On this page

1. Arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning

2. Information and guidance

3. Quality assurance

Arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning

In Spain, the validation or recognition of skills acquired through non-formal and informal learning is coordinated at both national and regional levels. While the national legal framework sets the standards, the Autonomous Communities are responsible for launching public calls (convocatorias) for validation procedures within their territories. 

The process is regulated by Royal Decree 659/2023 on the organization of the Vocational Training System (Real Decreto 659/2023, de 18 de julio, por el que se desarrolla la ordenación del Sistema de Formación Profesional.), which updates the provisions of Royal Decree 1224/2009 (Real Decreto 1224/2009, de 17 de julio, de reconocimiento de las competencias profesionales adquiridas por experiencia laboral). The validation procedures include three phases:

1. Advisory phase
2. Assessment phase
3. Accreditation and official registration

For more detail on the reality of validation of non-formal and informal learning in Spain, see: Data report collected on the process of recognition of skills acquired by work experience (Programa Operativo de Empleo, Formación y Educación).

The framework was developed with input from the General Council of Vocational Training (Consejo General de Formación Profesional).

Validation is a key pillar of Spain’s broader VET reform, particularly under Organic Law 3/2022 on the organization and integration of Vocational Training (Ley Orgánica 3/2022, de 31 de marzo, de ordenación e integración de la Formación Profesional), which repealed and replaces Organic Law 5/2002 on Qualifications and Vocational Training (Ley Orgánica 5/2002, de 19 de junio, de las Cualificaciones y de la Formación Profesional).

The new law integrates the previously separate VET subsystems (educational system and vocational training) into a single, flexible, dual-oriented vocational training model. Among its goals are: 

1. Aligning workforce skills with evolving economic needs
2. Increasing  flexibility and accessibility of VET pathways
3. Recognizing learning acquired through informal training and work experience
4. Strengthening guidance and support for learners

This system promotes dual training that combines classroom instruction with work-based learning in companies and includes a strategy to accredit professional skills acquired informally by the active population.

In May 2024, Spain completed the full regulatory development of Organic Law 3/2022 on Vocational Training through the approval of four royal decrees. These final measures established a comprehensive dual VET system across all levels, combining classroom instruction with practical company placements. This framework further strengthens the role of non-formal and informal learning by ensuring that experience-based competencies can be formally validated and accredited.

Recognition in the Youth Sector

Several initiatives specifically target young people: 

• Recognize Project (Proyecto Reconoce) is a nationwide initiative coordinated by INJUVE, in partnership with major youth organisations (e.g. Don Bosco Youth Centres, Scouts-Explorers of Spain, DIDANIA). It promotes the recognition of competencies and skills gained through voluntary action and non-formal learning experiences that support that improve the employability.
• In February 2017, the Interterritorial Youth Council – made up of INJUVE and youth organizations of the Autonomous Communities - agreed to implement a common recognition system for non-formal learning in youth work. This system formalized the accreditation of competences developed in youth programmes at national level.

These initiatives complement the national vocational training system by offering youth-friendly validation pathways outside formal education.

In addition, the Youthpass certificate is widely used in Spain to recognise learning outcomes from non-formal education and volunteering activities. Promoted by INJUVE, it is available to participants in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects.

Information and guidance

Information and guidance at the national level about validation of competencies (validación de competencias) is provided by seberal public platform: 

• TodoFP is a portal of the Ministry of Education . that explains the validation phases and includes the certification tool (Acredita), which helps users identify competencies that can be accredited based on their experience and maps them to official qualifications.
• The State Public Employment Service (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE)) offers information, career guidance and orientation in the recognition of competencies in employment contexts.

The promotion of the validation is largely driven by the Autonomous Communities, which disseminate information and application instructions through the websites of their respective Departments of Education and Employment. 

Quality assurance

The 2023 update of the European Inventory on Validation confirmed Spain’s commitment to aligning national validation mechanisms with European standards. The report highlights the consistent use of assessment phases, regional accreditation calls, and cooperation between employment and education sectors. Spain also applies the principles outlined in the 2023 European Guidelines on Validating Non-formal and Informal Learning, which promote transparency, quality, and learner-centred processes in validation systems across the EU

The quality assessment of the validation process is  guaranteed by Royal Decree 659/2023  on the organization of the Vocational Training System (Real Decreto 659/2023, de 18 de julio, por el que se desarrolla la ordenación del Sistema de Formación Profesional). Chapter VI of the decree (Articles 126-130) outlines the validation, exemption, equivalences and  accreditation procedures for: 

• Training modules
• Other VET subsystems
• Informal or experiential learning
• Foreign qualifications
• VET–university credit transfers

These measures ensure that the recognition of non-formal and informal learning meets consistent standards across Spain and remains compatible with the National Catalogue of Professional Qualifications.

In early 2025, Royal Decree 69/2025 (Real Decreto 69/2025, de 4 de febrero), modernising the VET system with digital learning tools and introducing a new vocational training branch focused on artificial intelligence and data. This reform supports greater accessibility, personalisation of learning, and improved tracking of competencies acquired informally.

Royal Decree 69/2025 further expanded the validation framework by introducing a mechanism to assess and accredit basic skills acquired through non-formal, informal, and work-based experience, thereby facilitating access to formal qualifications for a broader segment of the population.