Validation of non-formal and informal learning in Romania is carried out in competences assessment centres according to Procedure for assessment and validation of competences acquired in non-formal and informal context, approved by the Joint Order of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour no. 4543/468/2004.

Authorization of the first Assessment and Certification of Professional Skills Center started in Romania in 2004. According to statistic data during 2010-2015 in Romania were authorized more than 140 assessment centres of professional competences, more than 240 qualifications and  over 50,000 people have been assessed and certified. At the moment are authorized 41 assessment and certification  centers of vocational skills for occupations in different economic sectors.

The validation of formal, non-formal and informal learning is based on the unique national occupational standards. Occupational standard is the document that specifies the competences and the quality level of the results of the activities included in an occupation. Occupational standards include all information necessary for development of assessment tools or training programs. They are developed by experts in the field and validated by the sectoral committees. National Qualifications Authority approved occupational standards. They are unique documents nationally.

The first occupational standards were developed in Romania before 1997, the Project for reform of university education component "Occupational Standards", funded by the Government and the World Bank and approved by the Council for Occupational Standards and Assessment (COSA). Adoption of occupational standards in Romania was based on the need to operate a clear mechanism for cooperation between providers of professional training and the actual requirements of the labor market.