On this page

1. Policy Framework

2. Existing arrangements

Policy Framework

There are two main legally acceptable ways for recognizing non-formal learning in Slovenia.

The first is through the recognition of non-formal knowledge, skills, and competencies within the formal education system. This applies to continuing interrupted education, progressing to higher levels, or changing educational direction/sector. Educational institutions assess acquired knowledge based on relevant legislation and credit systems. An example is the University of Ljubljana’s rules and procedures for recognizing non-formally acquired knowledge and skills (Pravilnik o postopku in merilih za priznavanje neformalno pridobljenega znanja in spretnosti).

The second is through the National Vocational Qualifications System (Sistem nacionalne poklicne kvalifikacije), where non-formally acquired knowledge and skills are recognized by the labour market. This process is facilitated by the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (Center Republike Slovenije za poklicno izobraževanje).

Existing arrangements

A recording system for volunteering was introduced through the Volunteering Act. Appropriate recording of non-formal and informal learning has a multi-value in society today. It exceeds the dissemination of knowledge, skills and attitudes, being also an important tool for greater integration of the individual in community life. 

In the procedure of recognition of non-formal learning and by assessment of knowledge, the comparability of a candidate’s non-formally obtained knowledge, skills and competences with standards of knowledge is proven. For the labour market needs, Slovenia established a formalized system of national vocational qualifications. Here the standards established at national level in the forms of Occupational Standards and Catalogues of Standards for Technical Knowledge and Skills are compared with candidates’ acquired knowledge and experience.

For further inclusion of candidates in the formal education system, educational standards are used (catalogues of knowledge, modules and current curriculum), based on education system which allows candidates to obtain recognition of learning acquired through different learning paths.

A recent educational reform has also given voluntary work an important place in the educational system. Voluntary work is now part of the compulsory curricula in general secondary level schools and certain types of high schools (with international baccalaureate). Pupils need to do voluntary work for a certain number of hours per year and they receive a certificate for it. These certificates however do not facilitate their entrance to further education courses.

The Volunteering Act imposes an obligation on organisations to keep a register of the performed voluntary work and acquired knowledge and skills for every volunteer. On a volunteer's request, a volunteer organisation must issue a certificate on acquired knowledge and skills upon the completion of the volunteering period (see Article 24 of the Act).