Accreditation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning

The creation of a flexible higher education system, including procedures for the validation of previous education and all kinds of knowledge, is one of the priorities to be realized in EU countries, in accordance with the EU objective to become a knowledge-based society. We should develop a system, which will enable higher education institutions to valuate and accredit skills and competencies that people develop within various contexts. To be effective, the system must be developed and implemented with the partnership of all stakeholders: employers, individuals and educational institutions. This article describes the conditions in EU countries and Slovenian position in relation to them. Moreover, it presents the results of empirical research, aimed at investigating the motivation of educational institutions to cooperate in the system for validation of non-formal and informal learning. Universities and other institutions that are involved in adult education are included. The particular focus of this article is to present the perception from inside and outside the academy groups with regard to recognizing and accrediting the non-formal and informal learning.