Purpose of the SVQ

The purpose of the SVQ is the development of human resources through the assessment and certification of the vocational qualifications of candidates.

Target group

The SVQ is aimed at the employed, the unemployed and the economically inactive.

Benefits for Participants

Through the validation of the results of the assessment of prior learning and the certification of the vocational qualifications of the candidates, access to employment is facilitated for the unemployed and the inactive, while career advancement is supported for the employed. In addition, companies that promote the certification of the vocational qualifications of their employees achieve the upskilling of their human resources and consequently the improvement of their productivity and competitiveness. There is no financial burden on the participants for the assessment and certification process.

Assessment and Certification of Vocational Qualifications

The identification and documentation of the candidates' learning outcomes, taking into account their previous formal, non-formal and informal learning, is carried out by HRDA-approved Centres for the Assessment of Vocational Qualifications (CAVQs). CAVQs, which also undertake the organisation of the assessment of the candidates' vocational qualifications, are certified Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and have, or have concluded, an agreement with one or more Vocational Training Facilities (VTF) specialising in areas corresponding to the Professions in which they operate for the assessment of vocational qualifications.

The assessment of the candidates' vocational qualifications is carried out by a two-member team of Assessors of Vocational Qualifications on the basis of the Vocational Qualification  Standards (VQSs) developed by the HRDA.

Follow this link to view the exam essay questions for the vocational qualifications that require a written examination.

The certification of vocational qualifications is decided by the HRDA, based on the assessment reports of the Assessors of Vocational Qualifications. The Vocational Qualifications Certificates awarded to successful candidates are integrated into the Cyprus Qualifications Framework (CyQF), which is referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and constitute reliable and valid tools for a professional career, facilitating the mobility of their holders within the European Economic Area.

VQS

VQSs are developed and updated with the contribution of Technical Committees for Vocational Qualifications (TEEPs) which are composed of representatives of the social partners and other bodies and are approved by the Board of Directors of the HRDA. You can find the VQSs by sector at the links below:

• Agriculture and Food
• Manufacturing
• Energy Supply and Waste Management
• Construction – Occupation Bundle I
• Construction – Occupation Bundle II
• Trade and Other Services
• Vehicle and Appliance Repair
• Tourism, Hotels and Restaurants
• Education, Training and Supporting Activities
• Information and Communication Technologies

At the links below you can find the VQS in English:

• Lifelong learning trainer – level 5 (LLT) 
• Assistant waiter - level 3
• Bartender - level 4

You can also find the Trainer Of Vocational Training VQS - Level 5 at the link below:

• Trainer Of Vocational Training – TVT5

Candidate Participation Requirements

Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus or citizens of any other Member State of the European Economic Area as well as other persons who enjoy the same rights as the above, who legally reside in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus and have the right to free access to the Republic's labour market, may participate in the SVQ.

Interested parties should contact the HRDA or the HRDA-approved CAVQs for information. Applications from candidates are submitted to the HRDA through the CAVQs. The approval of the participation of interested parties in the assessment process is the responsibility of the HRDA and is based on specified conditions and criteria.

Relevant Documents

APPROVED CENTERS FOR ASSESSMENT OF VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (CAVQs) BY SECTOR