Cedefop has launched a new 'information hub on validation of non-formal and informal learning', an interactive tool designed to support policymakers, experts, and stakeholders across Europe in harnessing the full potential of individuals' knowledge and abilities.

The road to validation

For more than two decades, Cedefop has played a leading role in the field of validation, collaborating closely with the European Commission and the European Training Foundation to support the development and analysis of validation policies throughout Europe. Since the adoption of the 2012 Council Recommendation on Validation, EU Member States have made considerable strides in establishing national validation systems. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain in making validation widely accessible and enhancing its overall effectiveness.

Cedefop’s validation info-hub serves as a central source for EU validation data and policies, combining the latest European Inventory (2023) with policy insights. It allows users to explore trends, compare national systems, and access tailored information. While aimed at policymakers, experts, and organisations, it’s also useful for anyone interested in how validation works across the EU. Key features include:

• Comprehensive country overviews: to explore validation arrangements across all EU Member States, EFTA countries, and soon, selected ETF partner countries.
• Comparative insights: with a side-by-side comparison function to benchmark validation practices across nations.
• Detailed thematic exploration: to dive into topics such as validation in the labour market, financing, and quality assurance.
• Interactive navigation: a user-friendly interface to access key validation data, policy trends, and best practices.