I. Origins of Degree Certificates (Global + China)

1. Western Origins: Certification by "Teachers' Guilds" in Medieval Universities (From the 12th Century onwards)
Source: Medieval European universities (such as the University of Paris and the University of Bologna) imitated craft guilds, establishing scholars' guilds (Universitas, meaning "university"). The degree was essentially a teaching license (Licentia Docendi).

Three-Tier Prototype:

Bachelor: Completion of basic courses and qualification to attend lectures, similar to an "apprenticeship."

Master: Passing examinations and obtaining the right to teach; the highest level in the humanities, meaning "master." www.fakesdegreeonline.com

Doctor: The highest certification in advanced disciplines such as theology, law, and medicine, meaning "teacher-qualified."

Formed: The Humboldt model in 19th-century Germany established an academic research orientation, and the graduate school system in the United States became widespread, forming the globally recognized three-tiered degree system of Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees.

2. China's Development: Imperial Examination Tradition + Modern System (Late Qing Dynasty to Present)

Ancient Correspondence: The imperial examination system, from Xiucai (秀才) to Juren (举人) to Jinshi (进士), is considered by the West as an early prototype of academic degrees, but without modern degree certificates.

Modern Beginning: The 1902 "Imperial Regulations for Schools" established the "Jinshi" degree upon university graduation, marking China's earliest attempt at a degree system.

Modern Establishment: The 1980 "Regulations on Academic Degrees of the People's Republic of China" formally established a three-tiered degree system of Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees.

Degree certificates are issued by universities/research institutions authorized by the Ministry of Education, verifiable on the China Higher Education Student Information System (CHESICC), and recognized by the Chinese government website.

II. Core Uses of Degree Certificates (More Crucial than Graduation Certificates)

Degree Certificate ≠ Graduation Certificate: A graduation certificate proves "completion of studies," while a degree certificate proves academic achievement (passing thesis, GPA, and defense). www.fakesdegreeonline.com

1. Job Seeking and Employment: A Hard Threshold and Competitive Advantage

Essential for Government Positions: Civil servants, public institutions, and state-owned enterprises generally require both graduation certificates and degree certificates; without a degree certificate, eligibility is directly lost.

1. **Company Selection:** Internet companies, finance firms, and foreign companies prioritize hiring those with a bachelor's degree, considering it proof of learning ability and professional competence.

**Salary Determination:** Government agencies and public institutions often base salaries on degree; those with a bachelor's degree earn more than those without.

2. **Further Education:** Essential Requirements
**Postgraduate Entrance Exams:** Most universities (especially 985/211 institutions) require a bachelor's degree and a bachelor's degree certificate. Those without a degree can only apply as equivalent candidates, requiring additional exams, restrictions on major, and work experience.

**PhD Studies:** A master's degree is mandatory.

**Studying Abroad:** For master's/doctoral applications to foreign universities, a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite; those without a degree usually have to complete preparatory courses, increasing time and financial costs.

3. **Career Development:** Professional Titles and Qualifications
**Professional Title Evaluation:** For engineers, teachers, doctors, etc., a degree is a core factor in professional title evaluation, directly impacting promotion speed and level.

**Professional Qualifications:** Some exams, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), legal professional qualification, and construction engineer exams, require a bachelor's degree for application.

4. Urban Settlement and Talent Policies: In first-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen) and new first-tier cities, points-based settlement and talent introduction policies generally require a full-time undergraduate degree plus a diploma, which is a significant advantage.

5. Other Key Scenarios: Civil Service Examinations/Selection: Central/provincial-level positions often require a degree certificate, which is one of the selection criteria.

Academic and Research: Publishing papers, applying for research projects, and being evaluated for research fellowships all require a degree as a basic qualification.