Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss sheepskin effects in Colombia based on repeated cross‐section or pseudo panel data using cohorts in seven largest cities in Colombia. Design/methodology/approach - A Pseudo Panel Data methodology is used as the basis for determining and testing sheepskin effects using labor market microdata in Colombia in the time period from 1996 to 2000. Findings - Empirical evidence suggests that there are additional salary increases of 14 percent for individuals who hold a secondary degree and approximately 26 percent for holders of university degrees in Colombia. Originality/value - Testing sheepskin effects based on pseudo panel data using cohorts.