Recognition, Validation and Certification of Informal and Non-formal Learning (Draft Synthesis Report) This synthesis has been compiled in order to document and analyse national policies and practices on recognition, validation and certification of non-formal and informal learning. The intention is to generate relevant data and to get a first impression about national frameworks, institutional structures and already existing programmes. Moreover, the explorations are intended to be used for further political, legal and methodological investigations, to make shortcomings visible, create awareness about the issue, and facilitate effective policy making. Similar projects to this one have been carried out by the OECD in European countries and by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in developing countries. In contrast, an important exercise of this UIE synthesis is to clarify trends and developments internationally in developing, transition and developed countries. Based on this approach, the first phase has been a purely exploratory one, i.e. finding out with the help of a simple questionnaire sent out to 190 National Commissions worldwide, what exists in these countries in the field of recognition, validation and certification of learning that takes place outside the formal system. This draft synthesis, based on the results from 36 countries, draws particular attention to analytical categories, conclusions, shortcomings and suggestions with regard to closing knowledge gaps and further research. The countries cited, are used as examples in order to highlight the diversity of the processes entailed. Complete Draft Synthesis Report (PDF, 184 kB) Contact: Ms. Madhu Singh (m.singh@unesco.org)