szakképzettség

Szakképzettség is the term used in Hungary to describe a person’s professional qualification—the level of competence, knowledge, and skills required to perform a particular trade or occupation. In common usage, it denotes the overall proficiency a worker has acquired, while the formal credential that documents this competence is typically called a szakképesítés.

Obtaining szakképzettség generally occurs through the country’s vocational education and training system. This includes secondary-level vocational schools, apprenticeship-based programs, and adult education courses. The process usually culminates in an examination or assessment that certifies the szakképesítés. Some professions may additionally require licensing or compliance with sector-specific regulations before practice is permitted.

Legal and organizational framework. The Hungarian system organizes vocational qualifications within a national framework and maintains registries of szakképesítések. These qualifications are designed to be compatible with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), supporting mobility and recognition of skills across the European Union. The framework helps employers assess the level of a candidate’s szakképzettség and supports career progression, wage differentiation, and access to additional training.

Significance and scope. Szakképzettség covers a wide range of trades, from technical and craft roles to service occupations. It is often a prerequisite for regulated or semi-regulated professions and can influence employability and earning potential. Individuals may enhance or expand their szakképzettség through continuing education, higher-level vocational programs, or pathways to tertiary education, depending on career goals and regulatory requirements.