The upgrading of the human resources through planned and regular actions constitutes the cornerstone of the efforts made in order to increase productivity and improve competitiveness in the Cypriot market. The establishment and operation of a System of Vocational Qualifications in Cyprus are expected to play a major role in this effort and is included among the priorities of the state. This crucial strategic objective constitutes a commitment of Cyprus vis-a-vis the European Union and has been included in the National Action Plan for Employment, the Lisbon Strategy Action Plan, as well as in the Operational Programme “Employment, Human Capital and Social Cohesion, 2007-2013”.

Sectors Where Validation Exists

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The most advanced VNIL activity in Cyprus operates through the System of Vocational Qualifications (SVQ). This system uses Vocational Qualification Standards (VQSs) to define the learning outcomes required for each occupation. Validation is available in several occupational areas, including:

• Technical trades such as electrical installation, plumbing, and welding
• Hospitality and tourism roles including cooking, food service, and hotel operations
• Health and social care support roles
• Business administration and office support
• ICT support and technician roles

HRDA Funded Adult Training

Some non formal training programmes funded by the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) allow learners to be assessed against VQSs. This enables validation for adults who have gained skills through short courses, employer based training, or on the job experience.

Emerging Sectors

Cyprus is working toward expanding VNIL into additional sectors, including:

• Community lifelong learning programmes
• Adult Education Centres
• Private training providers These sectors do not yet have full validation pathways but
• are included in national strategies for future development.

Validation Outcomes for Learners

Full Vocational Qualification

Learners who demonstrate all required learning outcomes for an occupation can receive a full vocational qualification. This qualification is officially recognised, mapped to the Cyprus National Qualifications Framework (CyQF), and aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
 

Partial Qualification or Unit Certification
Learners who meet only part of the occupational standard may receive certification for specific units or modules. This allows them to complete the remaining requirements at a later stage.
 

Skills Identification and Documentation
Learners may receive documented evidence of their skills even without full certification. This includes skills profiles or competency records that can support employment or further training.
 

Access to Further Training or Assessment
Validation can provide entry into training programmes or eligibility to sit for assessments, even for learners who lack formal school qualifications.
 

Proposal for a National Action Plan for the Establishment of non-formal and informal learning validation mechanisms

The proposed National Action Plan for the Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning in Cyprus has been formulated as part of the second phase of the project "Preparation of a National Action Plan for the Establishment of Non-Formal and Informal Learning Validation Mechanisms".

The project is part of a larger project entitled "Establishing Non-Formal / Informal Learning Validation Mechanisms and Pilot Implementation", which is part of the Operational Program "Employment, Human Resources and Social Cohesion" 2014-2020.

The proposed National Action Plan contains elements on strategic targeting, principles, conditions, governance, and whatever is needed to operate a comprehensive non-formal and informal learning validation mechanism in Cyprus.

Upon completion of the National Action Plan, an Action Plan will be developed for the pilot implementation of the non-formal and informal learning validation mechanism in Cyprus in the fields of Volunteerism, Youth and Adult Education. The pilot implementation will be completed on 31/12/2023, during which date the co-funded project "Establishment of Non-Formal / Informal Learning Validation Mechanisms and Pilot Implementation" will be completed.

National qualifications framework

The Council of Ministers, by its Decision No. 67.445, dated 9/07/2008, approved a proposal for the appointment of a National Committee with the mission of developing a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for Cyprus.  The national qualifications framework (NQF) includes all levels and types of qualifications from all subsystems of education and training, including non-formal learning.  The Cyprus NQF is not yet in operation. It will be established at the Ministry of Education and Culture as an in-service department and will be implemented gradually. New legislation on operation of the NQF is thought necessary. The NQF's main objective is to classify qualifications according to predefined levels of learning outcomes. It is expected that the NQF will support recognition and validation of qualifications; enable progression and mobility; promote lifelong learning, e.g. by certifying learning outcomes acquired outside formal education; improve transparency, quality, and relevance of qualifications; and, strengthen links with the labour market. One important policy objective is also to reinforce vocational education and training (VET) at secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels.

System of vocational qualifications

The application of a System of Vocational Qualifications in Cyprus was submitted to and approved by the European Social Fund as a co-financed Project for the Programming Period 2007-2013. The European Social Fund is the main financial instrument of the European Union for the support of employment in the Member States, as well as for the promotion of economic and social cohesion.

The Human Resource Development Authority has been designated as the competent Body for the promotion of a System of Vocational Qualifications. The purpose of this System is the upgrading of human resources through the Definition of Standards of Vocational Qualifications and the examination and certification of the competency of the interested persons to efficiently perform in a specific level of Vocational Qualification. The examination shall take place in Examination Centres (Training Institutions and Companies/Organisations), according to the approval of the Authority. Moreover, the Standards of Vocational Qualifications are expected to be utilised for the adaptation of the detailed programmes of technical/vocational education, as well as of other subsystems, such as the Apprenticeship System, Intensive Programmes of Training and other activities. The System of Vocational Qualifications is expected to be included in the National Qualifications Framework, which will be connected to the European Qualifications Framework and will have an impact on lifelong learning and human resource mobility.