Validation and certification of non-formal and informal learning is a crucial challenge of lifelong learning and a priority for national and European vocational education and training policies in all sectors, including HoReCa industry. A huge impact should be put on the development of the validation and certification model of qualifications. The HoReCa industry is a sector in which there is a particularly urgent need for sectoral qualification framework in the light of current developments towards European market.There is a need for transparency of qualifications and diplomas in the HoReCa sector, regardless of the country or vocational training and educational system in which they were acquired. To support national strategies for lifelong learning, some countries developed mechanisms for continuing training and upgrading workforce skills. To ensure the relevance and quality of training is to ensure that it is delivered by qualified VET trainers. That is so important to develop mechanisms to assess and certify trainer competences in the HoReCa sector.

Validation and certification are based on concrete competence requirements, which serve as clearly defined and agreed reference points (Cedefop, 2009) for building curricula for trainers and for assessing the competences gained at work. The requirements are stated in various documents: (a) occupational standards, describing the profile of a person providing training; (b) qualification standards, describing the learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and competences) that everyone with a trainer’s qualification is expected to possess.

Different approaches from partners’’ perspective will allow developing competence descriptions and occupational profiles and standards, and finally, to establishment certification processes and validation system of acquired qualifications. It is linked with validation of non-formal and informal learning, which is often an integral part of the certification process.

Prepared comparative studies have been compiled in order prepared analysis of national policies and practices on recognition, validation and certification of non-formal and informal learning, regarding the models of certification and validation systems/ models for in the HoReCa sector in all partners’ countries. There will be presented the opportunities created for HoReCa sector, including the possibilities to certification of the competences and qualifications’ upgraded. On the basis of the national reports, there will be developed a commoncertification and validation system(s)/ model(s) for HoReCa sector within the partnership.