Vocational qualification for adults

As an adult professional, there are four paths open to you to obtain a vocational qualification at upper secondary level (FZ training with diploma or BA training with certificate).

Qualification procedure without vocational education

You have five years of professional experience (at least part of it in the desired profession) and acquire the missing theoretical and practical skills by attending appropriate educational courses. Once you are sufficiently prepared, you can take the qualification procedure (final apprenticeship examination). You do not need an apprenticeship contract.

Validation of educational achievements

You prove with a dossier that you already have the competencies in the aspired profession. Experts check the dossier. You close any gaps through supplementary education. As soon as you can prove that you have all the necessary skills, you will be issued with the corresponding certificate. No apprenticeship contract is concluded for this path.

Shortened basic vocational education

Adults can complete basic vocational training with an apprenticeship contract in an apprenticeship company. Based on job-specific knowledge or a vocational qualification, the duration of the apprenticeship can be shortened.

Regular basic vocational education

You complete the entire apprenticeship period as if you had entered basic vocational training (apprenticeship) directly after completing compulsory schooling. Depending on the profession and the degree you are aiming for, the training lasts two years (vocational certificate) or three or four years (certificate of proficiency).

The following file shows the four ways in which the goal of a vocational certificate can be attained:
Four pathways to a vocational certificate for adults