Korea to Reform Technical Qualifications, Prioritizing Skills Over Credentials

Korea to Reform Technical Qualifications, Prioritizing Skills Over Credentials

SEOUL, April 3, 2026 – South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor announced a significant overhaul of its National Technical Qualification system, aiming to make certifications more accessible to young job seekers, individuals without specific academic backgrounds, and those looking to change careers. The reforms, discussed at the inaugural National Qualification System Development Forum, will prioritize practical skills and competency over rigid academic and experience requirements.

The current system has been criticized for its stringent eligibility criteria, which often demand extensive work experience or specific educational backgrounds. This has created barriers for young professionals, non-majors, and middle-aged individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce or transition into new fields, despite possessing the necessary practical capabilities. The forum, involving experts and labor/management representatives, concluded that diversifying eligibility pathways is crucial to expand opportunities for a wider talent pool and build a competency-focused qualification system aligned with industry needs.

Key reforms will include a significant reduction in the experience required for high-level certifications such as `기술사` (Professional Engineer) and `기능장` (Master Craftsman). Currently, up to nine years of experience are needed, leading to an average acquisition age of 44.8 years. Under the new plan, these requirements will be shortened by two to four years, enabling younger skilled individuals to achieve these prestigious qualifications more quickly. Furthermore, the ministry plans to diversify eligibility criteria beyond academic and career histories, introducing new pathways such as a ‘Competency Connection Type’ (for those passing theoretical exams followed by practical training or experience) and a ‘Competency Accumulation System’ (for those accumulating learning outcomes from vocational training or university credits). The scope of what constitutes ‘related majors’ or ‘relevant experience’ will also be broadened.

To further emphasize practical ability, the government will expand ‘Process-Based National Technical Qualifications’ (`과정평가형 국가기술자격`). This system awards qualifications based on integrated education, training, and evaluation throughout a program, rather than solely on a final exam, ensuring candidates genuinely possess on-the-job skills. The ministry also plans to introduce a ‘Plus Qualification System’, allowing individuals to easily add new, convergent skills acquired in emerging technologies to their existing certificates. Other improvements include expanding practical skill-based exams and enhancing support for outstanding professional engineers and master craftsmen.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor states that detailed plans for these institutional improvements will be formulated this year, followed by public discussions, including input from young people, and necessary amendments to relevant laws such as the National Technical Qualification Act. Lim Young-mi, Director-General of Employment Policy, emphasized that qualifications should serve as a ‘ladder of opportunity’ for young people, not an ‘insurmountable wall,’ affirming the ministry’s commitment to developing a system that fosters talent crucial for industrial advancement.

Source: 고용노동부 — Original Article (Korean)