For the first time in Moldova, a new credit transfer system will be implemented in 13 national colleges in the 2013-2014 academic year. The first-year students are able to choose some of the disciplines and teachers. They can also ask for disciplines from other specialties and education institutions. Exams will be taken in all the subjects, IPN reports.

According to Deputy Minister of Education Loretta Handrabura, within the new system the students will have to obligatorily learn a foreign language and to do an information technology course and a communication course. “The credit system will contribute to strengthening external and internal academic mobility,” said the deputy minister. Another novelty is that a student performance rating will be compiled on graduation. It will be written in the supplement to the diploma and will be an indicator that will enable the employer to determine the qualification level of the young specialist.

The credit transfer system for vocational education and training (VET /ECVET) will be piloted in the following institutions: the Financial-Banking College of Chisinau; the National Trade College of the Academy of Economic Studies; the Construction College of Chisinau; the National Winegrowing and Winemaking College of Chisinau; the Technological College of Chisinau; the Polytechnic College of  Chisinau; the Polytechnic College of Balti; the Technical - Railroad College of Balti; the Industrial-Teacher Training College of Cahul; the Agroindustrial College of Taul; the Zootechny and Veterinary Medicine College of Bratuseni; the National College of Medicine and Pharmacy “Raisa Pacalo”, and the Music College “Stefan Neaga” of Chisinau.

According to the Ministry of Education, the implementation of the new credit system is a step towards adjusting the vocational/technical education of Moldova to the European standards.