 Among the oldest recognized and most extensively accredited courses in Portugal, are those university degrees awarded by the state-run universities.After the large 1998 - 2000s reforms and upgrades, many polytechnic "licenciatura" degrees started to be offered by the largest state-run polytechnic institutes, like those in the cities of Lisbon and Porto, have been awarded in the same way with wide official recognition by the concerned "Ordens Profissionais" and the State.Admission to higher education level studies requires either a secondary school credential, "Diploma de Ensino Secundário", given after twelve study years, allowing the student to be examined through the "Provas de ingresso" (admission exams), or an extraordinary exam process available to anyone aged 23 or older.