In order to understand better the developments in the validation of non-formal and informal learning in Greece, it is important to highlight the definitions used in the country for non formal education and informal learning.
 

According to l. 4763/2020, non formal education concerns learning that is implemented through planned activities with regard to cognitive aims and the time disposed for learning. It may concern programmes related to vocational skills, adults literacy as well as the basic education for early school leavers. 

Law 3879/2010 defines informal learning as the learning activities that take place outside an organized educative framework, through life, within the framework of leisure or professional, social and cultural activities. It includes any sort of self-education by printed material or by internet use or by using a computer or diverse educative infrastructures. It also includes the knowledge, skills, and completences that a person acquires through work experience.  
 

Pursuant to l. 4115/13, EOPPEP constitutes the national body for the accreditation of both inputs and outputs for non formal education and informal learning. EOPPEP operates as the national structure for European Networks that manage qualification issues and European tools for transparency and mobility. 
In particular, EOPPEP develops and implements comprehensive national systems for the accreditation of non-formal & informal learning and provides scientific and technical support in designing and implementing the vocational guidance national policy, as well as the provision of such services in Greece. EOPPEP aims at quality assurance through: 

a) Inputs:  The term ‘inputs’ refers to Occupational profiles, study programmes, IVET training guides, teaching methods, teachers/trainers qualifications and course duration,

b) Outputs:  The term ‘outputs’ refers to the outcome of the above processes, which is the certification of qualifications and which is not to be confused with learning outcomes.

c) vocational guidance & counseling services: viable services & tools for supporting citizens of every age, as well as educational information tools according to the latest ICT applications.

EOPPEP holds responsibility for the certification of national occupational profiles. In this framework EOPPEP works on the further development of occupational profiles as well as on the development of corresponding certification processes, with the active contribution of the social partners and  with increasing emphasis on learning outcomes regardless of the learning path.

 Thus, aside from conducting qualification exams  for initial vocational  education and training and awarding a Diploma of Vocational Education and Training Specialty, at correspondingly level (3) and level  (5) of the Hellenic Qualifications Framework and EQF (8.4), EOPPEP has been focusing on building the parts of a framework for validation of non-formal and informal learning (NFIL), as defined by l. 4547/2018 and l. 4763/2020, whereby non-formal education in Greece includes continuing vocational education and training (CVET) and General Adult Education.

EOPPEP is in dialogue and cooperation with the  Public Employment Service (DYPA), on the validation of NFIL. In the meantime, each organization pursues different approaches to validation of NFIL: 

− EOPPEP validates continuing vocational education and training via occupational standards .

In the year 2024 there are 202 certified occupational profiles in place, covering a wide spectrum of occupations. EOPPEP holds the role of certifying specific Occupations on the basis of the recognition of prior experience.

There are currently 4 occupations where certification is possible on the basis of the recognition of prior experience and informal learning ,that is

• security personnel, 
• trainers of adults 
• hairdressers-barbers
• manicurists-pedicurists
• refrigeration technicians, 
• cargo loaders and 
• trainers of trainers

where the standards used are the occupational profiles.

L. 4763/2020  also includes the  validation of  learning outcomes of  KDVM programs by EOPPEP.

− In terms of validation in CVET, l. 4921/2022, also makes the following provisions which have opened the way for  The  Public Employment Service (DYPA) to certify trainings for unemployed people, aside from the validation and certification that EOPPEP carries out.

The certification of qualifications of those trained in the context of continuing professional training and programs offered specifically to unemployed individuals is carried out by independent Certification Bodies, which are:

•  accredited according to Standard ISO/IEC 17024 or
•  certified based on the current institutional framework (l. 4763/2020) to grant certificates or
•  software or technology companies, which provide relevant certifications that are internationally recognized in the labour market. 

With certification, it is confirmed that the trainee has acquired the knowledge or skills related to the subject of the training attended to a sufficient degree.

− Validation of  learning provided by Centers for Training and Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) in Higher Education Institutions (AEI)

The successful completion of the KEDIVIM programs leads to the awarding of a Certificate of Training or Specialized Training or a Certificate of Attendance. 

The successful completion of some of these training programs is linked to the advancement of professional rights (for example, Energy Inspector is eligible to be included in the relevant national registry) 

− Training Certification System for employees in the wider public sector 

Α Training Certification System has been developed with the Ministerial Decision ΔΙΠΑΑΔ/ΕΚΔΔΑ/Φ.4/οικ.9403 for certifying learning outcomes from non-formal learning of employees in the wider public sector and aims at validating the knowledge acquired by public servants through seminars/trainings delivered by:

• The National Centre of Public Administration and Local Government ( EKKDA), 
• Other Public Sector schools, 
• Public Universities, 
• the European Institute of Public Administration
• the Social Polycentre 
• and the Inter-Balkan Institute of Public Administration. 

   The current national policy is for EOPPEP to continue building frameworks for the validation of more occupational profiles and the overall goal is the development of  a validation system covering the learning outcomes of all types of non-formal and in formal learning .