2016 National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES) Adult Training and Education Survey (ATES) Cognitive Interviews

Attachment 3 and Attachment 4
NHES 2016 ATES Cognitive Interview
Table of Contents
Attachment 3 NHES 2016 ATES Cognitive Interview Protocol __________________________________________ 2
Attachment 4 NHES 2016 ATES Cognitive Interview Questionnaire _____________________________________ 12

1

Attachment 3 NHES 2016 ATES Cognitive Interview Protocol
Interview ID:

Date of Interview:

First Name:

Interviewer

STEP 1: WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION SCRIPT
Interviewer Instructions: The following scripts should NOT be read verbatim. Text in italics is suggested
content with which the interviewer should be thoroughly familiar in advance. Text in brackets [ ] presents
instructions for the interviewer.
Hello, my name is and I work for American Institutes for Research. It’s nice to meet you,
thanks for coming to help us out today.
[Create small talk to build rapport with the respondent]
You are here today to help us out with a survey that we are working on for the U.S. Department of Education.
This survey asks about adults’ education and training experiences. I will ask you to complete the survey as if
you were taking a real survey. There are no right or wrong answers, and it’s ok if you do not know some of the
answers. As you are answering the questions I will ask you about your answers. This will help us make the
survey better and clearer for other adults like you.
To make sure we learn everything we can from this session, I am going to be taking notes while you are
answering the survey and while we are talking [INSERT IF THERE IS AN OBSERVER: and my colleague
will also be observing our session today behind the glass].
Also, this interview will be audio recorded so researchers can review the recording later. Any information that
refers to you personally, like your name or employer, will not be included in our report, and your responses
will be used for research purposes only.
Remember, you are not being tested; all we want is to learn how well the survey works.
If at any time you want to stop, just let me know.
[If, for any reason, the participant is no longer interested in participating, thank the participant for his/her time
and end the interview.]
Before we continue, do you have any questions? [Answer any questions they may ask.]

[Provide respondent with a copy of the informed consent form. Ask the respondent to read the form (or
read it to him/her, depending on respondent preference), answer any questions, and have the
respondent sign the form. Leave a separate copy of the form with the respondent.
If the respondent has consented to recording, start the recorder.]

2

STEP 2: THINK-ALOUD PRACTICE
While you fill out the survey I want you to talk about how you are answering the questions. Hearing you talk
about how you decide on your answers will help me understand how to make the questions better. I am more
interested in how you arrive at your answers than in the answers you give. To help you get started on thinking
aloud, we are going to do a practice activity.
I’m going to give you a piece of paper with a question in it. I’m going to ask you to read out loud the question
and think aloud as you decide on your answer.

[Give respondent handout with think aloud practice.]

How many windows are there in the house or apartment where you live?

Please tell me what you are thinking while you are figuring out your answer.

Probe as needed for detail: How did you arrive at that answer? What were you visualizing when you were
deciding on that answer? Can you tell me more about what you are including in your count?

When complete: Thank you; that’s the kind of detail I’m looking for when you talk to me about your
answers to the questions in the survey.

[Hand respondent a copy of the questionnaire and a pen or pencil.]

STEP 3: COMPLETION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Now I would like you to complete the questionnaire. I’d like you to think aloud while you decide on your
answer. Please read aloud anything you would read to yourself if I were not here.
Remember that I am interested in hearing you talk about what you are thinking as you figure out your answers
to the questions.
[REMEMBER TO TELL THEM THROUGHOUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE THAT THEY ARE
DOING A GREAT JOB THINKING ALOUD, AND THEIR ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ARE
REALLY HELPFUL.]

3

Useful Probes
Can you tell me in your own words what that question was asking?
What does the word [term] in this question mean to you?
How easy or difficult is it to remember [topic]?
How easy or hard was it to choose an answer?
Tell me what you are thinking.
How did you come up with that answer?
You said [answer]. Can you tell me more about that?
[In response to R actions or comments]: Tell me what happened? Tell me what you were doing?
[If you pick up on a visual cue like a furrowed brow or a puzzled look]: Tell me what you are thinking.
[If you pick up on a visual cue that indicates confusion like paper flipping or rereading an old question before
answering this question]: Tell me what just happened. Tell me about what you were just doing.

Education
ASK QUESTIONS AND USE PROBES ONLY AS NECESSARY
Instructions: It is not necessary to probe on the instructions. Note if the respondent has any
problems if they read them.
Q1-Q2: It is not necessary to probe on these questions. Let the respondent continue the think
aloud and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if
there is confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q3. Since leaving high school, have you earned a diploma or certificate from a vocational,
technical, trade, or school?
In your own words, tell me what this question is asking about.
(If responded “yes”) Can you tell me more about this diploma or certificate? What topic/field
was it in?
Where did you earn it?
What did you have to do to earn it?
Q4-Q5: It is not necessary to probe on these questions. Let the respondent continue the think
aloud and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if
there is confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q6. Are you currently taking one or more classes from a college, university, technical or
trade school, or other school after high school?
In your own words, tell me what this question is asking about.
(If responded “yes”) Can you tell me more about this class(es)? What topic/field was it in?
4

Where did you take it?
(If yes to Q6) Q7. If yes, are you currently a part-time or full-time student?

What do the terms “part-time” and “full-time” mean to you in this question?

Certifications and Licenses
STOP RESPONDENT AFTER Q16 – Probe on Q8-16
Q8: It is not necessary to probe on this question. Let the respondent continue the think aloud
and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if there is
confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.

Q9. (If applicable) If yes, how many currently active certifications and licenses do you have?
[If respond “yes,” to Q8]
How did you come up with that answer?

What does the term “currently active” mean to you in this question?
In your own words could you tell me what the instructions for this question mean?
Q10. The next few questions ask about the certification or license that you consider to be
your most important. What is the name of your most important certification or license?
What do the words “most important” mean to you in this question?
How did you decide which certification or license was your most important?
How easy or hard was it to choose your most important certification or license?

Q11. It is not necessary to probe on this question. Let the respondent continue the think aloud
and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if there is
confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q12. Was your most important certification or license issued by the federal, state, or local
government (for example, by a state board of education or other state board, OSHA, or
FAA)?
In your own words, tell me what this question is asking about.
How easy or hard was it to answer this question?
Q13. In what year did you first get your most important certification or license?
How did you come up with that answer?
How easy or difficult is it to remember the year you first received your most important
certification or license?

5

Q14a. Did you do any of the following to prepare for getting your most important
certification or license? Took classes from a college, technical school, or trade school?
How did you determine whether to answer yes or no in this question?
Q14. Did you do any of the following to prepare for getting your most important
certification or license?
Looking at question 14, was there anything else you did to get your most important
certification/license other than what is listed?
Q15: It is not necessary to probe on this question. Let the respondent continue the think aloud
and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if there is
confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q16. How useful has your most important certification or license been for each of the
following? (a-c)
How easy or hard was it to only answer about your most important certification or license for
each question?
Q10 through 16
(if responded in Q9 that they had more than 1 certification) Was it easy or hard to answer for
just your most important certification or license?
Did you think about other certifications or licenses when you answered these questions?
STOP RESPONDENT AFTER Q24 – Probe on Q17-24
Q17-21. Do you have another currently active certification or license? (if answer “Yes” to
Q17 – probe)
How did you decide which certification or license was your second most important?
How easy or hard was it to choose your second most important certification or license?
Q18 through 24
For questions 18 through 24, was it easy or hard to answer for just your second most important
certification or license?
Did you think about other certifications or licenses when you answered these questions?
Q20. Was your second most important certification or license issued by the federal, state, or
local government (for example, by a state board of education or other state board,
OSHA, or FAA)?
In your own words, tell me what this question is asking about.
How easy or hard was it to answer this question?
Q22a. (If applicable) Did you do any of the following to prepare for getting your most
important certification or license? Took classes from a college, technical school, or trade
school?

6

How did you determine whether to answer yes or no in this question?

Q22. (If applicable) Did you do any of the following to prepare for getting your most
important certification or license?
Looking at question 22, was there anything else you did to get your most important
certification/license other than what is listed?

Q23. It is not necessary to probe on this question. Let the respondent continue the think aloud
and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if there is
confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q24. How useful has your second-most important certification or license been for each of
the following?(a-c)
How easy or hard was it to only answer about your second most important certification or
license for each question?
STOP RESPONDENT AFTER Q28 – Probe on Q25-28
Q25-28. (If respond “Yes” to Q25): If yes, what is the name of your third-most- important
certification or license?
How did you decide which certification or license was your third most important?
How easy or hard was it to choose your third most important certification or license?

Q27: It is not necessary to probe on this question. Let the respondent continue the think aloud
and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if there is
confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q28. (If applicable) Was your third-most important certification or license issued by the
federal, state, or local government (for example, by a state board of education or other
state board, OSHA, or FAA)?
In your own words, tell me what this question is asking about.

How easy or hard was it to answer this question?
Q26 through 28 (If applicable)
For questions 26 through 28, how easy or hard was it to only answer about your third most
important certification or license?
Did you think about other certifications or licenses when you answered these questions?

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Certificates

Q29d. People sometimes earn certificates for completing an education or training program.
A certificate is different from a certification or license. Do not include certifications or
licenses here; include them in the previous section only. Have you ever earned any of the
following types of certificates? d. A certificate—not a degree—for completing a program
at a community or technical college, or other school after high school. Do not include
teaching certificates or college degrees.
In your own words, what do you think Q29d is asking about?
Q30. (If yes.) We will refer to the certificates in question 29d as “post-secondary
certificates.” Where did you get your last post-secondary certificate?
In your own words, what is this question asking about?
How easy or difficult was it to answer this question?
(If R chooses “another college or university” or “Someplace else”): Can you tell me more
about where you got your last post-secondary certificate?
Q31. What was the field of study for your last post-secondary certificate?

Were you able to find an option that fits your situation, or do you think there were any
options missing?
Can you tell me more about how you chose your answer?
If chose ‘other’: What was the field of study for your certificate?
Q32: It is not necessary to probe on this question. Let the respondent continue the think aloud
and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if there is
confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q33. Which one of the following was required for enrolling in your last post-secondary
certificate program?

Can you tell me in your own words what this question is asking?
How easy or difficult was it to answer this question?
Tell me more what you were thinking when answering this question.

Q34. Were any of the following required for completing your last post-secondary certificate
program?[a-d]
Were there any other requirements needed to complete this program other than what is listed?

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Q35. Is your current job related to your last post-secondary certificate?
How easy or difficult was it to answer this question?
Q36-37: It is not necessary to probe on these questions. Let the respondent continue the think
aloud and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if
there is confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.

Work Experiences Programs
[Lower priority – If time is short do not probe on Q38]
Q38: People sometimes prepare to enter a trade or profession through a program that
combines work experience with education or formal training. Have you ever COMPLETED
this type of work experience program—for example, an internship, student teaching, co-op,
practicum, clerkship, externship, residency, clinical experience, or apprenticeship?
(IF YES) Tell me about your program:
 What job was it for?


Could you describe a typical day in the program?



What type of organizations were involved in it and what were their roles?

Q39. (If applicable) If yes, how long did your last work experience program last?
How easy or difficult was it to answer this question? How did you come up with your answer?
Q40. (If applicable) What wage did you earn as part of your last work experience program?

[If they did not answer quickly/easily]: Were you able to find a response option that fits your
experience? (If not, what would be a better option for you?)

Q41 a-c. (If applicable) Did you do any of the following as part of your last work experience
program?

(If yes to any of a-c): Can you tell me a bit more about the connection between your
training program and the classes, training, or studying you did?
Q42 a-e. (If applicable) Do the following statements describe your last work experience
program?
Were any of these questions difficult to answer?

Q43. (If applicable) Did (or will) your last work experience program help you earn a
professional certification or license?

Can you tell me in your own words what that question is asking?

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Q44. (If applicable) Did you take your last work experience program as part of a school’s
education or training program?

Can you tell me in your own words what this question is asking?
Q45. (If applicable) What type of work was your last work experience program for? (Mark
ONE only.)

Can you tell me how you chose this category? How easy or hard was it to find your
answer on that list?
Were there any categories that are missing?
[Pay attention to R and if they want to select the category headers that don’t have check
boxes; probe if they are uncertain of where to mark their response]
Q46-Q47: It is not necessary to probe on these questions. Let the respondent continue the
think aloud and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or
if there is confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q48. (If applicable) Is your current job related to your last work experience program?

How easy or difficult was it to answer this question?
Q47 & Q48. [Note to interviewer – Probe if the R is confused because they are not
employed and uncertain how to answer these item]

Employment
Q49-Q66: It is not necessary to probe on these questions. Let the respondent continue the think
aloud and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if
there is confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.
Q67. (If applicable) Did you have a license that was required by a federal, state, or local
government agency to do this job?
In your own words, what is this question asking?
[Check for consistency, if they answered inconsistently between either Q12/20/28 and Q67
then probe] You reported in (Q12/Q20/Q28) “yes/no” but you reported “yes/no” in Q67. Could
you tell me the difference between these two questions?

Q68-Q69: It is not necessary to probe on these questions. Let the respondent continue the think
aloud and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if
there is confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.

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Your Household
Q70-80: It is not necessary to probe on these questions. Let the respondent continue the think
aloud and only probe if respondent says something that indicates a potential problem, or if
there is confusion or an inconsistent interpretation compared to other respondents.

FINAL QUESTION
Is there anything else you would like to tell me about this questionnaire that you haven’t had a chance to
mention?

(IF APPLICABLE) REMEMBER TO ASK OBSERVER FOR INPUT/ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

STEP 4. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING
We are finished. Thank you for helping us. The information you’ve provided will be very helpful for making
this survey better.

Interviewer Instructions: Collect materials and escort them out of the interviewing room and to the lobby.
Please give the respondent incentive envelope [$40], and thank them for their time and effort.

11

Attachment 4 NHES 2016 ATES Cognitive Interview Questionnaire

12

OMB No. xxxx-xxxx: Approval Expires xx/xx/xxxx

Adult
Adult Training
Training and
and Education
Education Survey
Survey
Part of the 2015 National Household Education Survey
Part of the 2016 National Household Education Survey

Thank you for helping us with this
survey. Based on the information
we received from your household
in your last survey, we’re asking
you to complete this final step.
Conducted by
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau

ATES 2/4/2015

This page left blank intentionally.

2

Instructions


In response to the survey you answered earlier, we recorded that the
person listed below is between the ages of 16 to 65, is not in high school,
and lives in this household. If this information is not correct, please call us
toll-free at 1-888-xxx-xxxx to let us know.



These questions should be filled out by:

No one else in the household should fill out the survey.



To answer a question, simply mark the box [X] that best represents your
answer.



Use a black or blue pen, if available, to complete this survey.



Please return the completed survey using the postage-paid envelope
provided.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct
this study by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002; 20 USC § 9543). The U.S. Census Bureau is
administering this survey on behalf of NCES. You do not have to provide the information requested. However, the
information you provide will help the Department of Education’s ongoing efforts to learn more about the educational
experiences of children and families. There are no penalties should you choose not to participate in this study. Your
answers may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other
purpose except as required by law (20 USC § 9573). Your responses will be combined with those from other participants
to produce summary statistics and reports.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary survey is xxxx-xxxx. The
time required to complete this survey is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review
instructions, gather the data needed, and complete and review the survey. If you have any comments concerning the
accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or any comments or concerns regarding the status
of your individual submission of this survey, please write to: National Household Education Survey, National Center for
Education Statistics, 1990 K Street, NW, Room 9016, Washington, DC 20006. Do not return the completed form to this
address.
3

2. Which one of the following best describes the field
of study for the highest level of school you have
completed? (Mark ONE only.)

Education
1. What is the highest degree or level of school you
have completed? (Mark ONE only.)


If there was more than one, please choose the one
you consider most important.

Elementary or high school, but no high school
diploma or GED®



General studies, no major, undeclared major



High school diploma



Accounting, finance, insurance, real estate





Administrative support



GED® or alternative high school credential
Some college credit but less than one year of
college credit



Agriculture



1 or more years of college credit, no degree



Audio, broadcasting, multimedia, graphic
technologies



Associate’s degree (for example, AA, AS)



Business, management, marketing



Bachelor’s degree (for example, BA, BS)



Communications, journalism



Master’s degree (for example, MA, MS, MEng,
MEd, MSW, MBA)



Computer science, information technology



Professional degree beyond a bachelor’s degree
(for example, MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)



Construction, repair, manufacturing,
transportation



Doctorate degree (for example, PhD, EdD)



Cosmetology



Education



Engineering, architecture



English language, literature



Fine arts, music



Law, legal studies



Law enforcement, security, firefighting



Liberal arts



Nursing, medicine, healthcare technologies



Political science, economics, history, other social
sciences



Psychology



Religious vocations, theology



Sciences (biological or physical), mathematics



Social or human services, public administration



Other — Specify:

4

3. Since leaving high school, have you earned a
diploma or certificate from a vocational, technical,
or trade school?



No
Yes

4. Since leaving high school, have you taken any classes
to learn English as a second language, sometimes
called ESL or ESOL classes?



No
Yes

5. Since leaving high school, have you taken any
literacy classes to help improve your reading?



No
Yes

6. Are you currently taking one or more classes from a
college, university, technical or trade school, or
other school after high school?



No
Yes

GO TO question 8

7. If yes, are you currently a part-time or full-time
student?



Part-time student
Full-time student

CONTINUE on the next page.

5

12. Was your most important certification or license
issued by the federal, state, or local government
(for example, by a state board of education or
other state board, OSHA, or FAA)?

Certifications and Licenses
8. Do you have a currently active professional
certification or a state or industry license? Do not
include business licenses, such as a liquor license or
vending license.
A professional certification or license shows you are
qualified to perform a specific job and includes things
like Licensed Realtor, Certified Medical Assistant,
Certified Teacher, or an IT certification.



No
Yes





No
Yes
Don’t know

13. In what year did you first get your most important
certification or license?

GO TO question 29

14. Did you do any of the following to prepare for
getting your most important certification or
license? (Mark ONE box for each item below.)

9. If yes, how many currently active certifications and
licenses do you have?
If you had to get a certification in order to get a
license, count each certification and license
separately.
Number of certifications and licenses

a. Took classes from a
college, technical school,
or trade school ..............

The next few questions ask about the certification
or license that you consider to be your most
important.

b. Took classes or training
from a company,
association, union, or
private instructor ...........

No

Yes

▼

▼

c. Studied on my own using
textbooks or on-line
resources .......................

10. What is the name of your most important
certification or license?

d. Got a college degree ......
e. Participated in on-the-job
training, an internship, or
apprenticeship ..............

11. What kind of work is your most important
certification or license for?

15. Is your most important certification or license for
your current job?
If you are not employed, please answer “Not
applicable, not currently working.”
 No
 Yes, and it is required
 Yes, but it is not required
 Not applicable, not currently working
6

19. What kind of work is your second-most important
certification or license for?

16. How useful has your most important certification or
license been for each of the following?
(Mark ONE box for each item below.)
a. Getting a job





Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

20. Was your second-most important certification or
license issued by the federal, state, or local
government (for example, by a state board of
education or other state board, OSHA, or FAA)?

b. Keeping a job







Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell




21. In what year did you first get your second-most
important certification or license?

c. Keeping you marketable to employers or clients





No
Yes
Don’t know

Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

22. Did you do any of the following to prepare for
getting your second-most important certification
or license? (Mark ONE box for each item below.)

d. Improving your work skills





No

Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

▼▼

a. Took classes from a
college, technical school,
or trade school ..............
b. Took classes or training
from a company,
association, union, or
private instructor ...........

17. Do you have another currently active certification or
license?



No
Yes

GO TO question 29

c. Studied on my own using
textbooks or on-line
resources .......................

18. If yes, what is the name of your second-most
important certification or license?

d. Got a college degree ......
e. Participated in on-the-job
training, an internship, or
apprenticeship ..............

.

7

Yes
▼▼

25. Do you have another currently active certification
or license?

23. Is your second-most important certification or
license for your current job?
If you are not employed, please answer “Not
applicable, not currently working.”








No
Yes, and it is required
Yes, but it is not required
Not applicable, not currently working

No
Yes

GO TO question 29

26. If yes, what is the name of your third-most
important certification or license?

24. How useful has your second-most important
certification or license been for each of the
following? (Mark ONE box for each item below.)

27. What kind of work is your third-most important
certification or license for?

a. Getting a job





Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

28. Was your third-most important certification or
license issued by the federal, state, or local government (for example, by a state board of education or
other state board, OSHA, or FAA)?

b. Keeping a job





Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell





No
Yes
Don’t know

c. Keeping you marketable to employers or clients





Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

CONTINUE on the next page.

d. Improving your work skills





Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

8

31. What was the field of study for your last
post-secondary certificate? (Mark ONE only.)

Certificates
29. People sometimes earn certificates for completing
an education or training program. A certificate is
different from a certification or license. Do not
include certifications or licenses here; include
them in the previous section only. Have you ever
earned any of the following types of certificates?
a. A certificate for completing a training program
from an employer, employment agency, union,
software or equipment manufacturer, or other
training provider, but not from a school.



No
Yes

b. A certificate for completing a vocational
program at a high school.



No
Yes

c. A high school equivalency certificate, such as a
GED®.



No
Yes

d. A certificate—not a degree—for completing a
program at a community or technical college,
or other school after high school. Do not
include teaching certificates or college
degrees.



No
Yes

GO TO question 38

30. (If yes.) We will refer to the certificates in question
29d as “post-secondary certificates.” Where did
you get your last post-secondary certificate?
(Mark ONE only.)





A community college
A vocational, technical, trade, or business
school
Another college or university
Someplace else — Specify:

9



Accounting, finance, insurance, real estate



Administrative support



Agriculture



Audio, broadcasting, multimedia, or graphic
technologies



Business, management, marketing



Computer science, information technology



Construction trades



Cosmetology



Culinary arts



Education



Engineering technologies, drafting



Fine arts, music



Funeral service, mortuary science



Law enforcement, security, firefighting



Law, legal studies



Liberal arts



Manufacturing, production (for example
machinist, welder, boilermaker)



Mechanic, repair technologies



Nursing, healthcare technologies



Transportation



Other — Specify:

32. About how many hours of instruction did you
complete in order to earn your last post-secondary
certificate?





35. Is your current job related to your last
post-secondary certificate?
If you are not employed, please answer “Not
applicable, not currently working.”

480 or more hours (12 or more full-time
weeks)
160 to 479 hours (4 full-time weeks to
less than 12 full-time weeks)
40-159 hours (1 full-time week to less
than 4 full-time weeks)
Less than 40 hours (less than 1 full-time
week)






36. Was your last post-secondary certificate part of
the training you took for a professional
certification or license?

33. Which one of the following was required for
enrolling in your last post-secondary certificate
program? (Mark ONE only.)


Being enrolled in or having completed an
advanced degree program (Master’s or
higher)



Being enrolled in or having completed a
Bachelor’s degree program




No
Yes, somewhat related
Yes, very related
Not applicable, not currently working




No
Yes

37. How useful has your last post-secondary certificate
been for each of the following? (Mark ONE box for
each item below.)
a. Getting a job

Having completed high school or a high
school equivalency (such as a GED®)



None of the above






34. Were any of the following required for completing
your last post-secondary certificate program?
(Mark ONE box for each item below.)

Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

b. Increasing your pay



No

Yes



▼

▼



a. Passing a written test or
exam.................................
b. Some other evaluation of
my knowledge or
performance .....................

Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

c. Improving your work skills




c. Completing a minimum
number of credits..............



d. Completing a minimum
number of instructional
hours ................................

10

Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

41. Did you do any of the following as part of your last
work experience program? (Mark ONE box for
each item below.)

Work Experience Programs
38. People sometimes prepare to enter a trade or
profession through a program that combines work
experience with education or formal training. Have
you ever completed this type of work experience
program—for example, an internship, student
teaching, co-op, practicum, clerkship, externship,
residency, clinical experience, or apprenticeship?









c. I studied on my own using
textbooks or online
resources ............................
42. Do the following statements describe your last
work experience program? (Mark ONE box for
each item below.)



A training wage that was lower than the
wage of a fully qualified worker



Yes

▼

▼

b. I was evaluated by a
co-worker or supervisor ......
c. I got college credit ..............
d. I received journeyman status
at the end of an
apprenticeship ....................

40. What wage did you earn as part of your last work
experience program?
No wage

No
a. I got instruction or training
from another employee ......

Less than 3 months
3 months to less than 6 months
6 months to less than 1 year
1 year to less than 2 years
2 years to less than 3 years
3 years or more



▼

b. I took classes or training
from a company,
association, union, or private
instructor ...........................

No, and I am not in
one now
GO TO question 49
No, but I am in one
now
Yes, I have completed this type of program

39. If yes, how long did your last work experience
program last?


Yes

▼

a. I took college, technical
school, or trade school
classes ..............................

If you have NOT completed a work experience
program, go to question 49. If you HAVE
completed a program, answer the following
questions about the last work experience
program you completed.



No

e. I got a state or federal
apprenticeship registration
number ..............................

43. Did (or will) your last work experience program
help you earn a professional certification or
license?

The same wage as a fully qualified worker




11

No
Yes

44. Did you take your last work experience program as
part of a school’s education or training program?
(Mark ONE only.)

45. What type of work was your last work experience
program for? (Mark ONE only.)
Building or construction trades:



No



Carpenter



Yes, as part of a high school program



Electrician



Yes, as part of a post-secondary certificate
program from a community college, technical
college, or other school after high school



Plumber, pipefitter



Sheet metal worker, structural steel worker



Yes, as part of an Associate’s degree program



Other building and construction trades



Yes, as part of a Bachelor’s degree program



Yes, as part of an advanced degree program
(Master’s degree or higher program)

Nursing, medicine, healthcare technologies:

12



Medical doctor



Nursing



Healthcare technologies



Accounting, finance, insurance, real estate



Chef, cook, food preparation



Computer networking, information technology



Cosmetology



Driving, piloting, other transportation



Engineering, architecture



Funeral service, mortuary service



Law enforcement, security, firefighting



Legal practice



Machinist, tool and die maker



Management, administration



Mechanic or repair work



Printing



Social work, counseling, religious vocations



Teaching



Utility or telecommunications technician



Other — Specify:

46. How useful was your last work experience program
for each of the following? (Mark ONE box for each
item below.)

Employment
49. Last week, were you employed for pay at a job or
business?

a. Getting a job





Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell

If you were temporarily absent from a job or
business (on vacation, temporarily ill, on
maternity leave, etc.), answer “Yes.”



b. Increasing your pay





Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell







Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very useful
Too soon to tell



Number of jobs

52. Last week, did you work at a full-time job (a job
where you work 35 hours or more per week)?

If you are not employed, please answer “Not
applicable, not currently working.”








Never or almost never
Sometimes
All or most of the time
Not applicable, not currently working




If you are not employed, please answer “Not
applicable, not currently working.”





No
Yes

53. Last week, did you work at a part-time job (a job
where you work fewer than 35 hours per week)?

48. Is your current job related to your last work
experience program?



No
Yes

51. Last week, how many jobs did you have?

47. In your current job, how often do you use the skills
or knowledge that you learned during your last
work experience program?



GO TO question 55

50. If yes, for the job or business you were in last
week, were you a member of a labor union or an
employee association similar to a union (for
example, AFL-CIO, Change to Win Federation,
NEA)?

c. Improving your work skills


No
Yes

No
Yes

GO TO question 59

54. If yes, would you have preferred to work at a
full-time job?

No
Yes, somewhat related
Yes, very related
Not applicable, not currently working

13



No



Yes

GO TO question 59

61. Which category best fits your earnings from
wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips, from
all jobs over the past 12 months?

55. Last week, were you on layoff from a job?



No
Yes

Report amount before deductions for taxes,
bonds, dues, or other items.

56. During the last 4 weeks, have you been actively
looking for work?



No
Yes




GO TO question 58




57. If no, do you intend to look for work within the
next 5 years?







No
Yes
Don’t know





58. When did you last work, even for a few days?




Never worked
for pay
Over 12 months
ago
Within the past
12 months

GO TO question 70

62. The next few questions ask about your current or
last job. If you had more than one job, describe
the one at which you worked the most hours. If
you had no job or business last week, give
information for your last job or business. In your
current or last job, for whom did you work?

GO TO question 62



59. During the past 12 months (52 weeks), how many
weeks did you work, including paid vacation, paid
sick leave, and military service?







$0 to $10,000
$10,001 to $20,000
$20,001 to $30,000
$30,001 to $40,000
$40,001 to $50,000
$50,001 to $60,000
$60,001 to $75,000
$75,001 to $150,000
$150,001 or more

If now on active duty in the Armed Forces,
mark (X) this box and print the branch of
the Armed Forces below.

Name of company, business, or other employer:

50 to 52 weeks
48 to 49 weeks
40 to 47 weeks
27 to 39 weeks
14 to 26 weeks
13 weeks or less

60. During the past 12 months, in the weeks you
worked, how many hours did you usually work
each WEEK?

63. What kind of business or industry was this?
(For example: hospital, newspaper publishing,
mail order house, auto engine manufacturing,
bank)

Usual hours worked each WEEK

14

68. What kind of position did you hold?

64. Which one of the following were you?







An employee of a private company, business, or
individual, for wages, salary, or commission
A local (city, county, etc.), state, or federal
government employee
Self-employed in own business, professional
practice, or farm
Working without pay for family business or
farm



GO TO question 70

69. Would you have preferred to work at a
permanent job?



65. What kind of work were you doing?

No
Yes

CONTINUE on the next page.

(For example: registered nurse, personnel manager,
supervisor of order department, secretary,
accountant)

66. What were your most important activities or
duties?
(For example: patient care, directing hiring policies,
supervising order clerks, typing and filing,
reconciling financial records)

67. Did you have a license that was required by a
federal, state, or local government agency to do
this job?



Permanent
Temporary

No
Yes

15

Background

76. Do you speak a language other than English at
home?

70. Have you ever served on active duty in the U.S.
Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard?


No, never served
in the military



Yes, but only on active duty
for training in the Reserve or
National Guard



GO TO question 72







Yes






Yes, on active duty now or in past

GO TO question 78

Very well
Well
Not well
Not at all

78. How old are you?
years old

No
Yes

79. Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

72. Are you male or female?


No

77. How well do you speak English?

71. Have you served on active duty since September
2001?







Male
Female

No
Yes

80. What is your race? You may mark one or more
races.
73. What is your current marital status? (Mark ONE
only.)






Now married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never married




GO TO question 76





74. Are you currently living with a boyfriend/girlfriend
or partner?



Thank You.

No
Yes

Please return this questionnaire in the
postage-paid envelope provided. If you have
lost the envelope, mail the completed
questionnaire to:

75. Are you currently in a registered domestic
partnership or civil union?



White
Black or African American
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

National Household Education Survey
[RETURN ADDRESS HERE]

No
Yes

16

Commonly Asked Questions
Q: How was my household chosen?
A: Your address was randomly selected from among all of the home addresses in the nation. It was selected
using scientific sampling methods to represent other U.S. households. The sample was designed so that
surveys of only a few thousand people will accurately describe the educational experiences of almost all
Americans.

Q: Why should I participate? Do I have to do this?
A: Your answers are very important to the success of this study. You represent thousands of other adults like
yourself, and you cannot be replaced. This survey is voluntary. You may choose not to answer any or all
questions in this survey, but in order for the survey to be representative, it is important that you complete and
return it. Those who do not return the survey will not be represented in statistics used by policymakers and
researchers. There are no penalties should you choose not to participate in the study.

Q: Will the information I provide be kept confidential? Will my privacy be protected?
A: Yes. Your responses will be combined with those from other adults to produce statistical summaries about
education and training in the United States. Your individual data will not be reported. Your answers may be
used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 USC § 9573).

Q: How will my response help the Federal Government?
A: The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor want to understand how adults acquire and maintain the skills
they need for work. This survey is the only way these Departments can learn about the education and
training that adults receive from schools, employers, and other training sponsors. The survey will allow
policymakers and researchers to better understand the demand for education and training programs, and
can help direct national policy in these areas. Your responses will be combined with those from other
households to inform educators, policymakers, and schools about how adults in the U.S. learn the skills
needed for work.

Q: Who is sponsoring this study?
A: The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized
to conduct this study by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002; 20 USC § 9543). The U.S.
Census Bureau is administering this survey on behalf of NCES. This study has been approved by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB), the office that reviews all federally sponsored surveys.

Q: What if I have other questions?
A: If you have any questions about the study, you may send e-mail to [email protected] or you may call the
Census Bureau toll-free at 1-800-xxx-xxxx

17