EUAA Accredited sessions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

An EUAA-accredited training module has undergone an official process by an accreditation authority determining that it has met established European standards of quality. In particular, the EUAA Academy has received a license as further and higher education provider from the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority, (license n. 2024-027). Compared with non-accredited modules:

• Accredited training modules are pegged to a level of the European Qualifications Framework and carry a specific value under the European Credits Transfer System (ECTS). In practice it means that every module is considered as a Micro Credential , meaning they are transferable worldwide and can be recognized by other higher education institutions.
• Non-accredited training modules still provide valuable learning content but do not carry the same formal status or recognition.

In short, accreditation provides an additional level of formal recognition, alignment with European standards, and greater comparability across Member States.

The accreditation has been granted to the EUAA Academy in 2024 by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).

No. Not all training modules are accredited. For example, the EUAA’s annual training plan lists modules marked as “Accredited’ and modules that are not marked as such – which should indicate that they are not (yet) accredited. At the same time, some modules and tailor-made training courses are delivered only in a non-accredited mode.

When a training is accredited and delivered as such, this information will be available in the EUAA Training Plan, course description, course title etc.

This depends on different reasons:

• The module is new and still in the process of accreditation.
• The module may not yet have been submitted for accreditation.
• The training may be tailor-made (customised) for specific national contexts or non-standard delivery formats, or may be too short, making accreditation less feasible.

Therefore, non-accredited simply does not mean “less good” in terms of content but means the formal qualification/recognition element has not been applied (yet).

When you register, the module should be clearly labelled as “accredited” in the EUAA Training plan and LMS. If in doubt, you can contact the EUAA Training and Professional Development Centre, to confirm accreditation status.

Check the latest version of the EUAA Annual Training Plan or the Training Catalogue for the module’s accreditation status. These are available on the EUAA Training page here: Training European Union Agency for Asylum

Generally, the registration route is the same for all EUAA modules and involves the Training National Contact Point (TNCP) of your administration.

However, you should carefully check the module conditions. Accredited modules include additional eligibility criteria (entry requirements and pre-requisites) which are linked to prior qualifications (such as having completed high school education or a Bachelor’s degree), as well as previous work experience (such as 6 months experience in a relevant filed) or training followed (including, if applicable, formal recognition of prior learning processes - see EUAA’s Internal Guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning).

You should also ensure you understand the assessment and completion requirements specific to the accredited version of the module.

This is a situation that can be dealt with depending on the specific case. As general rules:

• If you completed a module before it was accredited, the certificate you hold is valid for that version, but it does not automatically convert into the new accredited version. However, we can offer you a type of RPL (recognition of prior learning) process, in line with the EUAA’s Internal Guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning (IG-017-02), in case you prefer to receive the accredited certificate with ECTS.
• You should contact the EUAA training (training@euaa.europa.eu) to see what the best solution for your case is and what process should be followed. This will most likely involve submitting an RPL Application form through your TNCP.

However, the process may depend on the module’s policy, the version you completed, and whether you meet the required criteria for the accredited version.

Benefits include:

• A formal certificate carrying ECTS credits, which may enhance professional credentials, especially for roles in asylum and reception.
• Recognition that the training meets EUAA quality assurance standards and is aligned with European frameworks (e.g., EQF, ESQF for asylum officials).
• Access to advanced modules or pathways (e.g., advanced core modules).
• Potentially improved mobility or mutual recognition across Member States.

Yes — accredited training modules include a formal certificate for those passing the summative assessment (final exam), which includes ECTS credits.

The certificate from an accredited EUAA training session is recognisable worldwide, but national recognition (for formal professional licencing, promotions, etc.) depends on each Member State’s regulatory framework.

It is advisable for learners to verify with their national authority or professional body whether the certificate will carry the expected weight in their context (for compulsory professional development pathways or training, promotion, etc.).

Accredited courses have learning outcomes aligned to job tasks and frameworks (European Sectoral Qualifications Framework for Asylum and Reception Officials—ESQF).

While the structure may be the same, for accredited training, both you as a learner, and EUAA need to carry out additional steps. For example, you will be asked to create or update your learner’s profile, while the training organiser (EUAA) will need to check that you meet certain eligibility requirements, linked to your education, previous training or work experience, to follow that specific course content.

Moreover, other differences regard the presence of contact hours with trainers (applicable for self-paced, fully online modules). These are additional timeslots where trainers are available to provide additional explanations, clarifications and support with the learning material, and any other aspect of their specific course. Also, accredited sessions include summative assessments at the end, with the purpose of verifying that learning outcomes have been met (please, see the specific question on assessments, for more information).

For each accredited training module, EUAA is required to collect specific information about our learners and to check that each learner meets the specific conditions to have access and follow that particular accredited training module.

To support this, we have introduced a profile-completion step that must be completed before you begin your studies. This allows us to verify whether you meet the entry requirements and prerequisites for a given training module.

You can find this activity under “Before the Module Starts” → “Update your profile”.

This activity must be completed before you gain access to the module’s learning content. Please carefully follow the instructions you receive by email from EUAA and respect the deadlines indicated.

For most modules, you will be asked to provide information about your work experience and previous studies. However, for certain modules, you may also be asked to upload supporting documents (such as a Bachelor’s degree or proof of prior training). Please read the instructions for your module carefully, as described in the EUAA Training Catalogue, and contact training@euaa.europa.eu or registrar@euaa.europa.eu if you have any questions.

All processing, storage, and management of your data is carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (also known as the European Data Protection Regulation – EUDPR, or the EU institutions’ GDPR). Data protection notices are available in the LMS, explaining how your data is used, stored, and processed.

Yes — accredited modules include assessments to verify that the learner has achieved the intended learning outcomes. So, learners should expect some form of assessment in an accredited training session (remotely invigilated exams, practical tasks, etc.). The structure and type of assessment for each Module is described both in the module content, as well as in the EUAA Training Catalogue.

Assessments in EUAA training are however not mandatory. This means you do not have an obligation to take the assessment, although we strongly encourage you to do so as a means to verify the achievement of the learning outcomes. You should however check that you are enrolled for the assessment, and notify EUAA in case you cannot sit the assessment.

In the training and learning context, assessments serve two main purposes — formative and summative — and the distinction is important for understanding how accredited courses are evaluated:

• Formative assessment takes place during the learning process. Its purpose is to support learning and provide feedback, rather than to grade performance. Examples include short quizzes, reflection tasks, or trainer feedback on assignments. Formative assessments help learners monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement before the final assessment. The structure and content of formative assessments mirror that of summative assessments. However, unlike summative assessments, formative assessments do not imply a grade awarded by the trainer and your performance, as a learner, in the formative assessment does not determine whether you pass – or not – a module.
• Summative assessment, by contrast, occurs at the end of a module’s learning sequence. It is used to formally evaluate whether the learner has achieved the required learning outcomes. Summative assessments may take different forms – final exams, case study analyses, or competence-based assessments.

In EUAA-accredited training modules, summative assessments are the ones linked to certification and accreditation (i.e., they determine whether a learner passes and receives a certificate or credit). Formative assessments are used to prepare learners for that final evaluation and to enhance learning quality.

The dates of the summative assessments for each module are reflected in the EUAA Annual Training plan.

In case you are following a national accredited training session (meaning a training that is accredited, but is managed by your administration), check with your trainer about the date of the assessment.

You can express your interest in taking an assessment through your Training National Contact Point/Training Focal Point, before or immediately after you are registered for the training. Your Training National Contact Point/Training Focal Point is normally for collecting and forwarding it to the EUAA Training Team for processing.

To view the assessment dates, you can consult the Annual Training Plan through this link: https://euaa.europa.eu/publications/euaa-training-plan.

For any further clarifications or follow-up questions, feel free to contact the Training team directly at training@euaa.europa.eu.

In case you were not initially registered to take the assessment, you started the training, but you change your mind and decide you want to take an assessment, it may still be possible to express your interest and be registered for it, as long as EUAA is notified no later than 15 days (2 weeks) before the assessment date. However, an assessment slot cannot be guaranteed for late registrations, so, reach out to your Training NCP, as well as your trainer or the EUAA team as soon as possible after the start of the online studies.

Yes, there are 2 important requirements:

• Registration: You must be registered for the assessment. As explained in this FAQ, you will see a banner displayed on your course page regarding your assessment registration status
• Completion of training (100%): You must complete 100% of the training before you are eligible to sit the assessment.
  • Self-paced (online-only) training: You must complete all online content, before the deadline indicated for the online studies. No extensions are possible.
  • Blended learning (online + face-to-face/webinar): You must complete both the online component and the face-to-face session or webinar by the deadlines provided by your trainers.

If you do not complete 100% of the training by the specified deadline, you will either not be registered for the assessment or, if you have already been registered, you will be unenrolled from taking the assessment.

If you are already registered for the summative assessment, a banner will be visible on the LMS course homepage confirming your enrolment. A banner will also be visible when you are not registered for the assessment.

If you are uncertain as to whether you were registered to take the summative assessment, please contact your respective Training National Contact Person/Training Focal Point as soon as possible.

You can also consult the Annual Training Plan through this link: https://euaa.europa.eu/publications/euaa-training-plan, to view the assessment dates.

For any further clarifications or follow-up questions, feel free to contact the Training team directly at training@euaa.europa.eu.

Two weeks prior to the assessment, you will receive an email from TestReach with enrolment information and further instructions. These steps should be completed at least 3 days in advance of assessment time. Candidates who do not complete this process 3 days in advance will be considered a no-show and will not be able to take the assessment.

Please be advised that the use of a personal device is recommended for participating in the assessment. If this is not possible, please communicate with your respective IT service in advance to ensure that no restrictions will interfere with the assessment.

Unfortunately, the assessment date is fixed, so it is not possible to take the assessment on an alternative date at this stage. If you are registered to take the assessment, but you are unable to sit for it, inform your trainers/EUAA (training@euaa.europa.eu) and your respective Training National Contact Person (TNCP) as soon as possible, and in all cases before the assessment date. Also, check that the information banner on your course page is updated to correctly indicate if you are - or not - registered to take the assessment.

For guidance on taking the assessment at a future opportunity, you may contact your Training National Contact Person and/or the EUAA Training Team at training@euaa.europa.eu.

You can also refer to the EUAA Annual Training Plan for information on future assessment dates.

If you do not receive any communication at least one week before the summative assessment date, kindly contact your trainer(s) and the eLearning team (elearning@euaa.europa.eu) so they can provide further assistance. It is very important that you follow several preliminary steps before the assessment, which are usually linked with the service provider, Test Reach. These often include installing an application on your device, confirming your assessment slot and becoming familiar with the testing platform.

Please make sure to check your spam or junk folder, as emails including information/instructions about the assessment may occasionally be redirected there.

If you do not sit for the assessment, you will not receive the certificate of achievement. However, you will receive a certificate of attendance provided you fill-in the evaluation form. In case you did not manage to complete the assessment, you can register for the next/upcoming assessment session and this will be considered as a first attempt.

In case you know that you were enrolled to take the summative assessment, but something comes up (a mitigating circumstance or any other reason that prevents you from sitting the assessment on the scheduled date), please notify EUAA as soon as possible (training@euaa.europa.eu) and in all cases, before the assessment date.

Kindly note that, since your registration for EUAA training and assessments is managed through the Training National Contact Point within your administration, you should always also keep them informed of these changes regarding your availability or intention to sit an assessment.

Please note that, as per EUAA’s Mitigating circumstances policy, these include: sickness, major events, such as the death of a close relative, a sudden and unforeseeable increase in workload, (e.g., such as following a humanitarian or national crisis) unforeseeable operational decisions, such as deployment to an alternative duty station or role.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, please inform your Training NCP and the EUAA as soon as you become aware that you will need to withdraw. For most assessments, the EUAA works with an external provider (TestReach) and reserves individual slots for each participant. This has implications for planning, budgeting, and reporting. Therefore, it is essential that we know if you do not intend or are unable to attend an assessment for which you are registered.

Please bear in mind that, under the TQAF (see the “Assessment of learning” section of the Training Quality Assurance Framework published by the EUAA), non-attendance on the day of the assessment, without a prior notification to the EUAA is recorded as a ‘FAIL’ grade.

Weare sorry to hear that you were unable to sit the summative assessment at the end of the training module, or you failed the assessment.

Yes, you have the possibility to take/retake the assessment, by following the steps below:

1. Annually, EUAA provides dedicated weeks when learners can take/retake summative assessments. These are referred to as Content Module Assessments (CMA), which essentially is the same as summative assessments. The Content Module Assessments take place separately from a fully-fledged session on a module (see point 5 below). You will find these in the EUAA annual Training Plan.
2. You should inform your TNCP that you wish to take (or retake) the assessment. In case you did not manage to complete the assessment, you can register for the next/upcoming assessment session and this will be considered as a first attempt.
3. You need to fill in the form available here: RPL Application form and send it to the TNCP.
   • In the form, you need to add: your name, email and institution/country, and mark option ‘3. Content module assessment’, as well as indicate, on the last page, the name of the module you want to take the assessment for.
4. Your TNCP will forward the request including the form to our Registrar’s Office and to the EUAA Secretariat Training Team.
5. Once the request and the form are received and processed, you will receive information about the exact date of the CMA. You will also receive access to the content of the module you are (re)taking the assessment for. If you are taking the summative assessment, you will be asked, as a preliminary step, to verify and confirm your learner profile on LMS several weeks (minimum 6) in advance of the assessment date.

To prepare effectively for an assessment in an accredited module, make sure to review all learning materials provided during the training, including slides, readings, case studies, and any practical exercises. Check the structure of the formative assessment and the formative feedback from the trainer, if applicable.

If your training has a face-to-face component, make sure to ask any questions to the trainers. If your session is self-paced, you can make use for the ‘contact hours’ where you have an option to book a short slot for a guided discussion with a trainer, to answer any questions you have on the content of the module, including on the assessment.

Revisit the learning outcomes of the module, as the assessment is designed to measure your achievement of these outcomes.

Ensure you also understand the logistical information provided (e.g., technical requirements if the assessment is online, timing, and rules). Also, check what information may be shared with you, for example, by the external provided, Test reach (with specifications linked to being in a quiet space, by yourself, downloading specific apps etc.).

If anything is unclear, contact your Training NCP, your trainer for the session, or EUAA Training well in advance. Preparing early and consolidating your understanding throughout the training will give you the best chance of success.

Accredited modules may serve as pre-requisites (foundation) for higher-level accredited modules or even programmes. You may check this information in the EUAA Training Catalogue.

Alternatively, previous learning, completed inside or outside the EUAA context, can also be considered (as per EUAA’s Academy RPL policy). However, the exact requirement will depend on the module in question.