Introduction
On 01 April 2026, an agreement was signed between ITED – Institute for Training and Economic Development and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC) to support the implementation of Dual Vocational Education and Training (Dual VET) examinations in Kosovo.
The initiative is financed by LuxDev and aims to ensure a high-quality, transparent and standardized examination and certification system for students enrolled in Dual VET programmes.
Building on this agreement, the project was officially launched on 10 April 2026, with a kick-off meeting held together with key institutional partners.
Project Overview
The project “Examination and Certification of Dual VET Students in Kosovo (2025–2026)” is implemented by ITED, in close cooperation with:
- Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC)
- Ministry of Education and Science (MES)
- Vocational schools and partner enterprises
The initiative focuses on strengthening the organization, quality and sustainability of the Dual VET examination system at national level.
Objectives of the Assignment
The project aims to support the organization and implementation of final examinations for Dual VET students across Kosovo.
- Around 500 Grade 12 students will complete final examinations (written, practical and oral) in May–June 2026
- Around 800 Grade 11 students will participate in the written final examination under the revised system
The assignment ensures that examinations are structured, standardized and aligned with labour market needs.
Tasks of the Assignment
Governance, Planning and Coordination
The project will ensure structured coordination of Dual VET examinations at national level, including:
- Central planning of examinations for Grades 11 and 12
- Development of a consolidated national examination timetable
- Coordination between MES, schools, KCC and enterprises
- Establishment of clear communication and coordination mechanisms
School-Level Implementation and Capacity Building
Vocational schools will receive direct support to ensure effective implementation of examinations:
- Organization of workshops and briefings at school level
- Hands-on coaching on examination organization and documentation
- Support in establishing and operationalizing examination commissions
- Ongoing troubleshooting and support during the examination period
Qualification and Certification of Examiners
A key component of the project is strengthening the role of the private sector in the examination process.
Activities include:
- Identification and nomination of enterprise representatives
- Training of examiners through certified Trainers of Trainers (ToTs)
- Assessment and certification of examiners
- Establishment of a national pool of certified examiners
- Creation of 87 examination/assessment commissions across 27 schools
Strengthening the Role of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC)
The project supports the institutional integration of KCC within the Dual VET system, including:
- Clarification of KCC’s mandate in examiner certification
- Gradual transfer of responsibilities
- Development of quality assurance procedures
- Active involvement of KCC staff in project implementation
This approach ensures long-term sustainability and institutional ownership.
Student Awareness and System Alignment
The project includes activities to support student enrolment and awareness for the 2026/2027 school year:
- School visits, open days and awareness campaigns
- Development of promotional materials and communication tools
- Support to vocational schools in planning student intake
- Coordination with enterprises for apprenticeship placements
- Career guidance and student orientation
- Matching student profiles with labour market needs
Enterprise Feedback and System Evaluation
To ensure continuous improvement, the project includes:
- Development of enterprise evaluation tools
- Implementation of surveys with students and companies
- Analysis of results through stakeholder workshops
- Development of recommendations for system improvement
Kick-off Meeting
On 10 April 2026, ITED organized the kick-off meeting for the project, bringing together representatives from:
- Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC)
- Ministry of Education and Science (MES)
- Project stakeholders and partners
During the meeting, participants discussed the work plan, coordination mechanisms and implementation approach, ensuring alignment among all stakeholders.
Conclusion
The implementation of this project represents an important step toward strengthening the quality, credibility and sustainability of Dual VET in Kosovo.
By improving examination systems, strengthening institutional roles and enhancing cooperation between schools, businesses and public institutions, the initiative contributes to building a modern, labour market-oriented vocational education system.
Through this engagement, ITED continues to play a key role in supporting skills development and workforce transformation in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.
