Adult vocational (certificate career education) programs prepare individuals for employment. Preparatory programs train individuals for initial entry into an occupation. Other courses may be designed as prevocational courses that teach the practical generic skills, but do not prepare students for entry into specific occupations.

An applied-technology program offers a sequence of courses, services, and activities designed to both meet an occupational objective and develop the general work ethic that contributes to a satisfying and productive life. Applied-technology programs are offered in business technology, and family and consumer sciences.