BLS Training Level Definitions, California LaborMarketInfo

BLS Training Level Definitions

Occupational training and education classifications were developed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to improve on prior classification systems that did not distinguish between occupations with comparable educational requirements. For example, neither carpenters nor laborers require formal education beyond high school, but the complexity of the work and the training time required results in carpenters being placed in the long-term on the job training category and laborers placed in the short-term on the job training category. Of course there is more than one way to qualify for a job. In this classification system the education and training required reflects the manner in which most workers become proficient in that occupation and the preferences of most employers.

First professional degree. Occupations that require at least two years of full–time academic study beyond a bachelor's degree (for example, law, medicine, dentistry and clergy).

Doctoral degree. Occupations that require at least three years of full–time academic study beyond a bachelor's degree culminating in a doctoral degree.

Master's degree. Occupations that require the completion of a master's degree program which is usually one to two years beyond a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's or higher and some work experience. Occupations that generally require work experience in an occupation requiring a bachelor's or higher degree. Most occupations in this category are managerial occupations that require work experience in a related non–managerial occupation.

Bachelor's degree. Occupations that require the completion of at least four but not more than five years of full–time academic study beyond high school resulting in a Bachelor's degree.

Associate degree. Occupations that require the completion of at least two years of full–time academic study beyond high school.

Post–secondary vocational education. Occupations that require completion of vocational school training.

Work experience. Occupations that require skills obtained through work experience in a related occupation.

Long–term on–the–job–training. Occupations that require more than 12 months of on–the–job training or combined work experience and formal classroom instruction for workers to develop the skills needed for average job performance.

Moderate–term on–the–job–training. Occupations in which workers can develop average job performance after 1 to 12 months of combined on–the–job experience and informal training.

Short–term on–the–job–training. Occupations in which workers can develop skills needed after a short demonstration or up to one month of on–the–job experience and instruction.