Abstract
In this text we attempt to track the main changes in the block of questions that pertains to education in the Pesquisas Nacionais por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD). We discuss the evolution of the questions and their flow, as well as point out small changes in the measured results in the 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1995 PNADs, due to these question and flow changes. These measurement changes are concentrated in the measurement of people with very little education (less than fourth grade). We also discuss the changes in educational levels of the population and show that they are not strong enough to justify major changes in the questionnaire.
Finally, we discuss some possible modifications and conclude that the only one that would significantly improve the PNAD is the inclusion of a three-year rotating panel in the survey.