The Young Adult survey originally collected information about training received outside of regular schooling or the military, as well as about certificates, licenses and journeyman's cards. 

Prior to 2000, this section collected detailed questions on up to six training experiences. From 2000 through 2006 detailed questions were asked only about the current or most recent training program, if applicable. Respondents were asked to identify the type of training and the duration of the program, as well as the source of money used to pay for the training. Respondents were also asked for a total number of additional training programs they had attended either ever or since the date of last interview. Beginning in 2008, the only training questions retained were those pertaining to certificates, licenses and journeyman's cards for practicing professions and what professions these are for. Young Adults who are still in high school do not enter this section. 

Users should note that the questions pertaining to certificates, licenses and journeyman's cards have been asked every round since 1994, and Census occupation codes are available for each certificate, license or journeyman's card reported.

Comparison to Other NLS Cohorts. Information has been collected during all NLSY79 survey years on the type of organization providing the training in which respondents participated. In addition to regularly fielded general training questions, special data collections have focused on government training administered in the early years of the NLSY79, high school courses, degrees and certifications, and time use.

The NLSY97 asks all respondents who were at least 16 years old whether they had ever participated in any occupational training programs outside of their regular schooling. For each program, the survey then collects basic information, including the type of program, start and stop dates, time devoted to the training, periods of nonattendance lasting a week or longer during training sessions of at least two weeks, and whether the program was completed (and if not, the reason). In each round, respondents were asked about whether they participated in government training programs. Additional questions asked for specific programs and their duration.

Original Cohort respondents were asked questions about training both on and off the job and focused on government training programs. For the Young Men, details concerning training received in the military (other than basic training) were gathered in the 1966, 1969, 1971, 1976, and 1981 surveys. In 1975, among other additions, a new provider, "government program or agency", was added to the "Training" section of the Young Women survey. Beginning in 1984, a new category, "government agency", was added to the "Training" section of the Mature Women survey. For more precise details about the content of each survey, consult the appropriate cohort's User's Guide using the tabs above for more information.