Higher Professional Training

With the Federal Act on Higher Professional Training (short: HBB Act) having come into force on May 1, 2024, new opportunities are now available for professionals and graduates of initial vocational education and training.

The law establishes the requirements, procedures and quality assurance standards for practice-oriented continuing education programs that build on initial vocational training or professional experience. The qualifications developed under the HBB Act focus on individuals with professional experience.

All new qualifications must address labour market and economic needs and have to include the current developments concerning climate protection and sustainability.

By aligning with the National and European Qualifications Frameworks (NQF/EQF), these qualifications are also internationally comparable. The HBB Act defines the following qualification-levels:

• “Higher Vocational Qualification” (NQF level 5)
• “Professional Diploma” (NQF level 6)
• “Advanced Professional Diploma” (NQF level 7)

The first HBB qualifications are under development. An advisory board consisting of 20 institutions is supporting and advising the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy in implementing the law.

Contact

Vocational Training: hbb@bmaw.gv.at