6.4 Validation of non-formal and informal learning
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On this page
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Arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning
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Information and guidance
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Quality assurance
Arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning
The Croatian Qualifications Framework Act was enacted in 2013, with the most recent amendments adopted in 2021. The Act defines non-formal and informal learning and envisions the development of a system for their recognition and evaluation. Furthermore, according to the Act (Article 15), ‘Application procedure, recognition, and validation of previously acquired units of learning outcomes shall be stipulated in detail by an Ordinance on recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning and shall be conducted according to corresponding programmes for validation of units of learning outcomes from the Register’.
Since the adoption of the Act, the National Guidelines on the Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education, intended to regulate its implementation, was adopted in 2023.
Information and guidance
The Agency for Science and Higher Education has published guidelines and procedures for the recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning, outlining the procedure for recognition, even in the absence of an official procedure or the Ordinance prescribing it. However, since then the National Guidelines on the Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education was adopted.
Quality assurance
Quality assurance is included in the Croatian Qualification Framework Act. The Act established the Croatian Qualifications Framework Register, which includes information on learning outcomes, occupational standards, qualification standards, as well as programmes for acquiring and validating learning outcomes and programmes for acquiring qualifications. The application for the Register is submitted to the ministry responsible for education and science, while the application for the occupational standards sub-register is submitted to the ministry responsible for labour. The decision is determined by the professional opinion of the relevant sector council, ensuring that all formal and professional requirements have been met.