2901.0 - Census of Population and Housing: Census Dictionary, 2016  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 23/08/2016   
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2016 Census Dictionary >> Glossary >> Level of Highest Educational Attainment (HEAP)


Level of Highest Educational Attainment (HEAP)

Level of Highest Educational Attainment (HEAP) was introduced as a new variable for the 2006 Census for the purposes of obtaining a single measure of educational attainment. HEAP is derived from information on the highest year of school completed and level of highest non-school qualification regardless of the particular field of study or the type of institution in which the study was undertaken. The derivation process determines which of the 'non-school' and 'school' attainments will be regarded as the highest. Usually the higher ranking attainment is self-evident, but in some cases secondary education is regarded as higher than some Certificate level attainments.

It may be used to determine the general level of educational achievement of the Australian population and of specific groups in Australian society; to investigate the relationship between levels of education and employment outcomes, income and other socioeconomic variables; and as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status. To compare qualifications, Highest Year of School Completed (HSCP) and Non-School Qualification: Level of Education (QALLP) should be used.

See also Highest Year of School Completed (HSCP), Non-School Qualification: Field of Study (QALFP), Non-School Qualification: Level of Education (QALLP).






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