Italy: new decree for national competence certification and active labour policies

The decree identifies three main bodies under the labour ministry and their functions for identification, validation, and certification of competences. Specifically, these bodies and their responsibilities are:

• the Interprofessional Funds, responsible for continuous training, bilateral training and income integration funds for training interventions in favour of workers. It will be responsible for the services of identification, validation and certification of the skills acquired as a result of these interventions;
• the National Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Handicrafts and Agriculture, responsible for the services of identification, validation and certification for the interventions within the competence of the chamber system;
• Sviluppo Lavoro Italia S.p.A. will be responsible for identification, validation and certification for the interventions promoted by the labour ministry or its supervised or affiliated entities within the framework of programmes, investments, and functions of its own responsibility.

These bodies are delegated to adopt, by May 2025, a regulatory framework of the conditions of use and guarantee of the services of identification, validation and certification of skills.

The decree also regulates the procedures for transparency and certification of competences exercised in additional pathways other than formal learning, including pathways undertaken within apprenticeship contracts, internships promoted by the labour ministry, general civil service projects, volunteer activities or pathways, community service projects, as well as pathways for entrepreneurship and self-employment. To achieve this, certain minimum requirements must be met, such as signing a personalised project, having a tutor, and issuing a transparency document. The labour ministry monitors and evaluates the implementation of the decree to ensure compliance with minimum standards and essential service levels.

Framework

Drafting the decree was the result of extensive collaboration with regional authorities, the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, and the economic and social partners. 

The decree is pursuant to Legislative Decree No 13 of 16 January 2013 titled ‘Definition of general rules and essential levels of performance for the identification and validation of non-formal and informal learning and minimum service standards of the national system for the certification of competences’, and it is in accordance to the decree of 5 January 2021, titled ’Provisions for the adoption of guidelines for the interoperability of public entities responsible for the national system for the certification of competences’.

Future prospects

The decree of July 9, 2024, enhances cooperation between the vocational training system managed by the Regions and the economic and social partnership. It emphasises the role of Interprofessional Funds for continuous training and Bilateral Entities for training and income integration. This collaboration aligns training programmes with labour market needs, promotes tailored training pathways, and encourages innovative training models using advanced technologies.

The decree also integrates non-formal and informal learning experiences, such as apprenticeships, internships, and volunteering, into the formal certification system. This recognition improves employability and supports lifelong learning. By involving various stakeholders, the decree creates a more collaborative, flexible, and inclusive vocational training system that meets the needs of both the workforce and the economy.

Read more

• Legislative Decree No. 13 of 16 January 2013 - Definition of general rules and essential levels of performance for the identification and validation of non-formal and informal learning and minimum service standards of the national system for the certification of competences (in Italian)
• Decree of 5 January 2021 - Provisions for the adoption of guidelines for the interoperability of public entities responsible for the national system for the certification of competences (in Italian)
• Decree of the Minister of Labour and Social Policies dated 9 July 2024 - Regulation of Services for the Identification, Validation, and Certification of Competences Related to Qualifications under the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies (in Italian)