Clarification on meaning of 'One Year Study/Experience'

My brother is hoping to study in Canada for a Postgraduate diploma.

My questions are:
1) Is a diploma or certificate from a College/CEGEP valid for him to apply for a post graduation work permit? Or does it have to be a major university only?

2) The post graduate work permit is meant to be for the length of the course.

3) As a skilled worker applicant in future he would need to show for Adaptability 1 yr living in CA + Work experience of 1 yr.

So relating to 2 and 3, is the year defined as 12 months by CIC, or as an academic year? I ask because the educational institutions always refer to a one year course, but it actually takes 8 months, with a summer in between. So which definition is used to determine the length of the post grad permit and the adaptability points?

Thanks very much if anyone can answer this!