Korean Government Invites Applications for Top Employment Service Certification

The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL), in collaboration with the Korea Employment Information Service (KEIS), has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Excellent Employment Service Provider Certification program. This initiative aims to recognize and support institutions that contribute significantly to enhancing employment services for job seekers and employers across South Korea.

Introduced in 2008, the certification system has recognized a total of 532 organizations, with 63 new institutions certified last year. It is open to both free and paid private job agencies, as well as job information providers nationwide. The program not only certifies institutions but also offers special awards for top performers, further boosting their brand value and public trust.

For the 2026 program, MOEL plans to implement several improvements based on field feedback. These include waiving the document review for re-certifying institutions to ease their participation burden, and pre-disclosing evaluation criteria for document reviews to increase predictability. Furthermore, organizations that do not pass the document review will receive specific feedback and consulting to help improve their service capabilities.

Institutions wishing to apply for the certification can do so from Monday, May 11, 2026, to Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the official ‘Employment Service Integrated System’ website at https://certi.keis.or.kr. An information session will also be held in Seoul on Thursday, April 23, 2026, for interested applicants.

The selection process involves several stages: a document review, an on-site inspection, and a presentation review. Final decisions will be made by a certification committee composed of experts from labor, management, government, and the private sector, with results expected to be announced by the end of 2026.

Certified institutions will enjoy a range of benefits for three years. These include the right to use the Excellent Employment Service Provider certification mark under the Minister of Employment and Labor’s name, bonus points in the selection process for MOEL’s private consignment projects, preferential interest rates from commercial banks, exemption from supervision and inspection for one year, and reduced administrative penalties under the Job Security Act. They will also receive priority consideration for participating in key government initiatives like the ‘National Employment Support System’ (a comprehensive job search and support program).

Source: 고용노동부 — Original Article (Korean)