Education and Training

Education Institutions

Schools: these are institutions in the pre-school and school education system where pupils are trained, brought up, and socialised; they ensure conditions for completion of a grade and/or for the attainment of a level of education. Schools also provide conditions for the attainment of professional qualification.

Personal development support centres: institutions, which organise activities promoting the inclusion, training and upbringing of children and pupils, as well as activities aimed at the development of their interests and skills. The personal development support centres do not ensure the completion of a grade or level or the acquisition of a degree of education and/or professional qualification, with the exception of the centres for special educational support, which may also carry out vocational training for the attainment of the first level of a professional qualification degree and/or the acquisition of a qualification as part of a profession.

Specialised units: institutions dealing with the implementation and popularisation of activities related to the exercise of educational policies, including support for the process of inclusive education, as well as providing information and technological support for the pre-school and school education system.

 

Training Institutions

Vocational colleges: they provide vocational training for persons who have attained fourth level of professional qualification after secondary education according to the List of professions for vocational education and training.

Vocational training centres: they provide vocational training for persons aged over 16. The training focuses on the acquisition, modernisation and improvement of a professional qualification or on the re-qualification for a profession or for a part of a profession, with first, second and third level of a professional qualification degree.

 

More information:

http://www.mon.bg/ – Ministry of Education and Science

https://mlsp.government.bg/ – Ministry of Labour and Social Policy

http://www.navet.government.bg/ – National Agency for Vocational Education and Training

https://www.az.government.bg/ – Employment Agency

http://dp.bgcpo.bg/ – Bulgarian-German Vocational Training Centre State Enterprise (DBBZ)

http://www.chrdri.net/ – Centre for Human Resources Development and Regional Initiatives

http://www.hrdc.bg/ – Human Resources Development Centre

Secondary Education

Within the secondary education system, students can receive both general education and specialised training in the form of vocational education and training. Students may choose the type of education according to their interests, skills and inclinations. A student may enter a secondary level of education after the completion of the seventh grade and following the completion of primary education, according to an order and procedure determined by Ordinance No 11 of 28.03.2005 on the enrolment of students in public and municipal schools, which is updated annually. Following the completion of the VII grade, students sit for entrance examinations, namely a test in the Bulgarian language and literature, a test in mathematics, an examination testing the ability of the candidate for some profiles and professions, which are determined by the above-mentioned Ordinance. After the completion of primary education, students are enrolled according to documents or by sitting for one entrance examination, namely by subject or by an ability test. Enrolment after secondary education is determined by decision of the Teachers Council of the receiving school.

Vocational education ensures the assimilation of a general educational minimum and the attainment of a vocational qualification degree by profession. Vocational education and training is performed by professions, which are included in the List of professions for vocational education and training (LPVET). Professions are entered on the List by area of education, professional fields and by professional qualification degree. Occupational and unit groups from the National Classification of Occupations are also included, which are relevant to the attained qualification and education level.

The List covers 17 fields of education, 47 professional fields, 238 professions, and 501 specialities listed according to professional qualification degree.

 

More information

http://www.mon.bg/, under subject headings “General Education” and “Vocational Training”

Tertiary Education

The purpose of tertiary education is to train highly skilled specialists who have completed their secondary education, and to enhance the development of culture and science. Tertiary education is obtained in higher schools, which are accredited with the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA).

The legal framework governing the establishment of the higher schools is written down in the Higher Education Act. In compliance with Article 9 of the Act, the National Assembly plays a key role in decision-making on matters related to the network of higher schools in the country. The National Assembly has the competence to establish, transform or close down educational institutions subject to a proposal submitted by the Council of Ministers.

Training for post-secondary education graduates is organised in the system of tertiary education in the following degrees:

Education may be regular, extra-mural, evening and distance learning. Distance learning education is provided only by higher schools, which are accredited and set up pursuant to the terms and procedures established by the Higher Education Act.

 

Graduation mode

• education in any speciality of the education-qualification degree “Bachelor” or “Master” is completed by means of sitting for a state examination or defending a Ph.D. The state examination or the defence of a Ph.D. must comply with the state regulations concerning graduation before a state commission composed by academic rank lecturers.
•  the education-qualification degree “Doctor” is awarded to Ph.D. students who have passed the examinations envisaged in the syllabus, and have defended a Ph.D. thesis pursuant to the terms and procedures laid down in the Law on the Development of the Academic Structure in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Documents: a diploma of completed level is awarded following a successful implementation of all the obligations listed in the syllabus, irrespective of the calendar duration of studies. If the graduate requests so, the higher school also issues a European diploma supplement. Diplomas are recognised by the state if the education is in accordance with the Higher Education Act and with the state requirements.

Institutions, which provide for higher education:

Within the secondary education system, students can receive both general education and specialised training in the form of vocational education and training. Students may choose the type of education according to their interests, skills and inclinations. A student may enter a secondary level of education after the completion of the seventh grade and following the completion of primary education, according to an order and procedure determined by Ordinance No 11 of 28.03.2005 on the enrolment of students in public and municipal schools, which is updated annually. Following the completion of the VII grade, students sit for entrance examinations, namely a test in the Bulgarian language and literature, a test in mathematics, an examination testing the ability of the candidate for some profiles and professions, which are determined by the above-mentioned Ordinance. After the completion of primary education, students are enrolled according to documents or by sitting for one entrance examination, namely by subject or by an ability test. Enrolment after secondary education is determined by decision of the Teachers Council of the receiving school.

Vocational education ensures the assimilation of a general educational minimum and the attainment of a vocational qualification degree by profession. Vocational education and training is performed by professions, which are included in the List of professions for vocational education and training (LPVET). Professions are entered on the List by area of education, professional fields and by professional qualification degree. Occupational and unit groups from the National Classification of Occupations are also included, which are relevant to the attained qualification and education level.

The List covers 17 fields of education, 47 professional fields, 238 professions, and 501 specialities listed according to professional qualification degree.

 

More information

http://www.mon.bg/, under subject headings “General Education” and “Vocational Training”

Vocational training for persons aged less than 16 years

Vocational training for the acquisition of first, second and third vocational qualification degree for students aged less than 16 is performed in vocational schools, vocational gymnasiums, art schools, sports schools, and in classes for acquisition of professional qualification in general education schools and in special schools.

Training: training for the respective vocational qualification degrees of professional qualification ensures:

• for first degree: acquisition of professional knowledge, skills and competencies for exercising the respective profession, comprising routine activities performed under unvarying conditions;
• for second degree: acquisition of professional knowledge, skills and competencies for exercising of professions, comprising actions of complex nature performed under varying conditions;
• for third degree: acquisition of professional knowledge, skills and competencies for exercising of professions, comprising actions of complex nature performed under changing conditions, and assuming responsibilities for the work done by other persons;

Graduation mode: students who pass successfully the state examination in theory and practice of the respective profession receive a Certificate of Professional Qualification. Where the exercising of a profession requires legal capacity (e.g. handling a motor vehicle, handling of agricultural machines, welding, etc.), a Certificate is issued to the graduate student following a successfully passed examination.

 

Vocational training for persons aged over 16 years

Vocational training for the acquisition of first, second and third vocational qualification degree for students aged over 16 is performed in vocational training centres.

Admission: the minimum educational level for admission is as follows:

• training in a profession with acquisition of first degree – completion of the initial stage of primary education or successful graduation in a literacy course organised by schools within the national education  system in the order of the Employment Promotion Act or pursuant to programmes financed by the European Structural Funds;
• training in a profession with acquisition of second degree – grade seven graduate or primary education graduate;
• training in a profession with acquisition of third degree – grade seven graduate or primary education graduate.

Training: The attainment of professional qualification degree ensures:

• for first degree: acquisition of professional knowledge, skills and competencies for exercising of professions, comprising routine activities performed under unvarying conditions;
• for second degree: acquisition of professional knowledge, skills and competencies for exercising of professions, comprising actions of complex nature performed under varying conditions;
• for third degree: acquisition of professional knowledge, skills and competencies for exercising of professions, comprising actions of complex nature performed under changing conditions, and assuming responsibilities for the work performed by other persons;

Duration: The duration of training is determined by the applicant’s entrance educational and qualification level:

• for first degree: duration of up to 1 year;
• for second degree: duration of 1 year for initial vocational training of students who have completed a secondary school grade or who are secondary school graduates;
• for third degree: the duration shall be determined by the concrete documentation concerning the vocational training for initial professional degree, as well as for continuing vocational training for modernising or expanding an acquired professional qualification degree;
• for students with special educational needs who have completed VIII grade: the duration shall be determined by the concrete documentation for the individual education syllabus.

Graduation: students who pass successfully the state examination in theory and practice of the respective profession receive a Certificate of Professional Qualification. Where the exercising of a profession requires legal capacity (e.g. handling a motor vehicle, handling of agricultural machines, welding, etc.), a Certificate is issued to the graduate student following a successfully passed examination.

 

Vocational training (at vocational colleges)

Vocational colleges provide training for the attainment of professional qualification degree, fourth level.

Admission: post-secondary graduates;

Duration: The minimum duration of the vocational training is up to two years depending on the applicant’s professional qualification degree.

Training: Training ensures the attainment of professional knowledge, skills and competencies for exercising of professions, comprising a wide range of actions of complex nature performed under varying conditions, as well as assuming of managerial responsibilities for the work carried out by other persons and for allocation of resources.

Graduation mode: Students must pass a state examination in theory and practice of the respective profession in order to acquire professional qualification. Examinations must comply with the national examination programmes approved by the Minister of Education and Science. Students who pass successfully the state examination in theory and practice of the respective profession receive a Certificate of Professional Qualification. Students who acquire professional qualification degree, fourth level, may continue their education in higher education specialities, which have an Education and Qualification Degree of “Bachelor” and “Master”.

 

More information

Ministry of Education and Science

Subject heading: Vocational Education

• Documents concerning the organisation of VET
• State education requirements
• Curricula and programmes
• National examination programmes
• Framework programmes Legal capacity  for driving
• Quality
• Dictionaries

Dual education

Vocational education and vocational training may also combine school- and work-based education (dual education system). Work-based education (dual education system) is a form of partnership between institutions within the vocational education and training system, with the exception of the information and professional guidance centres and one or several employers, which comprises:

1. Practical training in work environment, and
2. Training in an institution forming part of the system of vocational education and training, except for the information and professional guidance centres.

The terms and procedures governing work-based education (dual education system) are determined by an Ordinance issued by the Minister of Education and Science in coordination with the Minister of Labour and Social Policy.

 

More information

Project “Swiss support for the introduction of dual track principles in the Bulgarian vocational education system” (http://dominoproject.bg/)

Validation

The validation of professional knowledge, skills and competencies is a recognition of the acquired knowledge, skills and competencies of a profession of part of it, received by means of non-formal education or informal learning, aimed towards access to training for the acquisition of vocational qualification and an easier access to the labour market.

Vocational gymnasiums, vocational colleges, arts schools, vocational training centres and sports schools have the competency to perform validation of professional knowledge, skills and competencies.

The establishment of acquired knowledge, skills and competencies is carried out by means of preliminary comparison between the professional knowledge, skills and competencies declared by the person and the results of learning forming part of the respective state educational standard for attaining a qualification degree in a profession, and by sitting for an examination in the theory and practice of the profession. Following the preliminary comparison, the person may be directed to complementary education, or they may receive authorisation to sit for an examination.

Students who have passed successfully the validation examinations are issued the following documents:

1. Certificate of validation of professional qualification: where all the units of learning have been established, which form part of the state educational standard for attaining a qualification degree in a profession;
2. Certificate of validation of professional qualification for part of a profession: where only a part of the units of learning have been established, which form part of the state educational standard for attaining a qualification degree in a profession.

The terms and procedures for validation of professional knowledge, skills and competencies are stipulated by an Ordinance of the Minister of Education and Science.

 

More information

Validation (of professional knowledge, skills and competencies):  (http://www.navet.government.bg/bg/validirane-na-profesionalni-znaniya-u/)

Practice Information

Under Construction