Many studies have verified that education beyond high school results in higher earnings. The highest earnings benefits depend upon certification or degree achievement. Not obtaining a degree results in some penalty: individuals who have some college credit but no degree earn less than associate degree holders. Professional and vocational certificate holders exhibit a wide range of salary differences. Furthermore, certain professions such as accounting afford higher earnings to those who have met state licensing requirements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the slowing growth rate of college-level jobs will likely result in 65,000 fewer college-level jobs, resulting in 18 percent more new college graduate job seekers than openings for college-level jobs. Professional specialty occupations and service occupations requiring an associate's degree rather than a bachelor's degree are targeted as the fastest-growing occupations. Technical certification of skills is of increasing importance to employers, especially when they have been involved in setting the certification standards. To function in a continually changing and global marketplace, everyone must engage in lifelong learning and skill development. One increasing trend evident in community colleges is "reverse transfer," where graduates of four-year colleges return to postsecondary education to obtain more marketable skills. (Contains 19 references.) (MN)