlook Handbook staff of the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau
of Labor Statistics, with minor adjustments by the workforce development
agencies in Illinois to better suit the economic and regulatory nature of
the state's economy.
Work Experience + 4 Years of College (Bachelor's Degree) or More:
Describes managerial occupations that usually are filled through promotion
after experience is gained in a non-managerial occupation that requires
a bachelor's degree or higher. This category includes Master's, Doctoral
and First professional degrees, which generally take at least one to three
years of full-time academic study beyond a bachelor's degree.
4 Years of College (Bachelor's Degree):
Considered the minimum hiring requirement for many professional occupations
and usually requires four to five years of academic study after high school
graduation. Associate's degree: usually requires at least two years of full-time
academic work after high school and is the minimum training level for a
number of occupations including many in Illinois that require licensure
or certification through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
Postsecondary vocational training: describes the necessary hiring or licensure
requirement for a variety of occupations. Training programs range from one
to three years in length and can include combinations such as course work
that does not result in a degree or formal vocational training programs
that result in a certificate or diploma.
2 Years of College (Associate's Degree):
Usually requires at least two years of full-time academic and is the minimum
training level for a number of work after high school occupations including
many in Illinois that require licensure or certification through the Illinois
Department of Professional Regulation.
Long-Term On-the-Job Training:
Describes occupations that usually require more than one year of on-the-job
training or a combination of classroom instruction and work experience such
as formal or informal apprenticeships, many of which last up to four years.
Also included in this category are occupations where employer-sponsored
training programs are the chief hiring requirement. Occupations in the arts,
entertainment and sports areas, which require natural abilities and skills
developed over many years, are also classified here.
Moderate-Term On-the-Job Training:
Describes training for occupations where in one to twelve months of combined
on-the-job experience and informal classroom activities the average worker
can achieve necessary skill levels. This training generally includes observing
experienced workers and assuming greater job responsibilities as lower level
job skills are mastered. Many of the persons in occupations classified in
this training level are already considered employed in this field.
Short-Term On-the-Job Training:
The training category assigned to a large number of occupations where in
just a few days, weeks or months through observing experienced workers and
asking questions the average worker can achieve the necessary skill levels.
Contact Information
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Economic Information and Analysis Division
33 S. State Street, 9th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Toll-free: 1-866-ONE-SRCE (1-866-663-7723)