Validation of Prior Learning

Assessment of prior learning is a way to evaluate the skills and knowledge that can be gained in the labour market. The assessment can potentially shorten your studies and be an incentive to complete them. The conditions for participating in an assessment of prior learning are: being 23 years of age and having 3 years of confirmed work experience in the relevant field. After completing the assessment of prior learning, it is possible to continue your studies and complete a journeyman's examination.

People's Testimonials on Validation of Prior Learning

Five different individuals share their experience and perception of the validation of prior learning. Halldór Örn Halldórsson is now a master plumber. He had worked in plumbing for ten years before undergoing a validation of prior learning. Kolbrún Þorsteinsdóttir had worked as a hairdresser for 20 years before she decided to undergo a validation of prior learning. She found the process enjoyable. Almar Reginn Björnsson had worked in plumbing for three years when he decided to have his experience validated and undergo a validation of prior learning. Baker Guðbjörg Ósk Andreasdóttir Gunnarsdóttir was raised in her grandparents' bakery, and her interest in the trade has been there since childhood. Gunnar Ásgeir Sigurjónsson is a very experienced assessor in the validation of prior learning.

Request for counselling on assessment of prior learning

IÐAN Education Centre handles assessments of prior learning in most trades, except for electrical trades.
The trades in which an assessment of prior learning will soon be offered are:

  • Automotive trades: Auto mechanics, auto body painting, auto body repair.
  • Building and construction trades: Carpentry, painting, masonry, plumbing, horticulture, and wallpapering and floor covering.
  • Food and catering trades: Baking, waiting, butchery, cooking, ship's cook, and food technology.
  • Metal and mechanical engineering trades: Sheet metal work, marine engineering, lathing, steel construction, mechanical engineering, and fishing gear technology.
  • Printing and media trades: Graphic communication, printing, photography.
  • Hairdressing.

Click here to request counselling on assessment of prior learning

Apply for an assessment of prior learning

The assessment of prior learning is free of charge for those who have not completed upper secondary education, but others must pay for it.
Here you can find more information about the cost of an assessment of prior learning.

Click here to apply for an assessment of prior learning

For all further information about the validation of prior learning, please contact Iðan's study and career counsellors by phone at 590 6400 or at radgjof(at)idan.is.

The RPL Process:

  • Application and documents submitted
  • A study and career counsellor contacts the applicant
  • The applicant assesses their knowledge by completing self-assessment checklists
  • Assessment interview with a subject matter expert and results are recorded
  • Study and career counselling regarding the next steps

The assessment of prior learning is carried out in collaboration with the Education and Training Service Centre and is based on the principle that it is natural to assess existing skills regardless of how they were acquired. The assessment of prior learning is based on the idea that learning is valuable and that it should be documented, regardless of where it was obtained.

It is personally important for my staff to be certified.
Sigurður Leifsson, Business Owner