How do you become a validation body?
There are two requirements for applying to be recognised as a validation body:
- A professional qualification(opens in new window) must exist for the profession in question.
- There must be a validation standard for the profession.
An adult education centre that wishes to be recognised as a validation body must have teaching competency for the professional qualification for which a validation programme is being developed or offered. An adult education centre applies for recognition as a validation body by submitting the Application for Recognition of a Professional Qualification Validation programme form (in Dutch)(Word file opens in new window). Validation bodies within adult education are recognised by the Education policy area. The Education Inspectorate will check the quality of the validation programme.
Other organisations may also apply for recognition as a validation body. They need to submit a recognition application for professional qualification programmes within the Work policy area (in Dutch). They fall under the quality system for the relevant policy area. For example, the public employment service of Flanders falls under the quality system for the Work policy area.
Information about the validation instrument is provided with the two types of recognition applications above.
Validation body procedure
- Stap 1
A recognised professional qualification exists for the profession in question
- Stap 2
A recognised validation standard for the profession exists
- Stap 3
The potential validation body submits an application for recognition
- Stap 4
The potential validation body develops or chooses a validation instrument
- Stap 5
Education or Work policy area checks the application
- Stap 6
Education or Work policy area recognises the validation body
- Stap 7
The recognised validation body administers tests to VAC candidates
- Stap 8
Education policy area (Education Inspectorate or VLHUR) or Work policy area (Flemish Social Inspectorate) provides quality surveillance
