Assessment and recognition of competences acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning is a significant factor helping people enter the labour market. In Lithuania, competence assessment is a distinct process separated from vocational education and training (VET) provision and performed by accredited competence assessment institutions. Currently 31 assessment centres are in place.

In the framework of employment policies for the unemployed and, most recently, to support newly arrived migrants and refugees by recognising academic and VET qualifications acquired abroad, efforts are being made to establish a system for recognition and validation of competences that is transparent, flexible and accessible to all.

A four-year project, launched in 2018, aims to improve the quality of the national system for assessing and recognising competences and professional qualifications. The project is financed by European Union structural funds and coordinated by the Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre (KPMPC). Project partners include national expert bodies such as the National Examination Centre, the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education and the 17 most advanced VET institutions.

The following activities are foreseen in the project:

  • creation of a methodological base for the assessment of personal competences;
  • renewal of the bank of competence assessment tasks;
  • capacity building for experts assessing personal competences;
  • creation of the system for testing key competences (communication in Lithuanian);
  • creation of the system for recognition of qualifications acquired abroad;
  • awareness raising about the assessment and recognition of competences;
  • monitoring assessment of personal competences.

The expected outcomes of the project include:

  • easing the process for assessing and recognising skills and professional qualifications, supporting worker employability;
  • strengthening motivation to learn and engage in continuing professional development;
  • encouraging migrants, the unemployed, elderly or low-skilled to upskill for work;
  • establishing an independent, high-quality service-oriented system for validation, in line with national policies and EU strategic guidelines.

Read more:

Project page (in Lithuanian)
National Examination Centre (in Lithuanian)
Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (in Lithuanian)
Resolution No. 132 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 2 February 2012 “on the approval of the description of the requirements for competences’ assessment institutions and procedure for accreditation thereof” (in Lithuanian)
Order No. V-15 of the Minister of education and science of the republic of Lithuania of 14 January 2015 “on the approval of the description of the procedure for assessment of personal competences” (in Lithuanian)