Now the situation has changed: craftsmen can legalize their skills through the Center for Independent Certification and Validation under the Ministry of Education and Science.
The Case of Orozbek: 25 Years of Experience Without a Certificate
Orozbek Tölöbekov, a plumber with over 25 years of experience, learned his trade independently after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Working in private companies, he installed water supply and heating systems in residential buildings and kindergartens, but he never received documented confirmation of his expertise.“Documents are being checked everywhere, and without a certificate, my opportunities are limited, even though I love my job,” says Orozbek.
He decided to turn to the center to validate his skills and obtain a state certificate.
Diversity of Craftsmen's Stories
The skill validation procedure is becoming increasingly popular among specialists of different ages, as for each of them, a certificate solves specific problems.Maxim, a 21-year-old plumber with five years of experience, aims to get certified to secure official employment and possibly work abroad. “I have worked a lot and gained significant experience, but the lack of a specialized education is a hindrance,” he shares.
Another candidate, who has experience in labor migration, realized that to successfully find employment abroad, it is necessary to document one’s skills. “I worked outside the country and understood that without documents, it is difficult to find a good job. I want to get certified to be ready for new opportunities,” he says.
How Does the Certification System Work?
In Kyrgyzstan, since August 2023, a validation procedure has been implemented that allows craftsmen to confirm their qualifications acquired through practical experience. This process is managed by the Center for Independent Certification and Validation.The procedure involves the interaction of three parties: the candidate, an independent assessor, and a potential employer. The exam is conducted according to international standards, and participants must comply with all technological and safety regulations.
The Role of Business in Skills Assessment
Real employers attend the exams, allowing them to directly assess the candidates' skills. This is not just a formality but a real opportunity for companies to find qualified workers. Employers from abroad can also participate, as they need specialists with specific skills.This collaboration benefits both parties:
- The employer gains confidence in the craftsman's qualifications by seeing their work in action before signing a contract.
- The craftsman may receive a job offer right at the exam.
Statistics and the Future of the System
According to the director of the Center for Independent Certification and Validation, Janar Shamatova, only 37% of workers in Kyrgyzstan have formal employment, while the rest work in the shadow sector. The validation system aims to change this situation.“Our certificates are recognized not only in Kyrgyzstan and Russia but also in other countries. Over the past two years, more than a thousand people have approached us, and 800 of them have successfully passed validation,” adds Shamatova.
The program covers more than 100 professions, including construction specialties and the service sector. “People in skilled trades, such as plumbers, carpenters, tailors, and cooks, can confirm their skills,” she emphasizes.
The certification procedure is available not only in Bishkek but also in regions where accredited colleges and assessment centers exist.
The list of centers conducting validation for priority professions includes:
- Bishkek College of Architecture and Construction Management;
- Tokmok College of KNAU named after Skryabin;
- Issyk-Kul Industrial-Pedagogical College;
- Naryn Agrarian-Economic College of NSU;
- Osh Industrial-Pedagogical College of OshGU;
- Jalal-Abad College of JAGU named after Osmonov;
- Kyzyl-Kiya College of Mining Technology, Innovation, and Economics named after T. Kulatov;
- Kara-Balta Technical and Economic College;
- also in Bishkek, the center collaborates with vocational lyceums No. 99, No. 10, No. 3, No. 5, No. 17, No. 98, No. 100, No. 93, No. 94.
