In order to understand better the developments in the validation of non-formal and informal learning in Greece, it is important to highlight the definitions used in the country for non formal education and informal learning.
 According to l. 4763/2020, non formal education concerns learning that is implemented through planned activities with regard to cognitive aims and the time disposed for learning. It may concern programmes related to vocational skills, adults literacy as well as the basic education for early school leavers. 

Law 3879/2010 defines informal learning as the learning activities that take place outside an organized educative framework, through life, within the framework of leisure or professional, social and cultural activities. It includes any sort of self-education by printed material or by internet use or by using a computer or diverse educative infrastructures. It also includes the knowledge, skills, and completences that a person acquires through work experience.  
 Pursuant to l. 4115/13, the national accreditation body in Greece is the «National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance» (EOPPEP) , which is supervised by the Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports. EOPPEP is continuously developing and implementing a National Qualifications Certification System for the validation of non-formal and informal learning.

EOPPEP, as the National Coordination Point (NCP) for the European Qualifications Framework, also ensures the development of a National Qualifications Framework and its alignment with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The European Qualifications Framework is a transparency tool for “translation” between national qualifications frameworks, using descriptive indicators based on learning outcomes (level 1-8 for each qualification). 

Furthermore, regarding the time spent on a formal or non-formal learning activity, this is accredited by means of the European Credit system for Vocational Education & Training (ECVET). These credits can appear on certificates and are recognized throughout the EU. The National Reference Point for the ECVET Credit Transfer System is EOPPEP.

EOPPEP also certifies national vocational profiles. In this framework EOPPEP works on the development of further occupational profiles as well as on the development of corresponding accreditation procedures, with the active involvement of the social partners and with an increasing emphasis on learning outcomes regardless of the learning path. 

Vocational profiles help lifelong learning or continuing training providers to “standardize” their continuing training curricula in order to support the adaptation of human resources to new needs at vocational and social level.

In the year 2025 there are 204 certified occupational profiles, covering a wide range of occupations. 

In addition, pursuant to l.  4763/2020  EOPPEP certifies the learning outcomes of the non-formal education programmes of the Lifelong Learning Centers (KDBM).

Regarding the validation of  learning obtained in  non-formal education programmes. provided by the Centres for Further Education and Lifelong Learning (KEDIBIM) of Higher Educational Institutions (HEI), these centers provide to their graduees upon successful completion of each program a  relevant Certificate of Education These certificates may also indicate correspondently  the number of obtained Credits for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) ). 

Furthermore, successful completion of some of these training programmes is linked to the promotion of professional rights (for example, an energy inspector qualifies for inclusion in the relevant National Register)

The learning outcomes of the non-formal education programmes of the Lifelong Learning Centers (KDBM) are also certified by EOPPEP. (law 4763/2020) 

 EOPPEP holds also the role of certifying competence for specific professions, on the basis of  recognition of prior experience and upon success in  exams that are conducted by EOPPEP or other agencies. 

There are currently  eight (8) professions for which EOPPEP may issue a certificate of professional competence on the basis of recognition of prior experience and/or informal or non-formal learning and upon success in  relevant exams. Ιn this way, and also upon submission of necessary  supporting documents, EOPPEP provides:

1. Certification of the specialty 'Instructor of candidate drivers of motor vehicles and motorcycles'

2. Certification of educational competence for Adult trainers, who have had non-formal education

3. Certification of professionals who do not hold a recognized professional title for the specialty "Private Security Personnel"

4. Certification of professional competence of hairdressers - barbers 

5. Certification of professional competence for hand and foot care technicians, 

6. Certification of professional competence for refrigeration technicians, 

7. Certification of professional competence for cargo loaders 

Regarding the validation of continuing vocational education and training for the unemployed individuals, according to law 4921/2022 the Public Employment Service (DYPA) can certify the vocational training programmes offered to the unemployed, aside from the validation and certification that EOPPEP carries out. The two organisations, while pursuing different approaches to the validation of non-formal and informal learning (NFIL), are in  constant dialogue and cooperation on the validation of these forms of learning. 
 

The certification of qualifications of those trained in the context of continuing professional training and programs offered specifically to unemployed individuals is carried out by independent Certification Bodies, which are:

•  accredited according to Standard ISO/IEC 17024 or
• certified on the basis of  the current institutional framework (l. 4763/2020) to issue grant certificates or
• software or technology companies, which provide relevant certifications that are internationally recognized in the labour market. 

With certification, it is confirmed that the trainee has acquired the knowledge or skills related to the subject of the training attended to a sufficient degree.

Training Certification System for employees in the wider public sector. 

Α Training Certification System has been developed by the Ministerial Decision ΔΙΠΑΑΔ/ΕΚΔΔΑ/Φ.4/οικ.9403 for certifying learning outcomes from non-formal learning of employees in the wider public sector. It aims at validating the knowledge acquired by public servants through seminars and trainings delivered by:

• The National Centre of Public Administration and Local Government ( EKKDA),
• Other Public Sector schools,
• Public Universities,
• the European Institute of Public Administration
• the Social Polycentre
• and the Inter-Balkan Institute of Public Administration. 

Currently, EOPPEP also  participates in the European strategy on "Micro-Credentials". Micro-Credentials, as defined by the European Commission (2022), reflect the learning outcomes achieved by a learner through the attendance of a short program.

More specifically, EOPPEP implements the project “Linking Continuing Vocational Education and Training with Micro-Credentials”, acronymed 'Micro-CVET' that has been approved by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), This project  includes a set of actions which are carried out from 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2026 and focus on the field of validation and recognition of learning outcomes acquired through Continuing Vocational Training, with the perspective of producing according  “Micro-Credentials”.

The current national policy is for EOPPEP to continue validating more occupational profiles and the overall goal is the development of  a validation system covering the learning outcomes of all types of non-formal and in formal learning, in alignment with the relevant European Frameworks and Credit Systems.