Education and vocational training of adults in the context of the Slovak education system is defined as further education. 

Further education is a part of lifelong learning and follows school education. It is provided mainly by further education institutions. 

The goal of further education is 

• to supplement, update, extend or improve qualification obtained in school education; 
• to obtain partial or full qualification, 
• satisfy interests and acquire competence to integrate into the civil society. 

It is not possible to achieve a level of education by completion of further education in the current system. 

The above-mentioned goals are implemented into four types of further education: 

• The further vocational education 
• The re-qualification accredited education 
• The continuing education 
• The special-interest education 

Educational institutions provide accredited educational programmes as well as non-accredited educational programmes.

Accreditation is a state validation of education institution's competence to provide accredited educational programme lawfully. The accreditation process assesses the conformity of the educational content to the qualification and evaluation standard as well as the quality of staff and equipment. 

The main goal of the Lifelong learning and counselling strategy for 2021-2030 (Stratégia celoživotného vzdelávania a poradenstva na roky 2021-2030) is to ensure that every citizen has lifelong access to opportunities to learn, to develop their skills and competences throughout their lives at every stage of life and with regard to individual needs and circumstances, so that everyone can realise their potential in personal, professional and civic life.

Legislative references

National Council of the Slovak Republic, 2009. Act No. 568/2009 on lifelong learning and on the change and supplement to some acts as amended by subsequent provisions (Zákon č. 568/2009 Z.z. o celoživotnom vzdelávaní a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov) (last accessed 24/10/2022).