The non-compulsory upper-secondary vocational education is offered by Vocational Upper Secondary Schools (Epaggelmatika Lykeia -EPA.L). Epaggelmatiko Lykeio offers two cycles of studies: a. the secondary cycle (Level 4) and b. the (optional) post-secondary cycle of studies, the so-called "apprenticeship class" (Level 5). Qualifications awarded on completion of EPA.L. programmes are: a) the Vocational Upper Secondary School Certificate which is equal to the General Upper Secondary School Certificate and b) the Vocational Upper Secondary School Degree of specialization. Graduates of EPA.L. achieving the Vocational Upper Secondary School Certificate are eligible to take the national examinations for access to Universities and T.E.I.