Validation of non-formal and informal learning: new opportunities for all?

The aim of this Policy Brief is to highlight the key issues concerning recognition of skills as embodied in the project Actors, practices and challenges concerning non-formal and informal learning and its validation and proposes ways of developing such validation.

In the context of a growing need to raise levels of education, enhance skills and encourage occupational mobility the validation of non-formal and informal learning (NFIL) is a key stage in the proactive management of working lives. It could benefit numerous social groups, especially the most vulnerable.

Nevertheless, in order to ensure that this right to recognition of skills is in fact exercised the relevant actors have to be mobilised, especially by developing collective bargaining on this issue. In order to increase the number of beneficiaries substantially access to certification must be fostered.