Introduction
Thank you for your interest in Validation for Informal and Non-formal Learning (VNFIL) for Hospitality and Tourism Industry professionals.
By choosing to apply for the validation of informal and non-formal learning, you will be undertaking one of the most up-to-date industry-relevant validation programs available.
The Institute of Tourism Studies recognizes that knowledge, skills, and competencies can be gained in a variety of ways: through formal education, non-formal, informal, work-based, and lifelong learning experiences.
If you require any assistance or have any questions regarding VNFIL, please contact us on vnfil@its.edu.mt.
What is VNFIL?
Validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) is a process through which candidates can gain an award as part of a nationally recognized qualification course/s based on learning outcomes or competencies gained through non-formal and informal learning, work-based, and lifelong learning.
VNFIL is a form of assessment that validates and recognizes a person’s skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, education, work, and/or general life experience. The benefits of VNFIL may include career progression, entry to study programmes and MQF level rated recognition of experience.
The evidence provided by the applicant must be authentic (something they have prepared, produced, or has been written about them by a relevant third party) and must be sufficient to demonstrate competence against the criteria set from the national occupational standards.
The applicant must also demonstrate that this evidence is still current and relevant. This shall be presented as a portfolio of evidence which is part of the application form.
The evidence of these skills and knowledge will be used to grant the award in VNFIL. The assessor must be confident that the candidate is currently competent against the published national occupational standards by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) Further information may be found on the Validation - Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (mfhea.mt).
Together we will lead you through a process of gathering and assessing the skills, knowledge, and competences that you have acquired throughout your career to date.
Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning Flow Chart
What are you assessed against?
The National Occupational Standards are made up of a number of knowledge, skills and criteria leading to competence within a particular role within a particular sector which are pegged within the Maltese Qualification Framework (MQF) in line with the European Qualification Framework (EQF). Further information may be seen on the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) website Validation - Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (mfhea.mt).
Pre-Conditions for Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning
Information prior to validation is provided to help facilitate the process:
Authenticity
- Is the evidence your own work?
- Is the evidence and reference presented authentic?
- Do you have proof of 3 years relevant experience?
Relevance
- Does the evidence show that you can perform the competence while working?
- Does the evidence demonstrate that through professional development, experience, or continued employment, your skills and knowledge are current?
Sufficiency
- Does the evidence cover the full range of the performance criteria identified for the specified award?
- Does the evidence provided show competence over a period of time?
- Does the evidence show competence in a range of contexts for the award you are applying for?
Validity
- Does the evidence relate to the competence of award(s)?
Applying for VNFIL
Applications for VNFIL (Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning) will be available soon through this website. Candidates will be able to fill the application , complete it, and submit it electronically together with the required supporting documentation to commence the validation process.
Further information on the application procedure, required documentation, and submission guidelines can be found below. We encourage prospective applicants to check this page regularly for updates.
Seeking Guidance Prior to VNFIL
It is important that a candidate seeks guidance prior to the VNFIL assessment. For this purpose, the Institute of Tourism Studies has set up a specific email address for any queries or guidance a candidate might need.
Guidance may be provided through the email address vnfil@its.edu.mt.
Any escalated matters can be addressed to vnfil@its.edu.mt and may also be addressed to validation@mfhea.mt, or by post to: MFHEA Triq J Abela Scolaro Hamrun, Malta HMR1304
Collection of Evidence
Evidence allows the Assessor/s to make an informed judgment on your ability to fulfill the requirements of the national occupational standards. The more evidence you can provide of your skills, knowledge, and competences, the easier it is for an assessor to make a decision. Consequently it is important to gather all evidence in support of your application for VNFIL as part of the application form.
Relevant Documents
To help you understand better what could be described as relevant documents, we have identified the below as examples of what can be used as evidence and also their relevance in the chart below:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Job/Position Description
- Practical Tasks
- Competency Conversation
- References from Supervisors/Employers
- Performance Appraisals
- Role Plays
- Employment History
- Photographs/Videos of your work
- Log Book
- Letters of Support from Peers
- Workplace Awards
- Workplace Certificates
- Samples of Work
- Letters of Recognition
Validation Assessment Process
The assessment involves you completing one or more of the following:
- Interview: An assessor’s panel shall ask questions based on the occupational standards to test your knowledge, skills, and competencies in relation to the performance criteria.
- Practical Assessment: Assessors might ask candidates to sit for a practical assessment if the evidence provided does not satisfy the occupational standards or performance criteria set by the sectoral skills committee.
The candidate will be notified about any interviews and or other forms of assessments by the VNFIL coordinator to make the necessary arrangements beforehand. Further information on these assessment processes can be found in the VNFIL IQA policy which can be downloaded from the ITS website.
Feedback / Recognition
Candidates will be provided with feedback on the final outcome once the validation of non-formal and informal assessments has taken place. The Institute of Tourism Studies reserves the right to keep the results and data collected from the assessment for a stipulated period of time as these might be needed should the candidate decide to re-apply for other courses, units, or validation of non-formal and informal at higher MQF levels in the future. Upon completion of the assessments, results will be communicated to applicants in a timely manner and then will be asked to collect the MQF Level Award and certificate transcript personally from our offices.
Appeals
A candidate has the right to appeal the decision taken during the validation of non-formal and informal assessment process if:
- The assessment was not made in accordance with Subsidiary Legislation 327.432
- Competency assessment process was not followed
- The candidate believes that he/she was unfairly treated or discriminated against