The BertelsmannStiftung together with the Lifelong Learning Platform published a brand new study on validation systems for non-formally or informally acquired competences.

The study analyzes the validation systems from seven good practice countries based on five core elements and provides recommendations for transferring individual core elements from one country to another. The five core elements are: Law, procedures and instruments, financing, institutional structures and support. Important principles of a successful validation system for non-formally and informally acquired competences include easy access for all target groups, homogeneity or at least equivalence of educational degrees and certificates, acceptance by companies and target groups’ and companies’ awareness of the procedures and certificates.

The full study in English and German as well as country profiles for Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, The Netherlands and the UK are available here.