Portugal shows how short training programes can be built into a broader national qualifications system. Our research looked at three examples in the automotive sector: a post-secondary course in electric and hybrid vehicle mechatronics, a mandatory certification for vehicle air conditioning technicians, and a short modular pathway in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. Together, they show how Portugal supports structured and stackable learning.
The National Qualifications System
Portugal’s qualifications system is coordinated by ANQEP and built around the National Catalogue of Qualifications (CNQ). This catalogue defines qualifications through structured learning units, clear learning outcomes, and qualification levels linked to the National Qualifications Framework.
The system is modular. Qualifications are made up of smaller units that can be completed and certified separately. Learners can build these units over time, keep partial certification, and later continue towards a full qualification.
Two national tools support this system:
- SIGO records training and certificates
- Passaporte Qualifica tracks qualifications and skills over time
Three Automotive Cases
1. Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Mechatronics CET
This is a Level 5 post-secondary qualification for specialist technicians in electric and hybrid vehicle mechatronics. It prepares learners to organise workshop work, supervise maintenance and fault detection, monitor system performance, budget technical interventions, and oversee quality control.
The programme includes:
- 1,400 hours in total
- 1,000 hours of training centre learning
- 400 hours of workplace learning
It is built from competence units and work-based learning modules. Assessment is based on whether learners can demonstrate the required outcomes in practice and theory. The qualification is also stackable, since credits can transfer into Bachelor’s programmes and partial certificates remain recognised across accredited providers.
2. Vehicle Air Conditioning Certification
This is a legally required short certification for technicians working with fluorinated greenhouse gases in vehicle air conditioning systems. It is required under EU rules.
The course includes:
- 12 hours of training
- 1.5 hours of assessment
- certification valid for seven years
It covers safe handling of AC systems, environmental impact, legal requirements, and refrigerant recovery. Assessment includes both theory and practice, with practical assessment carrying significant weight.
This certification is integrated into the national qualifications system as part of a competence unit and functions as a regulated partial qualification.
3. Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Learning Pathway
This is a 30-hour modular pathway made up of four short courses. It moves from a basic introduction to more advanced topics such as safe intervention, diagnosis, and maintenance.
Learners progressively develop skills in:
- identifying electrical and high-voltage risks
- applying safety procedures
- reading electrical schematics
- understanding propulsion systems
- carrying out safe maintenance work
Unlike the air conditioning certification, this pathway is not legally required. Demand comes mainly from employers responding to the growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Quality Assurance and Digital Support
All three cases operate within Portugal’s existing quality assurance system. Training providers must be certified, and some programmes also require authorisation from public bodies depending on the type of training.
Portugal also supports recognition of prior learning through RVCC, which allows people to gain certification for competences acquired through work or life experience.
Digital support is strong at national level. Training and certificates are registered through SIGO, while Passaporte Qualifica provides a digital record of skills and qualifications.
Why the Portuguese Model Matters
Several features make the Portuguese system relevant for micro-credential development:
- It is modular and stackable, so short learning units can build towards larger qualifications.
- It is linked to the national qualifications framework, which gives structure and formal recognition.
- It supports different types of demand, including both legally required certifications and employer-driven training.
- It is nationally standardised, which creates consistency in learning outcomes, assessment, and certification.
Limits of the System
The system still has some limits. It was mainly designed for national use, so cross-border recognition remains limited. Its digital systems are strong for administration, but they do not yet make wide use of formats that support portability across Europe.
The electric and hybrid vehicle pathway also lacks formal regulation, which limits recognition outside employer-led contexts. In addition, the mechatronics CET is still new, so there is not yet enough evidence on learner outcomes or labour market impact.
Conclusion
Portugal shows that a well-structured national qualifications system can support workforce development in a fast-changing automotive sector. The three cases show that longer qualifications, mandatory certifications, and short market-driven courses can all exist within one coherent framework.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.