In Spain, the validation of non-formal and informal learning is fully developed and forms a structural part of the Vocational Training System. Title VI of Law 3/2022 on the organisation and integration of Vocational Training establishes the procedure for the accreditation of professional competences acquired through work experience or non-formal and informal learning. Its regulatory development is set out in Royal Decree 659/2023, which governs a permanently open administrative procedure with nationwide scope, and Royal Decree 69/2025, which develops the constituent elements and management instruments of the National System for Vocational Education and Training, and amends previous regulations governing the National Institute of Qualifications (INCUAL).

The system makes it possible to accredit all professional competences included in the National Catalogue of Professional Competence Standards, with the sole exception of those linked to regulated professions. The outcomes of the validation process may be:

• partial accreditation of competence standards;
• full accreditation of the standards required for the award of a Vocational Training qualification or professional certificate, in whole or in part.

Responsibility for the design and implementation of the procedure lies with the Autonomous Communities, while the General State Administration, through the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport (MEFD) and the INCUAL, establishes the basic regulations, common tools and maintains the State Register of Accreditations of Professional Competences Acquired through Work Experience or Non-formal and Informal Pathways.

Accreditation is primarily aimed at economically active adults with work experience or non-formal training lacking official accreditation. Companies may also promote the participation of their employees. The authorities are required to draw up annual strategic plans to promote accreditation, with the objective that at least 80% of the active population should have their professional competences accredited.

Information and guidance form part of the process and must be guaranteed in Vocational Training System institutions and adult education centres. The national tools available to citizens are:

• ACREDITA (TodoFP portal);
• the INCUAL portal.

Further updated information on validation in Spain is available in the national description prepared by CEDEFOP.