There are qualifications at EQF levels 3, 4 and 5:
- Vocational Qualification EQF Level 3
- Vocational Qualification EQF Level 4
- Vocational Qualification EQF Level 5
Vocational Qualification EQF level 3
Key features
Qualification: Starfsnámspróf/ Framhaldsskólapróf
Qualification in English: Vocational Qualification/ Upper Secondary Qualification
Educational level: Secondary Vocational Education
NQF level: 2
EQF level: 3
Nominal length/workload: 2-3 years full time studies (90-120 credits)
Work-based learning: In some cases
Access requirement: Grunnskólapróf/Compulsory School Certificate (10 years of compulsory education)
Access to further studies: In some cases.
Programmes and mode of education
Study programmes are generally organised as 90 to 120 secondary school credits (framhaldsskólaeiningar) and usually take 3 to 4 terms.
Final learning outcomes are, for example, examinations for professional licences, upper secondary school leaving examination or other final examinations.
The studies involve preparation for further specialised and regulated professions and specialised propaedeutic studies.
Programmes at level 3 EQF that lead to a qualification in a legalised profession: Captain A and Marine Engineer A.
Other programmes at this level: Clothing Technician, Fish Technician, Groom, Assistant Cook, Teaching Assistant, Social- and Health Service Assistant (before 2020), Social- and Leisure Assistant, Mountaineering, Computer Assistance, Film Technique and Medical secretary.
Diploma/Certificate provided
Próf af (specialisation)braut
Qualification in Computer Assistance – Próf af Tölvuþjónustubraut
Qualification in Marine Engineering A – Próf af vélstjórnarbraut A
Certificate Supplement
No supplement issued
Vocational Qualification EQF level 4
Key features
Qualification: Starfsnámspróf
Qualification in English: Vocational Qualification
Educational level: Upper Secondary Vocational Qualification
NQF level: 3
EQF level: 4
Nominal length/ workload: 3-4 years full-time studies (150–240 credits)
Work-based learning: In some cases.
Access requirement: Grunnskólapróf/ Compulsory School Certificate (10 years of compulsory education)
Access to further studies: Vocational qualification in legalised profession gives access to Sveinspróf (Journeyman’s Certificate).
Programmes and mode of education
Study programmes are generally organised as 150 to 240 secondary school credits and usually take 5 to 8 terms.
Final learning outcomes are, for example, matriculation, examinations for professional licences and other final examinations.
The studies involve specialised preparation for university education, regulated professions and specialised vocational and artistic studies
Programmes at level 4 that lead to a qualification in a legalised profession: Captain B, Dental Assistant, Food Technician, Marine Engineer B, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacological Technology, Podiatrist
Other programmes at this level include Agriculture, Massage Therapy, Music, Personal Training, Social- and Health Service Assistant (after 2020), Sound Engineering, Technical Drawing.
Diploma/Certificate provided:
Próf af (specialisation)braut
Qualification in Nursing Assistance – Próf af sjúkraliðabraut
Certificate Supplement:
No supplement issued.
Vocational Qualification EQF level 5
Key features
Qualification: Starfsnámspróf
Qualification in English: Specialist Vocational Qualification
Educational level: Post-secondary Vocational Qualification
NQF level: 4
EQF level: 5
Nominal length/ workload: 1-2 years (30 – 120 credits)
Work-based learning: In some cases.
Access requirement: Differs between programmes
Access to further studies: In some cases.
Programmes and mode of education
Study programmes are generally organised as 30 to 120 secondary school credits and usually take 1 to 4 terms. They are organised as a continuation of qualification level three.
Final learning outcomes are defined as additional studies at the upper secondary school level.
The studies involve increased and/or deeper professional specialisation in connection with development or innovation.
Programmes at level 5 that lead to a qualification in a legalised profession: Marine Engineer C and D, Captain D and E
Other programmes at this level include Film studies, Fine arts, Digital Design, Work Related Tourism Studies.
Diploma/Certificate provided:
Differs between programmes and schools.
Examples of certificates:
Vélstjóri 4. stig (e. Marine Engineer)
Lokapróf from Myndlistaskólinn í Reykjavík (e. Diplomas from The Reykjavík School of Visual Arts) Not all Diplomas are at level 5.
Lokapróf from Kvikmyndaskóli Íslands (e. Diplomas from the Icelandic Film School)
Certificate Supplement:
No supplement issued.