Competence assessment and validation arrangements

The Description of the procedure for crediting previous learning achievements stipulates that a person who has not been admitted to a formal VET programme but wishes to improve their existing qualifications or have their non-formal or informal learning competences included as part of a qualification should apply to the VET provider of their choice. The latter option became a significant basis in 2019 for the consideration and approval of a new Methodology for financing vocational education and training. This created preconditions for a person entering a formal CVET programme to seek assessment and credit for existing competences. In this way, the learning time could be shortened and the cost reduced. This was a particularly important measure for individuals and employers who needed to pay for training themselves in cases where they were not eligible for public funding.

This topic is being further developed by the KPMPC in the implementation of the national project Improvement of the system of assessment and recognition of competences and qualifications acquired in various ways (No 09.4.1-ESFA-V-734-02-0001). The following goals have been set for the project by 2022: the development of tools for the assessment of competences with regard to people seeking to acquire a chosen qualification or self-assess with respect to available competences; the creation of sets of measures for use in competence assessment and related methodologies, plus tools for sample assessment tasks; strengthened institutional capacity for assessing people's competences and / or qualifications acquired in various ways; and the development of tools for monitoring and evaluating the assessment and recognition of acquired competences.

In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports approved a new procedure for the assessment of acquired competences, according to which a VET diploma is issued. This procedure will come into force from 1 September 2021. Possibilities to participate in the assessment of competences will extend to self-trained candidates who have acquired professional competences through apprenticeships, work experience, self-education, and non-formal learning. Competence assessment will be organised by the KPMPC. Accredited institutions uniting and representing employer associations will delegate experts to the competence assessment commissions - practitioners and professionals of the sector from companies - to assist in the preparation of tasks. Candidates will be required not only to complete practical skills related tasks but also to take a standardised test of the theoretical part of vocational competences to assess basic knowledge. The test of the theoretical part will be performed centrally through an electronic testing system administered by the National Education Agency. The practical part of the assessment will take place in the sectoral practical training centres (SPTCs).

During the implementation of the national project Improvement of the system of assessment and recognition of competences and qualifications acquired in various ways (No 09.4.1-ESFA-V-734-02-0001), a draft methodology on how to prepare tests for the assessment of practical vocational competences (tasks) was prepared.

Three pilots were prepared for the assessment of theoretical vocational competences and will be carried out in the second quarter of 2021. The KPMPC implemented training sessions for strengthening the skills of experts in assessing self-acquired competences. A draft regulation setting out the assessment process was prepared, assessments are expected to be carried out from the first quarter of 2021. An electronic tool has been developed for the development, accumulation and storage of assessment tests, and the evaluation of the assessment method.

In September 2021, the new procedure for the assessment of acquired competences, setting out the assessment process, came into force. Competence assessment is organised by the KPMPC.

The new online electronic tool hosted within the KPMPC website brings in one place up-to-date information on pilot assessments being carried out, the list of VET qualifications offered, corresponding programmes and training institutions; it also offers schedules for the examination of theoretical part of competence assessment of a given qualification and sample tests for applicants to determine their competence level.

In 2022 the procedure of assessment of acquired competences has been carried out in accordance with the new procedure in force since 2021. All tests for the final exams have a unified structure and procedure. Candidates first take part in the theoretical part of the exam, and, if successful, practical skills demonstration takes place. As of 2022, any person can take an external competence assessment in any VET institution providing training for the relevant qualification. There is also a website with sample exam tests for anyone willing to take external qualification exams (without previous formal training in a relevant qualification). Anybody who completed a formal vocational training programme or acquired competences in non-formal vocational training programmes or as a part of a programme (module), work experience or through self-education can participate in the competence assessment.

The main information for the candidates is provided online: information about how to register for the competence assessment, information about online test and how to get access to test and practical skills demonstration.

In 2023, the procedure for assessing acquired competences was amended. The amendment stipulates that the Minister of Education, Science and Sport appoints Competence Assessment Centres to carry out the assessment of the practical skills for level 4-5 qualifications. The amendment also clarifies the procedure for individuals seeking to acquire formal recognition of competencies acquired through non-formal VET, work experience, or informal learning. VET institutions and Competence Assessment Centres are now responsible for recognising these competencies and awarding formal qualifications accordingly.

On 12 June 2024, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania approved a revision of the Description of the procedure for academic recognition of education and qualifications acquired according to educational programmes of foreign countries and international organisations. Until recently, academic recognition of VET qualification documents was not available for VET programmes. Following these legislative amendments, holders of foreign VET qualifications, willing to work in Lithuania or to enrol in its VET programmes or their modules, will be able to have their qualification recognised and assigned a level within the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework (LTQF), ranging from levels 1 to 4. VET institutions now have the authority to recognise foreign qualifications for the continuation of learning according to VET programmes.