Which of the following is a requirement to be a candidate for a degree?

To be a candidate for a degree, one of the fundamental requirements is to enroll in an accredited educational institution. Accreditation ensures that the school meets specific standards of quality and rigor, which is crucial for the validity and recognition of the degree awarded. Attending a non-accredited institution may result in a degree that is not recognized by employers or other educational entities, rendering it less valuable.

While the other options present various criteria that might be relevant in specific contexts or alternate educational pathways, they do not serve as universal requirements for degree candidacy in mainstream accredited degree programs. For instance, age and community service might be relevant for certain programs or institutions but are not standard prerequisites across the board, and trade schools typically focus on vocational training rather than degree attainment. Therefore, enrolling in an accredited institution is the essential criterion that ensures the legitimacy and quality of the academic program leading to a degree.