Results are presented from a national study of requirements for educational certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. The first sections of the study report present the objectives of the survey; look at the background and context of the study; review major findings; discuss recent studies and policy statements on the associate degree; and offer a summary and recommendations. Next, state-by-state summaries of requirements for certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees are presented. These include statements and definitions of the types of awards granted and the institutions that validate the degrees and certificates awarded. Study highlights, based on responses from 44 states and the District of Columbia, include: (1) 13 certificate titles, 10 diploma titles, and 19 associate degree titles were referenced by the state respondents; (2) 60 semester hours or the equivalent was generally accepted as the minimum total for the associate degree; (3) general education requirements for the associate degree approximated 45 hours (75%), 30 hours (50%), and 15 hours (25%) for the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science, and the Associate of Applied Science, respectively; and (4) the states used little common language to describe award titles and award requirements in the formal documentation. Extensive appendices cover state sources of award requirements and definitions; state agencies providing oversight of awards; policy statements on the associate degree; survey correspondence; and a list of survey respondents and other state contacts. (HB)