In Moldova, the responsibility for adult education and training is primarily centralized at the national level, with the Ministry of Education and Research playing a key role in policy development, regulation, and coordination. The ministry is responsible for setting standards and overseeing the implementation of adult education programmes, ensuring alignment with national education strategies.

According to the Regulation on Adult Education, the decision regarding the provisional authorisation of adult vocational training providers, the vocational training programmes they offer, accreditation, non-accreditation, or the withdrawal of the right to organise an initial or continuing vocational training programme is made by the Ministry of Education and Research, based on the results of the external evaluation carried out by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research or by other quality evaluation agencies listed in the European Quality Assurance Register.

In cases of non-compliance with the conditions for programme authorisation/accreditation or with the procedures for issuing certificates according to programmes and legal norms, the Ministry of Education and Research may suspend or withdraw this right from the provider.

Adult vocational training programmes within the context of formal education:

• are developed by adult vocational training providers,

• are coordinated with the relevant ministries,

• are submitted for provisional authorisation/accreditation, and then

• are coordinated with the Ministry of Education and Research, based on the results of the external evaluation carried out by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research or other quality evaluation agencies listed in the European Quality Assurance Register.

Several ministries contribute to adult education, such as the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, which focuses on vocational and professional training, especially for workforce development and social inclusion. The Ministry of Economy also plays a role, especially in the context of lifelong learning programmes that support economic growth and innovation.

At the regional and local levels, public authorities have limited autonomy but are involved in the practical implementation of adult education policies, mainly through local public institutions and non-governmental organisations. Vocational schools and community learning centres often coordinate local initiatives, offering specific training programmes aligned with local labour market needs.