highest level of formal educational qualification achieved achieved upper secondary education graduated high school, International Baccaulaureate, A Levels Published A highest level of formal educational qualification achieved after participating in an education process intended to result in the acquisition and development of skills and knowledge that prepare participants for tertiary education or employment. A highest level of formal educational qualification achieved that corresponds to the final stage of secondary education in most OECD countries. Instruction is often more organised along subject-matter lines than at ISCED 2 level and teachers typically need to have a higher level, or more subject-specific, qualifications than at ISCED 2. The entrance age to this level is typically 15 or 16 years. There are substantial differences in the typical duration of ISCED 3 programmes both between and within countries, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years of schooling. ISCED 3 may either be “terminal” (i.e. preparing students for direct entry into working life) and/or “preparatory” (i.e. preparing students for tertiary education).