A synthesis report, which has just been published, completes the 2016 update of the European inventory on validation of non-formal and informal learning. The synthesis is accompanied by 36 country and four thematic reports.

The inventory provides a regularly updated overview of validation practices and arrangements in all EU Member States, European Free Trade Association countries and Turkey. The 2016 update is the sixth in line, following those in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2014.

The 2012 Council recommendation on validation of non-formal and informal learning encourages Member States to put in place national arrangements for such validation by 2018.

These will enable individuals to increase the visibility and value of their knowledge, skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training: at work, at home or in voluntary activities.

Alongside the revised European guidelines on validation, the 2016 inventory serves as a tool to assist Member States in developing and implementing validation arrangements as well as identifying areas which need further attention in the coming years.

The synthesis report summarises the current situation in all countries under study, and describes the progress towards the aims set out in the 2012 Council recommendation.