Get your Skilled Trade Certificate for Free, While Working
- Marion Solheim
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The possibilities for workers within a lot of fields are great in Norway. This is how you get your «on-the-job trade certificate». The Norwegian authorities give unskilled workers the opportunity to obtain a trade certificate while already in paid employment. And – it’s completely free!
-Gaining a trade certificate comes with big rewards, says Bjarte Heggheim. He is the General Manager at NHO Elektro Sogn og Fjordane, Vocational Training in Electrotechnics.
-The trade certificate provides official proof of your skills and shows that you’ve completed a professional education. With it, you’re entitled to the rights of a certified skilled worker. For example proper trade wages and recognition for your expertise, he says.
Tailored Training
You earn a trade certificate (fagbrev) after completing a vocational education program and an apprenticeship in a company. At the end of your training, you must pass a trade exam. Once you successfully complete the exam, you receive your certification.
–Can people from abroad do this too, if they get a job in a Norwegian company?
–Yes, they can! But in most trades, it's important -and usually required- that they know Norwegian, both spoken and written, Bjarte says.
The program is tailored to each individual employee based on their prior formal education. However, there are some general rules, according to Vilbli.no, an official information service for those applying for upper secondary education and training. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
If you have one year of practice in a recognized apprentice trade, you can sign a contract with the county authority and your employer.
Your non-formal competence will be assessed and you can receive differentiated guidance and training at the workplace before sitting for the trade certificate examination.
You are exempted from the common core subjects, but the instruction will have a focus on the basic skills from the Knowledge Promotion curriculum in the work tasks that will be carried out.
The competence requirements in the apprentice subject and for sitting for and passing the trade certificate/journeyman–s certificate examination are the same as for apprentices and training candidates.
Many Trades, Many Opportunities
There are plenty of opportunities to take part in this tailored program, but some industries have a greater need for skilled workers than others.
Becoming an adult apprentice is free. The training company and the Vocational Training Office (Opplæringskontoret) will create a program for you, ensuring you have everything you need to take your trade exam at the end of your apprenticeship.
FAST FACTS: the Vocational Training Offices
The Vocational Training Offices are collaborations between companies to manage the recruitment and follow-up of apprentices. Examples of tasks a training office may perform on behalf of its member companies:
Recruit apprentices
Handle apprenticeship contracts
Provide and ensure the use of documentation tools for apprentices
Register apprentices for their trade exams
Reassign apprentices if needed
Promote trade and industry to ensure future recruitment
Maintain contact with county authorities and other relevant institutions
But What About the Theory Part?
Some studying is required to earn your trade certificate. You’ll take theoretical courses leading up to the VG2 and VG3 exams. Those are organized by the Vocational Training Office, so not to worry. The courses are session-based and integrated into your apprenticeship period in collaboration with your training company. In other words, you get a free education tailored specifically to you.
Your apprenticeship period may be shortened if you have:
Already passed general subjects
Relevant prior experience
A previous trade certificate
Related work experience
For example, a nurse may get a six-month reduction since they have already completed upper secondary education.
Typically, it takes around four to four and a half years to complete the program and earn your trade certificate. All while receiving a salary every month!
–Do you think a lot of people don’t know about this opportunity?
-A lot of people aren’t really familiar with how vocational training works. But if you reach out to a training office, you’ll get the help you need. We also know the local job market really well, Bjarte concludes.
Want to Know More?
For more information, check out these websites about upper secondary education and training:
Good luck on your journey!
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