The validation of learning outcomes acquired through adult education is the process of assessing and recognizing an individual’s knowledge, skills, and competencies as the results of an accredited educational programme, non-formal education, or informal learning, which lead to the acquisition of a professional qualification. 

The validation of learning outcomes determines what knowledge, skills, and experience a person possesses. These can be acquired, for example, through a course, training, work, or self-study. If the person meets the required conditions, they can obtain a professional qualification (certificate of professional competence). 

A professional qualification is obtained by: 

• completing an accredited educational programme and successfully passing an examination
• recognition of part of their formal education and passing an exam
• partial recognition of a portfolio and passing an exam, or
• full recognition of a portfolio without the need to take an exam.

The process of verifying learning outcomes may only begin once the requirements for knowledge, skills, and the method of their verification have been published on the website www.kariernabrana.sk for the particular qualification. 

Any citizen who is at least 16 years of age on the date of application and is interested in obtaining a certificate of professional qualification may apply for the verification of learning outcomes. This certificate is comparable to a document certifying education obtained in the traditional school system. 

If a citizen has completed an accredited educational programme, worked in the relevant field, or participated in other related educational activities, they may apply for the verification of their knowledge and skills. Before submitting an application, it is necessary to familiarise oneself with the qualification and assessment standards for the given professional qualification. Subsequently, the citizen submits an application for the so-called verification of learning outcomes to an authorised institution that has been granted authorization by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of the Slovak Republic.

The application for the validation of learning outcomes, along with the prepared portfolio, is submitted to an authorised institution. This is an institution that has been granted authorisation to validate learning outcomes by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic. The applicant submits the application directly to the selected authorised institution, which provides detailed information on the verification procedure, requirements, and deadlines on its website. A list of all authorised institutions is available in the relevant registry of the Adult Education Information System (Informačný systému vzdelávania dospelých). 

The process of validating learning outcomes in adult education, as well as the roles of the authorised institutions, national guarantors, and authorised persons in the assessment of these outcomes, are outlined in the Adult Education Information System. 

Once obtained, the certificate of professional qualification primarily serves as a document that allows the person to apply for a trade licence in the relevant field, including specific crafts and regulated trades. 

By 2035, a fully-fledged nationwide system for the validation of competencies is expected to be in place, supported by methodological centres and verification authorities (authorised institutions) that will guarantee the quality and objectivity of the assessment.