Validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) in Kazakhstan

With Kazakhstan’s VNFIL system moving to an operational stage and an underpinning legal and regulatory framework in place, the next phase of development is expected to focus on implementation arrangements. Importantly, following regulatory developments across two decades and most recently in 2021 and 2023, Kazakhstan now has the capacity for establishing VNFIL for all educational sectors. 

Significant developments in recent years include the authorisation of VET Colleges to carry out VNFIL, and the introduction of the ‘silver universities’ programme in HE that allows VNFIL validation for mature adult learners seeking to access certain programmes. Furthermore, as of 2023, there are 36 Certification Centres across Kazakhstan that can recognise the outcome of validation processes that may lead to professional qualifications on the country’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Recognising the clear advantages of VNFIL for mobility and the labour market in key economic priority areas, along with the social dimension of providing support for vulnerable target groups, Kazakhstan has scope to further strengthen collaborative networks between key national stakeholder groups to encourage these benefits to evolve over time. Moreover, such collaborative, cross-country structures with the active participation of key state institutions and agencies, private sector representatives and educational institutions would be great sources of valuable input across multiple areas for the implementation phase of the VNFIL system.

Kazakhstan’s legal framework provides a solid basis for fully embedding VNFIL through establishing key guidelines and processes for implementation and ensuring various supporting mechanisms are in place. In addition, establishing formal mechanisms for data collection would provide important quantitative evidence and insights as the VNFIL system grows. Important development in this context is the launch of the first Register for Recognition of Professional Qualifications – it includes a total of 496 qualifications whereby for 136 of them (e.g. health care professional, lawyer, aviation technician, auditor, social worker) assessment and certification is mandatory.