State to Control Private Job Certificates

Starting May 26, institutions or organizations that give occupational certificates are required to register themselves with the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET) and have their registration documents issued, according to the Ministry of Education and Science Technology on Sunday. The new requirement covers certificates for chefs, patissiers, beauticians, care workers for the elderly, and psychological counselors.

The policy is designed to provide accurate information about non-governmental qualifications and protect potential certificate applicants from deceptive or misleading advertisements.

So far, anyone who wishes has been able to create or rescind vocational certificates, rendering it impossible for the government to keep a record of their kind and number. Many have fallen victims to false guarantee of job prospects.

The ministry had the relevant law revised last October to prevent further damage, and put the institute in charge of responsibility of managing private vocational certificates after inviting and screening organizations at the end of April.

All organizations that issue vocational certificates are required to apply for registration during the first registration period from May 26 to June 5 to the institute. The institute will issue certificates of registration after screening out the applications that do not meet the qualifications. The second registration period is Sept. 1-5.

“There is no penalty for organizations that do not register, but those certificates won’t be recognized as state-approved,” said the ministry. “All the organizations that wish their certificates to be state-approved are advised to register themselves during the first period.”

ceric@donga.com