2021

EXPANSION AND OPERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION SYSTEM (SEP)

PROGRAMMING PERIOD 2014-2020 POLICY AND PROCEDURE GUIDE

In the framework of the project "Establishment and Operation of a Professional Qualifications System (PQS) in Cyprus” for the period 2007–2013 the HRDA has developed 72 StandardsProfessional Qualifications (SPQ) – Protipa Epaggelmatikon Prosonton (PEP). Based on these SPQs, the HRDA proceeded with the evaluation and certification of individuals who have expressed interest in obtaining a Professional Qualification. During the programming period 2014-2020, in the framework of the project "Expansion and Operation of a Professional Qualifications System (PQS) - “Epektasi kai leitourgia Sistimatos Epaggelmatikon Prosonton (SEP)", the HRDA was expected to review the 72 SPQs (PEP) developed during the 2007-2013 programming period and proceed to the development of 80 new SPQs (PEP) and the certification of 4,000 people. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the revision of existing SPQs (PEP) and the development of new SPQs (PEP) has been delayed and will take place during 2022. The purpose of the PQS (SEP) is to upgrade the human resources through the evaluation of knowledge, skills and abilities of the individual on the basis of a Model, in real working conditions and / or in acceptable simulation conditions, for the purpose of certification of his professional qualifications. The Professional Qualifications Standards (hereinafter "PQS" - SEP) provide guidelines for candidate training and development, as well as preparing him for the evaluation. PQS (SEP) provides the opportunity to interested people to obtain a Certificate in one or more Professional Qualifications, depending on qualifications and / or experience they possess. The project "Expansion and Operation of a Professional Qualifications System (PQS - SEP)", for 2014-2020 programming period, is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF)- Evropaiko Koinoniko Tameio (ΕΚΤ) of the EU and the HRDA as a national participation and as a final beneficiary. The Policy Guide contains information regarding:

• The qualifications framework at national and European level.
• The general description of the PQS (SEP).
• The process of evaluation and certification of Professional Qualifications.
• The obligations of the evaluation and certification factors of Professional Qualifications,

which are:

• the Vocational Qualification Assessment Centers (hereinafter "KAEP").
• the Professional Qualifications Assessors (hereinafter "Assessors")
• The candidates.
• the Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority (hereinafter "HRDA")

2020

Measures related to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus

The Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority (HRDA) has informed all interested parties that the mandatory use of a face mask continues by all participants and attendees in training programs under the "Multi-Business Training Programs - Regular", "Multi-Business" and "Multi-Business" Continuing Training Programs for Trade Union Executives ", as well as in evaluations for the certification of the professional qualifications of candidates within the Vocational Qualifications System. This measure applies in addition to the obligations mentioned in the "Safety and Health Protocol" which was prepared by the HRDA in June 2020 and is available on the HRDA website. It is noted that, according to the Decontamination (Definition of Measures to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus COVID – 19) Decree (No. 38) of 2020 issued by the Minister of Health in August 2020 and the relevant guidelines of the Ministry of Health, the use of the Face mask is mandatory indoors, where there is increased public gathering. Every institution and every individual have the obligation to comply with the instructions of the competent services of the state, which may be modified depending on the course of the spread of the coronavirus. Decrees, press releases and other instructions from the Ministry of Health are available at the ministry website.  

Utilization of Distance Learning Methods

The Human Resources Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA), realizing the difficulties created by the coronavirus pandemic in Cyprus and in order to contribute, in the effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, decided to promote distance learning e-learning from training program organizers. For this reason, the HRDA has prepared the Supplement of Policy Guides and Procedures "Utilization of Distance Learning Methods in Training Programs", which has been applied starting March 26, 2020.  The possibility of utilizing distance learning methods by the organizers of training programs is valid for the following five Plans: • Single business Training Programs in Cyprus • Single Business Training Programs in Cyprus (State Aid) • Single business Training Programs Abroad • Multi-company Training Programs - Usual • Multi-company Training Programs - Vital