However, the situation has changed, and now craftsmen can legalize their skills through the Center for Independent Certification and Validation, which operates under the Ministry of Education.
Orozbek Tölöbekov: 25 Years Without Official Confirmation
Plumber Orozbek Tölöbekov has been working in his craft for over 25 years, gaining knowledge and experience without formal education. He has worked in private companies, installing systems in residential buildings and children's institutions. He has dozens of successful projects, but lacks documentary confirmation of his professionalism.“Recently, the requirements for documents have tightened; they are checked everywhere. I am devoted to my profession and do not intend to change it, but the lack of a certificate has limited me,” Orozbek shares.
Now he aims to validate his skills and obtain a state certificate.
Diversity of Craftsmen's Stories
The skill validation procedure is becoming increasingly popular among craftsmen of different ages. For each of them, obtaining a certificate solves specific tasks.Maxim, for example, is only 21 years old, but he already has five years of experience working as a plumber. He independently supports his family; however, the lack of a specialized education hinders him.
“I have been working since childhood and have accumulated a lot of experience. Now I want to undergo certification to officially get a job and have the opportunity to work abroad,” Maxim says.
Another candidate, who specializes in carpentry and plumbing, already has experience working abroad. He has realized that documentary confirmation of qualifications is required in the foreign labor market.
“I worked abroad, and without the necessary documents, it is difficult to get a good job. I want to validate my skills here to be ready for new opportunities,” he adds.
How is Skill Recognition Implemented?
Since the beginning of 2024, a validation procedure has been introduced in Kyrgyzstan, allowing for the confirmation of qualifications acquired through practice. This process is overseen by the Center for Independent Certification and Validation, which was established in August 2023.Validation involves three parties: the candidate, an independent assessor, and a potential employer. The exam is conducted according to international standards, and the specialist must not only complete the task but also adhere to all technological regulations and safety standards.
Business Participation in Assessment
A key feature of the system is the presence of employers at the exams. For companies, this is not just a formality but an effective way to select personnel. Managers observe the process, assessing the candidates' work skills and professional discipline. Among the employers, there may also be foreign companies that require certain qualifications from their employees.This collaboration is beneficial for both parties:
- The employer gains confidence in the specialist's qualifications and sees them in action even before signing a contract.
- The craftsman can receive a job offer right at the examination site.
Figures and Opportunities
According to the director of the Center for Independent Certification and Validation, Janar Shamatova, formal employment in Kyrgyzstan covers approximately 37% of the workforce, while the rest remain outside official accounting. 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,” Shamatova emphasizes.
The program covers a wide range of professions: from construction to services and manufacturing. “Workers of various professions can validate their skills, including locksmiths, carpenters, tailors, cooks, and maids,” she added.
It is important to note that validation can be conducted not only in Bishkek but also in the regions, based on accredited colleges and assessment centers.
Among the basic centers for validation in priority professions, the following can be highlighted:
- Bishkek College of Architecture and Construction Management;
- Tokmok College of KNAU named after Skryabin;
- Issyk-Kul Industrial-Pedagogical College;
- Naryn Agricultural and Economic College of NGS;
- 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;
- Karabalta Technical and Economic College;
- In Bishkek, there is also cooperation with vocational lyceums No. 99, No. 10, No. 3, No. 5, No. 17, No. 98, No. 100, No. 93, No. 94.
