In the Republic of Moldova, guidance and counselling for adult learners is framed within national policies on lifelong learning, adult education, vocational training and social inclusion, coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Research. Provision is regulated primarily through framework legislation and sectoral strategies rather than through a single, comprehensive guidance law, and is implemented by education providers, vocational institutions, adult education centres and employment-related structures.

Academic guidance

Academic guidance for adult learners aims to facilitate access to further education and training, support learning progression and promote completion of studies. The Education Code of the Republic of Moldova establishes the legal basis for lifelong learning, recognising adult education, continuing vocational training and “second-chance” education as integral components of the national education system. The Code provides for flexible learning pathways, recognition of prior learning and diversified forms of provision, which create the structural framework for academic guidance activities.

Academic guidance is typically provided through information services, counselling sessions and institutional support mechanisms within adult education and vocational training providers. These services include guidance on enrolment conditions, learning pathways, certification options and progression to higher levels of education or training. 

The Strategy “Education 2030” and its implementation framework emphasise the need to expand lifelong learning opportunities, strengthen guidance mechanisms and improve access to adult education, particularly for low-qualified adults and those at risk of social exclusion.

The Methodology for developing general education and adult vocational training programmes within lifelong learning clearly states that adult vocational training providers, who offer modular programmes, provide guidance to interested persons on the rules for combining and assessing modules to obtain a complete qualification.

Psychological counselling

Psychological counselling in adult learning contexts is not regulated through a dedicated national act, but is addressed indirectly through policies on inclusive education, social inclusion and learner support. The Programme for the development of inclusive education in the Republic of Moldova for the years 2024 - 2027 extends inclusive principles across all levels of education, including adult learning, and promotes multidisciplinary support services aimed at removing barriers to participation and learning success.

The general framework for quality assurance in education, coordinated at national level, also reinforces the responsibility of providers to ensure learner support services, including counselling and well-being measures, as part of internal quality assurance systems.

Career guidance

In the Republic of Moldova, career guidance throughout lifelong learning is provided through a combination of education policies, labour market services and institutional support mechanisms. The legal basis for lifelong learning and related guidance activities is established by the Education Code of the Republic of Moldova, which recognises lifelong learning, adult education and continuing vocational training as integral components of the national education system. The Code provides for guidance and counselling services aimed at supporting learners and adults in choosing educational and professional pathways.

Career guidance services are provided by education institutions, vocational education and training (VET) providers and public employment services. In particular, the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) offers career counselling, vocational guidance and job-matching services for adults, including unemployed persons and individuals seeking retraining or career change. These services include individual counselling sessions, labour market information, vocational orientation activities and support for participation in training programmes.

Career guidance is also integrated into policies promoting lifelong learning and employability, such as the National Employment Programme for 2022-2026, which emphasises strengthening career guidance services and improving access to vocational training for adults and disadvantaged groups.

In addition, adult vocational training providers offering modular programmes are required to provide guidance to learners regarding training pathways, module selection and certification procedures. This requirement is specified in the Methodology for developing general education and adult vocational training programmes within lifelong learning.