The recognition, validation and certification of competences process (RVCC)

The RVCC process is part of the National Qualifications System (Sistema Nacional de Qualificações - SNQ) regulated by Ordinance No 61/2022, 31 January, in its current wording. This is based on a set of methodological assumptions (competences audit, autobiographical approach) that allow the identification, recognition, validation and certification of previously acquired competences by adults throughout life in formal, informal and non-formal contexts. The process involves a set of assessment tools and activities, in order to build a portfolio (containing evidence and/or proof of competences adults possess in relation to a particular framework).

The RVCC process is based on competences frameworks that are part of the National Qualifications Catalogue (Catálogo Nacional de Qualificações - CNQ) 

• a basic level key competence framework (B1, B2 and B3) 
• an upper secondary key competence framework, and 
• a professional competence framework (levels 2, 4 and 5). 

It can also be developed as part of short and medium-length courses, such as the certified digital skills programme, with the academic RVCC divided by areas of key competences and the professional RVCC by competences.

Admission requirements

To access the RVCC process, candidates must be aged 18 or over and demonstrate:

-the capacity to analyse and reflect on life experiences that have enabled them to acquire knowledge and develop skills.

- the ability to transfer knowledge and skills to other contexts, particularly social and professional ones,

- autonomy and the motivation to learn and show commitment to the process, throughout its different stages, with the aim of completing the qualification.

- a range of professional or life experiences relevant to the process they wish to apply for.

Candidates of 23 and under must submit proof of a minimum of three years professional experience except in situations authorised by ANQEP, such as when specific populations are involved or are socially vulnerable.

Teaching methods and approaches

The duration of RVCC processes varies according to the competences demonstrated by the candidates and the proposed qualification level. For the purposes of reference, there should be average times defined in the Quality Charter for the Qualifica Centres. They can begin at any time of the year and are not governed by the academic calendar. The timetable is adjustable and flexible, as well as agreed between the adult and the Qualifica Centre.

The recognition and validation process is provided by professionals working in the area of guidance, recognition and validation of competencies (TORVC) and by  teachers/trainers qualified to teach specific recruitment groups, according to the key competence areas that are part of the respective key competences reference framework for adult education and training. The TORVC monitors the adult during the process.

The candidate is asked to build a reflective and documented skills portfolio, based on formal, non-formal and informal learning acquired throughout their life.

The RVCC sessions, including adults’ portfolio preparation and completion of further training, can be undertaken, entirely or partially, online. This requires digital teaching resources and an operating model in a digital environment, as well as appropriate monitoring by the Qualifica Centre team.

Learner assessment/progression

RVCC processes include: (i) competence recognition; (ii) competence validation and (iii) competence certification. Adults can undertake an academic or professional RVCC process, as well as dual certification.

The recognition stage involves the identification of competences that the adult has, using the methodology of a skills audit and the history of adult life, as well as a specific set of assessment activities and tools (in the case of the professional RVCC, there are four different assessment tools: the portfolio analysis form, the technical interview guidelines, the performance in the workplace observation grid and the practical exercises assessment grid (within the context of simulated practice). This stage involves recognition sessions (both individual and group), which are led either by TORVC or different trainers/teachers.

Candidates should attend a minimum of 50 hours of complementary training (internal or external) as part of the recognition, validation and certification of academic and/or professional competences process by trainers/teachers from the Qualifica centre or other training bodies (Article 13 of Ordinance No 61/2022, 31 January in its current wording).

The validation of competencies includes the results of hetero-assessment undertaken by the trainers/teachers of different key competence areas for the academic RVCC processes and in the competence units that make up the professional competence framework, within the professional RVCC, which involves producing a minuted validation session document.

In the basic level RVCC, CU assessment is based on performance criteria that define and specify what the adult must achieve, in order to succeed with the desired quality or standard of performance. The validation of a CU requires overall assessment.

Hetero-evaluation is scored by competence units in academic or professional RVCC processes on a scale of 1 to 5.

In the case of the basic education academic RVCC, adults obtain recognition and validation in competence units whose scores are at levels 3, 4 and 5, according to the validation grid scale. However, so that the competence units (CU) of a key competence area (KCA), validated as part of the validation session, can progress to the competence certification stage, at least one of the four compulsory CU that are part of each KCA must have a grade of five on the scale.

In the upper secondary education academic RVCC, recognition and validation are obtained in the reference domains, whose scores are at levels 3, 4 and 5 according to the validation grid scale. However, for the generating core of a key competence area to advance to the competence certification stage, at least one of the four reference domains must score at level 5 of the validation grid, plus one validated reference domain with a score of at least three.

In the professional RVCC, adults obtain recognition and validation in competence units whose scores are at levels 3, 4 and 5, according to the validation grid scale. 

Certification

Certification of competences implies that the adult’s skills test is assessed by a panel, based on the candidate’s performance of the said test, alongside the portfolio analysis and the assessment tools used during the recognition and validation of competences stage.

The certification of academic competences involves a demonstration before a certification panel that can be an oral presentation, or a practical presentation of competences within the scope of the portfolio, knowledge and skills of the key competence area being assessed. The certification test must be closely connected with the work carried out by the candidate and the information from the assessment tools used during the process.

The certification of professional competences (professional RVCC) involves a test, preferably practical, which demonstrates a broad set of skills considered essential for the profession/activity concerned. The emphasis is on fundamentally practical tests, which can be combined with an oral or written component. The intention is to assess the candidate’s technical ability to perform tasks/activities, as well as their theoretical knowledge and social and relational capabilities, as found in the professional RVCC reference framework.

The panel and its chair are nominated by the body running the Qualifica Centre. For an academic certification session to occur, all those members with a right to vote must be present, which means a guidance, recognition and validation of competences professional and a trainer/teacher from each of the key-skill areas. For a professional certification session to take place, all those members with a right to vote must be present, which means two trainers with appropriate qualifications in the education and training area of the respective reference framework (with at least five years of professional experience), a trainer who was involved with the candidate’s process, a representative of the business associations or employers' bodies, and a trade union representative from the economic sector. 

The certification panel session produces minutes of the meeting, which are signed by all the members of the certification panel.

The result of the certification session will allow the candidate to obtain full or partial certification, proven via the issue of a qualifications certificate and a diploma (if applicable) issued by the body that operates the Qualifica Centre via the information and management system of the education and training provision (Sistema Integrado de Gestão da Oferta Formativa S- SIGO), in accordance with the models approved.

In the case of regulated professions, and whenever the practice of a profession depends on fulfilling specific requirements, the development of RVCC processes depend on coordination with the respective authority responsible and the fulfilment of of the specific requirements defined within the applicable framework. 

The successful conclusion of an academic RVCC process (with the certification of all the competences corresponding to a level of qualification) confers basic level certification (certificate of qualifications corresponding to the 2nd or 3rd cycle and a diploma, if concluding compulsory education - levels 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework (Quadro Nacional de Qualificações - QNQ) or the upper secondary level (qualification certificate and diploma corresponding to the QNQ level 3) is completed.

The successful conclusion of a professional RVCC process (with certification of all the competence units in the respective reference framework) can confer a level 2, level 4 or level 5 certification in cases where adults have completed the schooling required by specific legislation.

If the recognition, validation and certification of academic and professional competences lead to partial certification, i.e. the adult certifies part of the framework being assessed, a qualifications certificate is issued identifying the competence units certified.
The qualification certificates and diplomas issued by the Qualifica Centre without certification capacity must be approved by the bodies with that responsibility.