Arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning

The process of building the National System of Competence Certification began in 2012 with Law 92/2012 and marked a key milestone in 2021 with the adoption of the Interministerial Decree 13/2021. This Decree set out the provisions for adopting Guidelines for the interoperability of the Public Competent Authorities responsible for their qualifications systems. It represents one of the most significant regulatory developments that has occurred in the system of validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) in Italy.

Legislative Decree no. 13/2013, established a first methodological framework for the national skills certification system. Then, the National Framework of Regional Qualifications, introduced by the inter-ministerial decree 166/2015, created a more precise mechanism between regional qualifications and standardized procedures for the identification, validation and certification of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning.

This methodological framework is also outlined in the Inter-ministerial Decree 13/2021 concerning the adoption of National Guidelines for certification of competences (NSCC). 

The National System for the Certification of Competences aims to promote the development and recognition of individuals' entire cultural and professional background, by validating competences acquired through formal, non-formal, and informal contexts. The entire implementation process of the System is the result of extensive inter-institutional cooperation between national and regional authorities. To recognise competences acquired in non-formal or informal learning contexts, the system follows a structured process consisting of three key phases: Identification, Validation, and Certification of Competences (IVC).

For further information refer to Eurydice 8.5.

Information and guidance

The RUIAP (Network of Italian Universities for Lifelong Learning) plays a key role in promoting lifelong learning initiatives, particularly through the CAPs (Centres for Lifelong Learning) established within its member universities.

Many regions have developed their own systems and services for the validation of competences. For example, the Emilia-Romagna Region has implemented the Regional System for the Formalisation and Certification of Competences (SRFC), which enables citizens to obtain recognition of skills acquired in various contexts. Regional employment centres (Centri per l’impiego), located throughout the country, also provide information and guidance on the validation of competences acquired outside formal education settings. 

At national level, INAPP, through the Atlas of Work and Qualifications (Atlante del Lavoro e delle Qualificazioni), provides a detailed mapping of professions and qualifications, supporting the transparency and recognition of competences acquired in non-formal and informal learning contexts.

Quality assurance

In Italy, there is a quality assurance system for the validation of competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning. Decree 13/2013 (Article 7 ‘System standard’) establishes a quality assurance framework. All public bodies entitled to certify competences must ensure some minimum quality standards related to: 

• the conditions of use and access to qualifications and validation procedures;
• the provision of information and guidance services;
• compliance with the professional requirements of the personnel involved;
• the existence of an interoperable information system for monitoring, evaluation, traceability and storage of issued documents;
• compliance with the provisions on procedural simplification, access to administrative documents and protection of personal data;
• collegiality, objectivity, impartiality and independence at every stage of the procedure.

The quality assurance framework has been further developed through specific Guidelines, as per Decree of 5 January 2021 (Annex D “Minimum service standards of the national system for certification of competences”; and Annex E “Essential levels of performance of services for the identification and validation and certification of competences”).