S.L. 607.2 Art. 9Individual validation process.

(1) Persons who have undertaken non-formal or informal learning for at least three years in a specific economic sector may apply to the Sector Skills Committee to have their prior non-formal or informal learning experience validated in accordance with the process provided in this regulation.

(2) The validation process undertaken for the purpose of the validation of an individual’s prior non-formal or informal learning experience shall be voluntary, provide equal access and equal and fair treatment to all individuals, respect the rights of individuals, be transparent and be underpinned by the principle of quality assurance.

(3) Any individual applying for validation of prior non-formal or informal learning, hereinafter referred to as "a candidate", can apply for a maximum of two validations each year.

(4) Upon application, the Sector Skills Committee shall provide candidates with all necessary information and guide them towards the specific Sector Skills Unit relevant to their application.

(5) The Sector Skills Committee shall establish, with the approval of the Commission, the format of a portfolio to be given by candidates to the Sector Skills Unit, which portfolio shall document and provide evidence of all the experiences of the candidate relevant to the validation being sought.

(6) The Sector Skills Units shall provide assistance to the candidates in the compilation of the portfolio referred to in sub-regulation (5), by means of guidance practitioners appointed by the Sector Skills Units with the approval of the Sector Skills Committee. The portfolio may include personal details, work experiences, résumés, references from employers, documents related to formal qualifications, photographs and audio and video clips relevant to the validation being sought.

(7) Guidance practitioners referred to in sub-regulation (6) shall be trained individuals tasked with preparing candidates for the validation process by informing them about the relevant procedures, advising them how to organise and document evidence of learning, assisting candidates to prepare for their assessment and guiding them after the assessment decision. Guidance practitioners shall be validation practitioners who have knowledge of the validation process and the assessment procedures used, and of the education system and an understanding of the labour market.

(8) The Sector Skills Committee shall establish, with the approval of the Commission, the procedures, methods and tools to be applied by the Sector Skills Units for the assessment of candidates in the validation process.

(9) Assessment procedures, methods and tools established in accordance with sub-regulation (8) shall make provision for candidates’ technical or professional competences, personal competences and social competences.

(10) Assessment procedures established in accordance with sub-regulation (8) shall take into consideration criteria stipulated in published occupational standards and shall be undertaken by qualified assessors.

(11) Assessment methods and tools established in accordance with sub-regulation (8) shall be based on the criteria of validity of the tool, reliability of results, fairness and fitness for purpose.

(12) One or more of the following assessment methods may be applied by the Sector Skills Units for the purpose of the assessment referred to in sub-regulation (8):

(a) debate or interview, where candidates demonstrate the depth of their knowledge and communication and social skills;

(b) declarative methods, where candidates demonstrate critical reflection, while making evidence-based statements about the competences they possess;

(c) observation, where candidates’ behaviour is observed, which can take place either through a simulated or a real-life work scenario; or

(d) tests and examinations, where candidates demonstrate, orally or in writing, their competences on a specific subject.

(13) The assessment of candidates shall be undertaken by assessors who shall be validation practitioners appointed by the Sector Skills Units with the approval of the Sector Skills Committee. Assessors shall be individuals trained in assessment and validation who are tasked with judging candidates in order to determine whether specific assessment criteria are met. Assessors shall have knowledge of the specific sector concerned, of the validation process and of the assessment methods used. Assessors shall not have any personal interest in the validation outcomes.

(14) Assessors shall recommend to the Sector Skills Units whether candidates merit to be conferred with a full or partial award.