Certification of post-secondary non-formal IVET and CVET teachers

Regarding post-secondary non-formal IVET and CVET teachers, a 2020 law (4722/2020/15.9.2020) re-affirmed the certification of teaching competences of VET teachers and adult trainers as a prerequisite.

In October 2020, a committee of experts on lifelong learning (LLL) was set up to develop recommendations concerning the update of certification procedures for adult trainers. The committee's recommendations focused on upgrading:

1. the skills of LLL trainers, after taking into account the specifications of adult trainers' occupational profiles and standards;
2. the profile of the body of experts responsible for evaluating LLL trainers to enter the relevant register (LLL evaluators), by reflecting issues related to the certification of LLL evaluators and the assessment of their work;
3. the skills of professionals who design and implement LLL programmes.

More than 14 760 adult educators were enrolled in the EOPPEP Adult educator registry. The adult educator certificate is a compulsory requirement for teaching in CPD programmes of LLL centres.

From October 2020 to May 2021, EOPPEP evaluated candidates' applications to take part in the certification exams for adult educators. More than 9 000 candidates were (through their portfolio assessment) selected to take part in the upcoming exams.

In September and October 2021, more than 6 000 adult educators took certification exams. After their assessment, they were enrolled in EOPPEP's National adult educator registry.

In 2022, 19 168 adult educators were enrolled in EOPPEP's National adult educators registry.

The Register of certified adult educators continued to operate under the responsibility of EOPPEP. During the year, more than 7 000 candidates submitted applications to participate in the certification examinations for adult educators.

According to Article 54 of Law 4763/2020 (Government Gazette A' 254), lifelong learning centres (KDVM) offering programmes funded by national or EU sources are required to employ only adult educators listed in the EOPPEP register and certified in educational competence relevant to their teaching subject. However, Article 158 of Law 5094/2024 introduces a temporary exemption to this rule.

To apply for the exemption, KDVM must:

1. submit a formal request to EOPPEP for the employment of a non-certified adult educator;
2. provide a declaration via the gov.gr platform confirming the unavailability of certified educators.

Following submission, EOPPEP assesses whether the non-certified educator meets the conditions set out in Article 158. The final decision is taken by EOPPEP's Board of Directors. This exemption process is intended as a transitional measure.