Kutseeksami

Kutseeksami are professional qualification examinations in Estonia that verify the skills and knowledge required for a given occupation. They form part of the national qualifications system and lead to a formal vocational qualification certificate, confirming an individual’s competencies at a specified level.

They can be taken by people who have completed vocational education or by those who have gained relevant work experience and seek formal recognition of their competencies through recognition of prior learning. The aim is to provide a recognized route to a vocational qualification that reflects real-world skills.

The exact format of kutseeksamid varies by occupation and qualification level. Typical components include a theoretical knowledge assessment, a practical evaluation of job tasks, and sometimes a portfolio review or interview. Some fields may also require additional demonstrations of competence or on-site assessments.

Successful candidates receive a certificate of vocational qualification (kutsekwalifikatsioon) that is registered in the national qualifications system. The certificate indicates the specific qualification and level, and it is recognised by employers and educational institutions for employment, licensing, and further study within Estonia and, in many cases, across Europe.

The examinations are organized under the supervision of the national authorities responsible for qualifications, with exam centers located at vocational schools or training facilities. Kutseeksami support lifelong learning and career mobility by providing formal recognition of acquired skills obtained through formal education, work experience, or non-formal learning.