Secondary education is divided in two cycles: Básicos or Middle School (8th to 10th grade) and Diversificado or High School (11th and 12th grades).

At the end of the third grade (10th), the students receive a diploma that confirms that they have completed the general culture cycle of Secondary Education, and at the end of Diversificado or High School the students receive a diploma as well.

In Guatemala, secondary education offers many study options grouped in 4 different areas.

• Bachillerato (High School): This progam has a general focus, prepairin the student for a higher education, so the student focuses on specific areas, depending on his/her interests that will be pursued in higher education.

• Magisterio (Teaching): This program prepares pre-school or primary level teachers, and is considered to be a pre-qualification for a career in teaching. 

• Secretariado (Secretary): This program prepares a student in secretarial skills to become a Commercial Secretary or a Bilingual Secretary (English/Spanish) 

• Perito Contador (Accountant): This program prepares a student at a vocational leven in accounting.