Educational handbooks can refer to a number of different document types related to various facets of education at the primary, secondary, or university level. The first type of educational handbook is a handbook for teacher certification and licensure. This type of handbook provides information for teachers on how to apply for and obtain certification and licensure in a particular jurisdiction. Another type of educational handbook is a guide designed to inform students about their rights and responsibilities, as well as a school's policies and procedures. Such handbooks are typically distributed at the beginning of a school year or as part of an orientation program. They are intended as reference works that students can refer to in order to answer questions about policies and procedures or to find information about the school and its operations.

Another type of educational handbook is a guidebook intended to educate or inform individuals about an event, place, or occurrence. Typically such guidebooks are used in places like museums, parks, monuments, and other tourist destinations where visitors would like to know more about a subject. These handbooks provide background information, historical information, and resources for further research to help educate and inform readers. Finally, educational handbooks can be provided to staff at sites such as parks, museums, and monuments to inform and train them to better inform visitors about the sites.