Objective:

The study aims at classifying and characterizing degree completion exercises currently used in Latin American and Iberian universities to certify bachelors’ degrees.

Methods:

The study was based on a theoretical systematization based on documentary review and qualitative content analysis, which enabled analysis-synthesis and induction-deduction, which, as theoretical methods of educational research, led to the achievement of the inferences and findings herein presented.

Result:

A typology of completion exercises variants used in Latin American and Iberian universities to certify bachelors’ degrees is described, within the framework of its diversification, which includes six types: focused on solving problems through research and innovation; focused on verifying the mastery of essential content of the university major; focused on professional practice; supporting the degree through participation in graduate programs; supporting the degree by deepening essential content of the major; and based on the recognition of academic performance during the university training period.

Conclusion:

The diversification of completion exercises used for degree certification is a nowadays a process in development that stems from the expansion of higher education and the assumption of this type of evaluation as an indicator of performance and quality assessment at this educational level.

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