There are two types of programmes in Montenegro: educational programmes (formal education programmes) and programmes of education (non-formal education programmes). These programmes are focused both on acquiring qualifications and on acquiring professional knowledge and key skills.

Formal education is an organized process of education that is carried out according to a publicly valid educational program or part of that program (module, study unit, etc.), based on which a level of education is acquired, i.e. one or more professional qualifications, in accordance with the Law on Adult Education and the laws regulating the corresponding fields of education.

Informal education is an organized and structured process of acquiring knowledge, skills and competencies needed for life and work, which lead to the improvement of personal and professional skills.

The Law on National Qualifications Framework prescribes four types of qualifications: 

• The qualification of the level of education, which is acquired by the completion of a publicly valid educational or study program and by reaching the required scope of the qualification (formal education). This qualification is confirmed by a diploma.

• The professional qualification is acquired by completing a part of a publicly valid educational or study program (module, course), by checking after the completion of a special education program and by direct checking of informally and informally acquired knowledge to reach the required scope of the qualification. Professional qualification is confirmed by a certificate.

• Other (additional) qualifications are acquired by the completion of special or other education programs or by direct verification of previously acquired knowledge, skills and competences. These qualifications do not increase the level of the basic qualification, but represent its complement and show the additional competence of the individual, necessary for inclusion in the labor market (for example, professional exam for work in education, bar exam, accounting exam).

• The micro-qualification is acquired upon completion of the education program, after a prescribed check for reaching the required scope of the qualification and can be recognized in the process of obtaining a professional qualification or a qualification of the level of education. Microqualification is confirmed by a public document - a certificate.

Key competences are also recognized by the Law on National Vocational Qualifications. Key competence (in the field of information and communication technology, foreign languages, etc.) is essential for the performance of work within the profession, it is acquired in accordance with the Law and is recognized in the process of obtaining a professional qualification. The education programs for the acquisition of key competences are adopted by the National Council for Education.

Measures for increasing basic skills achievements

In accordance with the Law on Primary Education, it is prescribed that the primary education of students older than 15 years of age is carried out in accordance with the regulations governing the field of adult education.

Primary education of adults is achieved according to the adapted Primary Education Program for adult participants. The first cycle (from the first to the third grade) can be realized according to the Elementary Functional Literacy Program for adults, while the primary education of adults from the fourth to the ninth grade is realized according to the adapted Primary school for adults Program.

The adaptation of the program to adults was carried out with regard to the duration of education, the mandatory method of checking and evaluating knowledge, the conditions for enrollment, the conditions for advancement and completion of education, as well as with regard to teacher training.

Informal adult education in Montenegro represents an important segment of the lifelong learning system and includes various programs and activities aimed at developing knowledge, skills and competencies for personal development, employment and active participation in society. Informal education is implemented by the licensed organizers of adult education.

Measures for acquiring recognized qualifications in adulthood

Formal education is an organized process of education that is realized according to a publicly valid educational program or a part of that program (module, study unit, etc.), based on which a level of education is acquired, or one or more vocational qualifications. Publicly valid educational programs for primary, secondary general and vocational education are adapted to adults in terms of scope, organization and duration, in accordance with the Law and the Methodology for program adaptation.

Vocational education of adults is carried out in accordance with the Law on Vocational Education.

Since 2012, educational programs for vocational education have been prepared according to the principle of modularization and credit evaluation, which allows adult participants gradual vertical mobility and easier access to the education system from the world of work.

The Law on National Vocational Qualifications envisages the possibility for a candidate to acquire a qualification even without attending the program, if he already has the necessary knowledge and skills, by directly accessing the verification of knowledge, skills and competences, whereby, it is possible to acquire a qualification based on the previous work experience, informal education or independent learning, and not exclusively through formal programs.

Measures focused on transition to the labor market

The Employment Agency of Montenegro (hereafter: the Agency) finances the entire costs of the education and training program for unemployed persons in order to acquire professional qualifications and key competencies that enable faster employment. In order to better harmonize the educational offer with the needs of the labor market, the "Education and training" program is being implemented. 

Education and training is implemented through active employment policy programs for:
- acquiring professional qualifications and key competencies; 
- performing an internship, in order to gain work experience necessary for independent performance of work in the qualification of education level; 
- training for the acquisition of knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of a specific workplace at the employer;
- training for the acquisition of knowledge and skills required for the performance of the duties of a specific workplace at the employer. 

Education and training programs are intended for unemployed persons from the records of the Agency and employed persons whose work has ceased to exist due to technological, economic and structural changes. These programs enable unemployed persons to increase employability and employment, and employed persons to maintain employment in conditions of economic, technological and structural changes at the employer. 

A licensed education organizer can be an organizer of education and training programs for the acquisition of professional qualifications and key competencies. The Agency publishes a public invitation to education organizers on the website, notice boards of the labor bureau and in at least one printed media that is distributed on the territory of Montenegro. The application form for the public invitation is also published on the Agency's website. After verifying the fulfillment of the requirements of the applicants, the Agency publishes on its website a list of licensed education organizers where programs for acquiring professional qualifications and key competencies can be implemented.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation continuously initiates the development and adoption of new adult education programs that are aligned with the needs of the labor market. The process of developing the program is realized in close cooperation with social partners, who participate in working groups and provide expert recommendations so that the programs meet the current requirements of employers and enable the acquisition of relevant competencies. This approach ensures flexibility, market relevance and inclusiveness of adult education, encouraging the development of skills that directly contribute to the employability and professional advancement of students.

Provision of liberal (popular) adult education

Liberal (popular) adult education in Montenegro includes informal programs focused on personal development, cultural education, creative and intellectual stimulation, and active citizenship. Although there is no centralized, permanently publicly funded program of this type of education, a wide range of courses, workshops and educational activities are available to adults.

These activities contribute to the development of general, digital, language and civic competences of adults and encourage a culture of lifelong learning. Adult education providers offer a variety of training, including language courses, computer and IT skills. Free trainings for the unemployed, organized by the Agency, are especially important, and include areas such as digital marketing, databases, UX design and other IT skills, with the aim of increasing employability.

Furthermore, the EPALE Platform and projects like EPALEMNA 2025–2026 contribute to the exchange of good practices, connecting experts and organizing workshops and events for adult participants throughout the country. Such programs provide flexible learning opportunities and enable adults to develop their skills and competencies through various informal and interactive activities.

In addition, the AL Agenda project, within the framework of the European Initiative for Adult Education, supports the development of flexible and quality educational offers for adults, including non-formal and popular programs. This project contributes to strengthening the capacity of organizers, recognizing prior learning and promoting lifelong learning through various courses, workshops and interactive activities available throughout Montenegro.

Other types of publicly subsidized measures for adult education

The Agency finances training programs, retraining and programs for acquiring and improving the knowledge, skills and competences of unemployed persons.

The Human Resources Administration (hereafter: the Administration) is responsible for organizing and implementing professional development and education programs for state and local officials and employees. The Administration offers specific programs of professional training and improvement, intended to acquire and improve the knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks in certain workplaces. These programs may be a requirement for performing those jobs.

The Administration also implements training programs adopted by the National Council for Education. These programs are aimed at improving the competencies and professional development of employees in the public sector. They are aligned with the needs of the modern labor market and adapted to the specific requirements of various institutions. The trainings cover various areas, including management, human resource management, public policies, public communication, gender equality and other topics important for the effective functioning of public administration.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Montenegrin Employers Federation organize and finance various programs for their members.

The Examination center of Montenegro allocates funds for the training of examiners for the acquisition of a national professional qualification.

The Center for Vocational Education and the Bureau for Educational Services allocate funds from their budget for teacher training. The General Law on Education stipulates that teachers have the right and obligation to improve their skills in various fields through professional development programs and other forms of continuous professional work.

Programs for improving the knowledge, skills and competences of employees in a certain area/sector are financed by the Ministry responsible for that department.