Educational levels

This article clearly explains the different levels of education. Here you will find brief descriptions in layman’s terms, what kind of document is issued for each level, the usual length of study, and any notes.

Note: In the registration form, fill in the equivalent of the level of education in the country where you achieved your highest education.

Table of education levels

Code Level name (briefly) Simple explanation Document / completion Usual length Note / examples
A No education (incomplete elementary school) 9 years of compulsory school attendance not completed. No certificate of completion of elementary school Leaving school before completion.
B Incomplete elementary (special/remedial school) Special program for disadvantaged students, 10 grades. Certificate of completion of special/remedial school 10 years For students with disabilities/disadvantages.
C Elementary education Completed elementary school, or completed 6–8 year gymnasium (lower level) or basic education course. Certificate of completion of elementary school usually 9 years
D Lower secondary (practical school) After elementary school, preparation for practical work with a minimum of theory. Certificate from a practical school (without graduation and without a trade certificate) +1–2 years after elementary school Practical school one-year/two-year.
E Lower secondary vocational 2–3 year fields for simple activities in blue-collar professions and services. Trade Certificate 2–3 years See: Category E fields – complete overview
J Secondary / secondary vocational without graduation or trade certificate (extension) Vocational extension for graduates of 3-year fields with a trade certificate, completed with a final certificate. Final certificate (without graduation) 2 years Note: In practice, extension studies in the Czech Republic usually end with a graduation exam.
H Secondary vocational with a trade certificate SOU – 3-year apprenticeship in the field. Trade Certificate 3 years “Trained/Trained” in a specific craft.
L Complete secondary vocational with apprenticeship and graduation Secondary school with graduation + professional focus (lyceum, “second” graduation, language school – postgraduate). Graduation certificate (+ apprenticeship) usually 4 years Graduation + expertise.
K Complete secondary general Gymnasium – general secondary education. Graduation certificate 4 years Preparation for university.
M Higher vocational in a conservatory Artistic conservatory completed with an absolutorium. DiS (certified specialist) individually Artistic fields; title DiS.
N Higher vocational Professional qualification above secondary school. DiS (certified specialist) 3–3.5 years “Certified specialist”.
R University bachelor’s First level of university. Bc., BcA. 3–4 years
T University master’s (including medical fields) Follows on from Bc.; MUDr./MDDr./MVDr. 5–6 years, or Mgr./MgA./Ing./Ing. arch. 2–3 years after Bc.; after rigorous examination, titles PharmDr., JUDr., PhDr., RNDr., ThLic., ThDr. Diploma (Mgr., Ing., Ing. arch., MgA., MUDr., MDDr., MVDr.); or rigorous title 2–3 years (following) / 5–6 years (medical fields) Rigorous titles are obtained after state exams with a special exam.

Category E Fields – Complete Overview (According to the Provided List)

New System of Fields of Education Providing Secondary Education with a Trade Certificate – Category E Fields:

– 21 Mining and Mining Geology, Metallurgy and Foundry
– 23 Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Production
Code E Field of education
23-51-E/01 Mechanical engineering work 23-51-H/510 Mechanical engineering production
23-56-E/004 Machining work 23-56-H/507 Metal machining
23-56-E/501 Metal machining
23-57-E/002 Blacksmith work
23-64-E/002 Mechanical assembly work – fitter work
23-64-E/003 Mechanical assembly work – auto assembly work
23-68-E/501 Technical services in car repair shop 23-68-H/506 Technical services in car repair shop
23-51-E/004 Locksmith work and maintenance
23-51-E/005 Locksmith work in construction
23-51-E/501 Mechanical engineering production
23-71-E/001 Cutler work
– 26 Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications and Computer Technology
– 28 Technical Chemistry and Chemistry of Silicates
Code E Field of education
28-52-E/01 Chemical work 28-52-E/501 Chemical production
28-55-E/501 Rubber and plastic production
28-57-E/01 Ceramic production 28-57-E/001 Ceramic work; 28-57-E/502 Ceramic production
28-58-E/01 Glass production 28-58-E/001 Pressed glass production; 28-58-E/002 Hollow glass production; 28-58-E/003 Glass refining
28-63-E/01 Costume jewelry production 23-54-E/001 Metal costume jewelry production; 28-63-E/501 Costume jewelry production; 28-64-E/001 Work in the production of costume jewelry and decorative items – costume jewelry production; 28-64-E/002 Work in the production of costume jewelry and decorative items – production of decorative items
– 29 Food Industry and Food Chemistry
– 31 Textile Production and Clothing Industry
Code E Field of education
31-57-E/01 Textile and clothing production 31-51-E/001 Spinning work; 31-53-E/003 Weaving work; 31-54-E/001 Knitting work; 31-57-E/501 Textile production
– 32 Leather and Footwear Production and Plastics Processing
Code E Field of education
32-41-E/01 Leather production 32-41-E/501 Leather production
32-52-E/001 Bag and saddler work
32-54-E/001 Shoemaking work
32-58-E/501 Footwear production
– 33 Wood Processing and Musical Instrument Production
– 34 Printing, Paper Processing, Film and Photography
Code E Field of education
34-57-E/01 Bookbinding work 34-57-E/001 Bookbinding work
– 36 Construction, Geodesy and Cartography
Code E Field of education
36-51-E/01 Paving work 36-51-E/002 Paving work; 36-51-H/002 Paver
36-55-E/01 Plumbing work in construction 36-55-E/001 Plumbing work in construction
36-57-E/01 Painting and coating work 36-57-E/005 Painting, varnishing and coating work – painting and coating work; 36-57-E/007 … – varnishing work; 36-57-E/508 Painting and coating work
36-59-E/01 Flooring work 36-59-E/001 Flooring work
36-62-E/01 Glazing work 36-62-E/002 Glazing work; 36-62-E/503 Glazing work
36-64-E/01 Carpentry work 36-64-E/002 Carpentry and joinery work – carpentry work
36-67-E/01 Bricklaying work 36-67-E/001 Bricklaying work; 36-67-E/002 Construction work; 36-67-H/502 Construction production; 36-68-E/001 Reinforced concrete work
36-69-E/01 Roofing work 36-69-E/001 Roofing work
– 37 Transport and Communications
– 41 Agriculture and Forestry
Code E Field of education
41-51-E/01 Agricultural work 41-51-E/006 Farming work; 41-51-E/501 Agricultural production
41-56-E/01 Forestry work 41-56-E/501 Forest production; 41-56-E/002 Cultivation and forestry work
– 65 Gastronomy, Hotel Industry and Tourism
Code E Field of education
65-51-E/01 Catering and accommodation services
– 66 Trade
– 69 Personal and Operational Services
– 75 Pedagogy, Teaching and Social Care
Code E Field of education
75-41-E/01 Care services 69-55-E/005 Work in healthcare and social facilities – care work
– 82 Art and Applied Arts

How to Correctly State your Highest Achieved Education

If you are not sure what level to enter in the form, we recommend following the highest obtained document (certificate, trade certificate, graduation certificate, diploma). Please enter the exact name of the degree and – if applicable – also the field (e.g. “H – Secondary vocational with a trade certificate, field Cook-waiter”).