Adult Training and Education: Results from the National Household Education Surveys Program of 2016

In 2016, more than one quarter of adults had a nondegree credential—including a postsecondary certificate, occupational license, or occupational certification—according to the latest results from the National Household Education Surveys (NHES).

This report summarizes key findings from the 2016 Adult Training and Education Survey (ATES), part of the NHES program. The ATES gathered nationally representative data on U.S. adults’ training and education as of 2016.
 

Key Findings

• Overall, 27 percent of adults ages 16-65 have a nondegree credential; 21 percent have an occupational certification or license, and 8 percent have a postsecondary certificate;
• Occupational licenses are more prevalent than occupational certifications: 18 percent have a license, and 6 percent have a certification;
• Among those who have an occupational certification or license, 67 percent prepared for their most important certification or license by taking classes from a college, technical school or trade school; and
• Overall, 21 percent of adults have completed an apprenticeship, internship, or similar program, with 14 percent of adults doing so as part of an educational program after high school.