Diploma of Upper Secondary Education with achieved professional competence (Vitnemål for videregående opplæring med oppnådd yrkeskompetanse)

Key features 

Qualification: Vitnemål for vidergående opplæring med oppnådd yrkeskompetanse  

Qualification in English: Diploma of Upper Secondary Education with achieved professional competence 

Educational level: Upper Secondary Education

NQF level: 4a 

EQF level: 4 

Normal length/workload: 3 years  

Work-based learning: Provided through Yrkesfaglig fordypning (YFF). 

  • Year 1 (Vg1): 168 hours 
  • Year 2 (Vg2): 253 hours 
  • Activities take place in the school’s or in cooperation with local businesses 

This gives students valuable hands-on practice while still in school, linking theory and real workplace skills. 

Access requirement: Basic education 

Access to further studies:  

There is then the option of higher education at a university college or university. Some study programmes, such as for instance engineering, science and medical studies, require you to have certain science subjects. 

Programmes and mode of education 

VET is part of the formal upper secondary education system in Norway. From the school year 2020–21, upper secondary VET in Norway covers 10 education programmes that lead to more than 180 different Trade or Journeyman’s Certificates.   

  • Agriculture, fishing and forestry 
  • Building and construction 
  • Crafts, design and product development 
  • Electrical engineering and computer technology 
  • Hairdressing, floral, interior and retail design 
  • Healthcare, childhood and youth development 
  • Information technology and media production 
  • Restaurant and food processing 
  • Sales, service and tourism 
  • Technological and industrial production 

Diploma/Certificate provided 

Vitnemål for videregående opplæring med oppnådd yrkeskompetanse (Diploma of Upper Secondary Education with achieved professional competence)