In Georgia, non-formal education can take place across various sectors and is accessible to anyone, regardless of age. Alongside formal education, non-formal education plays a crucial role in the development of human capital. The Law on Vocational Education defines non-formal education as part of the lifelong learning system, encompassing the acquisition of "knowledge and awareness," "skills," and/or "responsibility and autonomy" beyond formal education.

To support this, Georgia has a mechanism for recognizing non-formal education, which was introduced in 2010 and initially applied only to the third qualification level. Revisions in 2018 expanded it to include the fourth and fifth levels, and in 2019, new recognition rules were approved, aligning the system with European standards. This recognition process benefits individuals who have acquired knowledge informally or through work experience, enabling them to have their practical skills officially validated.

Georgia’s education system allows for the recognition of learning outcomes achieved through non-formal education at the VET level in 11 priority professions (Business and Administration, Information and Communication Technologies, Personal Services, Engineering, Security Services, Education, Healthcare, Architecture and Construction, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Processing, Arts.), excluding regulated professions. However, this mechanism does not cover all fields and is not universally accessible across all locations. As of today, 14 institutions—both public and private—have the right to recognize non-formal education[1].

Authorized vocational education institutions and legal entities that gained the right to implement vocational training and retraining programs (through NCEQE) can recognize non-formal education if they meet the required standards. The institution is eligible to obtain the right for recognition of non-formal education only within the scope of the programs it implements or has obtained the right to implement. Based on the official order confirming the recognition of non-formal education, the institution issues the following documents to the applicant:

• Certificate and Certificate Supplement – if the applicant successfully demonstrates the learning outcomes defined by the module(s).

• Statement of Confirmed Learning Outcomes – if the applicant is unable to fully demonstrate all required learning outcomes of the module(s).

• If the applicant fully meets the learning outcomes necessary to obtain a qualification within a vocational education program, the institution issues a Diploma as proof of qualification.

However, if the applicant only partially meets the required learning outcomes, the institution does not issue a qualification certificate.

Vocational diplomas and certificates, along with their annexes are in line with the EUROPASS requirements.