Definition

Validation of non-formal and informal learning (VAE)

In Luxembourg, the validation of non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l’expérience - VAE) is a scheme for allowing professional and personal experience to be recognised with a view to obtaining a qualification or partial validation, gaining access to a training path, or being exempted from certain parts of a programme of studies.

This applies to the following qualifications:

• CCP - Vocational Capacity Certificate (Certificat de capacité professionnelle); DAP - Vocational Aptitude Diploma (Diplôme d'aptitude professionnelle); DT - Technician's Diploma (Diplôme de technicien); DFESG - General Secondary School Leaving Diploma (Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires générales); Master Craftsmanship in a trade (Brevet de maîtrise de l’artisanat)
• access to studies or exemption from certain courses in a programme leading to a BTS - Higher Technician Certificate (Brevet de technicien supérieur)
• access to studies, obtaining credit transfers or exemptions for a Bachelor's or Master's programme

Certificates, diplomas and qualifications obtained through VAE are equivalent to certificates, diplomas and qualifications obtained through other testing methods and give the same entitlements.

Sources:

• Law of 19 December 2008 on the reform of vocational training
• Law of 21 July 2023 on the organisation of higher education
• Law of 27 June 2018 on the organisation of the University of Luxembourg

Validation of non-formal and informal learning

Process of confirmation by an authorised body that learning outcomes (knowledge, know-how, information, values, skills and competences) acquired in non-formal or informal settings have been assessed against relevant standards.

Comment

• Validation of non-formal and informal learning outcomes consists of four phases: identification, documentation, assessment and certification of learning outcomes;
• It makes knowledge and skills of individuals visible and increases their value;
• Validation relates to various terms and acronyms, including: assessment of prior experiential learning (APEL); accreditation of prior experiential learning; assessment of prior learning (APL); recognition of non-formal and informal learning (RNFIL); recognition of prior learning (RPL); validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL). All these terms encompass related notions of similar processes, related to making visible and providing value to the knowledge and skills that individuals have.

Source: Cedefop (2023) "Terminology of European education and training policy: a selection of key terms"