In June 2024, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth adopted a new Ordinance on the Method of Registration and Implementation of Validation of Prior Learning. This ordinance enables the recognition of skills acquired through non-formal and informal learning for qualifications at levels 2 to 5 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Validation of non-formal and informal learning in Croatia is applied primarily in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The new regulation allows individuals to have their prior learning recognised in order to obtain nationally recognised qualifications at EQF levels 2 to 5. This means that learners can acquire certain vocational qualifications through a validation process.

Central bodies, in particular the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, have played a key role in developing validation procedures and guidelines. Their involvement has been crucial in establishing a structured framework for the validation of non-formal and informal learning, ensuring that validation procedures are standardised and aligned with national educational objectives.

Despite the progress made, validation of non-formal and informal learning is still not a regular part of the adult education system and is applied in certain exceptional cases. Efforts continue to expand and systematically implement validation of non-formal and informal learning practices in different sectors in order to make it more accessible and comprehensive.

For a detailed overview of the validation system for non-formal and informal learning in Croatia, including national descriptions of the system, please see the database of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training.