Decree 138/2026/NĐ-CP Providing Detailed Provisions for Certain Articles of the Labor Law on the Development of Vocational Skills Certificates

DECREE
Detailed provisions for certain articles of the Labor Law on the development of vocational skills

Based on Decree on Government Organization No. 63/2025/QH15;

Based on the Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14;

Based on the Labor Law No. 74/2025/QH15;

In accordance with the proposal of the Minister of Education and Training;

The Government promulgates this Decree to provide detailed provisions for certain articles of the Labor Law concerning the development of vocational skills.

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of application

This Decree provides detailed provisions on the development of vocational skills as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 22; Clause 3, Article 23; Clause 6, Article 24; Clause 4, Article 25; and Clause 2, Article 26 of the Labor Law No. 74/2025/QH15.

Article 2. Applicability

1. National vocational skill assessment organizations; workers as defined in Clause 1, Article 2 of the Labor Law.

2. Employers as defined in Clause 2, Article 3 of the Labor Code.

3. Government agencies, enterprises, organizations, and individuals related to the contents provided for in Article 1 of this Decree.

Article 3. Interpretation of Terms

1. Vocational skills are the ability of workers to perform their work, manifested through the effective application of knowledge, skills, organizational abilities, and occupational attitudes within specific contexts and conditions to achieve job results that meet the requirements of national vocational skill standards and the labor market.

2. The National Skills Qualifications Framework is a framework for classifying levels of vocational skills from Level One to Level Five based on descriptions according to criteria for performing work: nature, degree, scope, situations to be performed; flexibility, application of science, technology, and innovation; coordination and responsibility in the performance of tasks. The name of the National Skills Qualifications Framework is in English as "National Skills Qualifications Framework."

Article 4. Principles of vocational skills development

1. Development of vocational skills must be consistent with the strategy for economic and social development, science and technology, and labor market needs; it should be linked to job restructuring, innovation and creativity, a learning society, and lifelong learning.

2. Ensure an effective mechanism for all relevant parties to actively participate in the development of vocational skills; there must be unified management and close coordination among ministries, agencies at the same level, localities, and relevant parties in the development of vocational skills.

3. Development of vocational skills should be based on the National Skills Qualifications Framework and national vocational skill standards, and it should be linked to recruitment, effective use of labor and resources for skill development; ensure reference capability and mutual recognition of national vocational skill certificates between Vietnam and other countries.

4. Ensure the timeliness, flexibility, connectivity, and coordinated integration between training - skills - employment in line with the labor market and regional and international standards on vocational skills.

5. Ensure equal and transparent access opportunities for workers, especially vulnerable groups, in the development of vocational skills.

6. Mobilize and effectively use resources from the State, enterprises, and society; apply science, technology, digital transformation, and data utilization to serve the content of skill development and assessment, issuance of national vocational skill certificates.

Article 5. Assurance of the Participation of Relevant Parties in Skill Development

1. The relevant parties involved in skill development for workers include subjects directly or indirectly participating in the implementation of the content specified in Clause 1, Article 22 of the Labor Law, including:

a) Central and local authorities responsible for skill development;

b) Workers;

c) Employers;

d) Organizations representing the interests of workers and employers;

e) Vocational education institutions, higher education institutions;

f) Other organizations or individuals related to skill development.

2. The participation of relevant parties shall be carried out in accordance with the following principles:

a) Creativity, transparency, accountability, and explanation for actions;

b) Ensuring the central role of employers in determining the skills needs; developing, updating, and applying national skill standards;

c) Linking to labor market demands, data on skills, and requirements of production and business activities;

d) Mobilizing participation of vocational organizations, industry associations, experts, enterprises through a social mechanism and voluntary cooperation mechanism.

3. The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide the coordination mechanism including forms, methods, and responsibilities of relevant parties participating in skill development as provided for in this Decree.

Article 6. Resources for Skill Development

1. The State allocates resources to implement policies and strategies on skill development. Encourages domestic and foreign organizations, individuals, and enterprises to allocate resources for investment in skill development.

2. Resources for skill development include financial resources and other resources.

3. Financial resources:

a) State budget support for training, upgrading of vocational skills, and supporting the evaluation and issuance of national vocational skill certificates as provided for in Clause 3, Article 22 of the Labor Law;

b) The State prioritizes, encourages investment, supports, upgrades physical infrastructure, equipment, technology, and training for evaluators of national vocational skills to other national vocational skill assessment organizations;

c) Revenue from evaluation and issuance of national vocational skill certificates and other lawful financial resources.

4. Other resources:

a) Human resource resources including: trainees and workers; expert, master craftsman, technical staff, teachers, civil servants, and employees engaged in skill development work, including the national vocational skills evaluator team; the national vocational skill standard development and validation team; the national vocational skills assessment tool compilation and construction team, and relevant entities related to skill development;

b) Physical and technical resources including infrastructure, equipment used for training, upgrading of vocational skills, and organizing evaluations and issuing national vocational skill certificates to workers;

c) Information, data, and technology resources including information on workers with national vocational skill certificates; training needs, upgrading of vocational skills for workers; national vocational assessment organization system; workers participating in training, upgrading of vocational skills, evaluation, and issuance of national vocational skill certificates.

**制定详细安置计划**：根据分流人员的具体情况，制定详细的安置方案，明确安置岗位、薪酬待遇等。

**提供职业培训支持**：为分流人员提供必要的职业技能培训，帮助他们提升就业竞争力。

**加强心理辅导和支持**：针对分流人员可能产生的焦虑和不安情绪，提供专业的心理咨询服务。

**建立沟通机制**：与分流人员保持定期沟通，了解他们的需求和困难，及时解决相关问题。

c) Safeguard the rights and lawful interests of workers;

d) Involve and accompany employers, vocational education institutions, higher education institutions, professional associations, and relevant parties;

d) Be transparent, objective, fair in organizing training, vocational skills enhancement and improvement, and evaluating results.

2. Content of training, vocational skills enhancement and improvement for workers:

a) Training, vocational skills enhancement and improvement for workers participating in national occupational skill assessment and certification; upgrading the national occupational skill level according to the national occupational skill standards;

b) Supplementing missing skills for workers to meet production and business activity requirements and labor market needs.

3. The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide on the methods, forms, and organization of training, vocational skills enhancement and improvement as provided in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article.

Chapter II NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL SKILL FRAMEWORK AND NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL SKILL STANDARDS

Article 8. National Occupational Skill Framework

1. The purpose of the National Occupational Skill Framework:

a) To classify and describe occupational skill levels as a basis for developing, updating, and applying national occupational skill standards; organizing assessment, certification, and issuance of national occupational skill certificates;

b) To support training, vocational skills enhancement and improvement, career development, and lifelong learning for workers;

c) To standardize the occupational skill levels of the labor force by region, country; ensure uniformity, transparency in the requirements of occupational skills across industries, occupations, regions, and economic zones; serve statistical analysis, evaluation of human resource structure and quality at each occupational skill level;

d) To provide a basis for forecasting demand and trends in occupational skills at each level; analyze and adjust the human resource structure by occupational skill levels; support employment policy planning, strategies, and national human resource development plans;

d) To serve as a reference, comparison, and mutual recognition of occupational skill levels between Vietnam and other countries; support labor mobility, recognition of workers' vocational skills abroad, and foreign workers' vocational skills in Vietnam;

f) To provide a basis for分流人员的安置和管理，确保其合法权益得到保障。具体措施包括：

g) To serve as a basis for分流学习人员进入与其能力、专长和劳动力市场需求相匹配的技能培训项目；提供职业咨询和支持，帮助制定个人职业发展规划给学员及劳动者；

h) Assist workers in proactively establishing a career skill advancement pathway according to each level of proficiency, meeting the needs of lifelong learning.

2. The levels of the National Occupational Skill Standards Framework are described in Appendix I attached to this Decree.

Article 9. Purpose of the National Occupational Skill Standard

1. To serve as a legal basis for the development and enhancement of national occupational skill assessment tools to recognize and issue national occupational skill certificates for each occupation and level of occupational skill proficiency.

2. To provide a reference base when developing training program standards and curricula.

3. To serve as a reference, comparison, and mutual recognition basis for the national occupational skill standard and national occupational skill certificate between Vietnam and other countries.

4. To serve as a legal basis to determine occupations, jobs, and levels of occupational skill proficiency that directly affect the safety and health of workers or the community, requiring a national occupational skill certificate in accordance with the provisions of the law; to support the development, issuance, and updating of the list of occupations, jobs, and levels of occupational skill proficiency that require a national occupational skill certificate.

Article 10. Structure of the National Occupational Skill Standard

The structure of the national occupational skill standard for an occupation includes the following basic components:

1. Description of the occupation.

2. List of competency units including fundamental competencies; general competencies and professional competencies.

3. Description of competency units.

4. Conditions to ensure physical infrastructure, equipment, and other conditions.

Article 11. Principles for the Development, Update, Review, and Publication of the National Occupational Skill Standard

1. The national occupational skill standard is developed according to the list of occupations in Vietnam, the list of industries, economic activities under the Vietnamese economic classification system issued by the Prime Minister; market labor demand requirements, practical requirements for production, business, and service operations; and the list of occupations directly affecting worker or community safety and health that require a national occupational skill certificate as stipulated in this Decree.

2. The national occupational skill standard is developed for each level of the National Occupational Skill Framework for each occupation. The number of levels of occupational skill proficiency depends on the complexity of each occupation.

3. Ensuring scientific, feasible, and practical alignment with production, business, service operations, and economic-social development requirements and labor market demands.

4. Ensuring the participation of relevant parties in the process of developing, updating, reviewing, and publishing the national occupational skill standard.

5. Ensuring interconnectivity and international integration; having the capability to reference, compare, and mutually recognize standards between countries, regions, and internationally.

6. Being reviewed, updated, and adjusted at least once every five years or when there are practical production, technology, labor organization, labor market, and international integration requirements.

7. Ensuring transparency and openness in the review and publication of the national occupational skill standard.

Article 12. Development, Review, and Publication of the National Occupational Skill Standard

1. The Minister of Home Affairs decides on the list of occupations requiring the development of a national occupational skill standard annually.

2. For occupations in the list of occupations and jobs directly affecting worker or community safety and health that require a national occupational skill certificate, the Ministry of Home Affairs shall take the lead in organizing the development, review, and publication of the national occupational skill standard for each occupation.

3. For other occupations, ministries, agencies, enterprises, associations, educational institutions develop the national occupational skill standard and request the Ministry of Home Affairs to review and publish it.

4. The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide the process of developing, updating, reviewing, and publishing the national occupational skill standard; and provide guidance on the use and application of the national occupational skill standard.

Chapter III CONDITIONS, DOCUMENTATION, PROCEDURE, AND REGULATIONS FOR ISSUANCE OF NATIONAL SKILL ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE TO ORGANIZATIONS CONDUCTING NATIONAL SKILL ASSESSMENTS

Article 13 Conditions for Issuing National Skill Assessment Certificate

1. An organization shall be issued a national skill assessment certificate if it meets the following conditions:

a) It is an entity with legal personality; its functions, duties, or business registration are compatible with the profession for which it proposes to conduct national skill assessments;

b) It has physical facilities (specialized rooms, technical equipment and buildings, workshops, premises) and tools (machinery, equipment, tools, instruments, and measuring devices) in accordance with the list of physical facilities and equipment for national skill assessment for each profession as stipulated by one of the competent authorities under Article 7 of Decree No. 143/2025/QH15 on Investment, ensuring adequacy corresponding to the number of participants in a single knowledge test or certification issuance (hereinafter referred to as "participants") at a skill level for practical work and safety procedures and occupational hygiene assessment;

c) It has a system of image and audio monitoring equipment connected through the Internet, ensuring real-time monitoring and recording of the entire process of knowledge tests and practical work assessments;

d) It maintains an electronic information platform enabling participants to register for national skill assessments online;

d) It employs at least three individuals who meet the criteria for national skill assessment evaluators as specified in Article 14 of this Decree.

2. The conditions stipulated in points b, c, and d of paragraph 1 must be met at the time of application for issuance of a national skill assessment certificate or are reflected in a feasible plan for conducting national skill assessments that has been approved by the competent supervisory authority to ensure review by the authority specified under Article 15.

3. An organization conducting national skill assessments issued under paragraph 2 must be subject to pre-assessment and on-site monitoring as per point b of paragraph 1 of Article 19 of this Decree.

Article 14 Criteria for National Skill Assessment Evaluators

1. Criteria for Level 1 National Skill Assessment Evaluators.
A person who is fully capable of civil conduct, has completed the national skill assessment evaluation training course and meets one of the following conditions:

a) Recognized as a national master craftsman in the corresponding profession;

b) Holds a national skill certification at level 3 or above for that profession or currently holds a senior technician, engineer, senior engineer position or equivalent professional title within the profession being assessed;

c) Holds a national skill certification at level 2 and has at least two years of practical experience in the profession since obtaining such certification;

d) Has graduated from a college-level program or higher related to the profession and has at least two years of work experience in the profession since graduation, currently teaching at a secondary school level or above or working in an enterprise, production facility, business, or service related to the profession being assessed.

2. Criteria for National Skill Assessment Evaluators from Level 1 to Level 2.
A person who is fully capable of civil conduct, has completed the national skill assessment evaluation training course and meets one of the following conditions:

a) Recognized as a national master craftsman in the corresponding profession;

b) Holds a national skill certification at level 3 or above for that profession or currently holds a senior technician, engineer, senior engineer position or equivalent professional title within the profession being assessed;

c) Holds a national skill certification at level 2 and has at least five years of practical experience in the profession since obtaining such certification;

d) Has graduated from a college-level program or higher related to the profession and has at least five years of work experience in the profession since graduation, currently teaching at a secondary school level or above or working in an enterprise, production facility, business, or service related to the profession being assessed.

3. Criteria for National Skill Assessment Evaluators from Level 1 to Level 3.
A person who is fully capable of civil conduct, has completed the national skill assessment evaluation training course and meets one of the following conditions:

a) Recognized as a national master craftsman in the corresponding profession;

b) Holds a national skill certification at level 4 or above for that profession or currently holds an engineer, senior engineer position or equivalent professional title within the profession being assessed;

c) Holds a national skill certification at level 3 and has at least two years of practical experience in the profession since obtaining such certification;

d) Has graduated from a university-level program or higher related to the profession and has at least five years of work experience in the profession since graduation, currently teaching at a college level or above or working in an enterprise, production facility, business, or service related to the profession being assessed in a management or supervisory position.

4. Criteria for National Skill Assessment Evaluators from Level 1 to Level 4.
A person who is fully capable of civil conduct, has completed the national skill assessment evaluation training course and meets one of the following conditions:

a) Holds a national skill certification at level 5 for that profession or currently holds an engineer, senior engineer position or equivalent professional title within the profession being assessed.

b) Possesses a national vocational skill certificate at level 4 and at least three years of practical experience in the profession from the date such national vocational skill certificate was issued;

c) Has graduated with a bachelor's degree or higher in a field corresponding to the profession and has at least ten years of work experience in the profession from the date of graduation, currently teaching at a level above college or working at an enterprise, production facility, business, or service related to the profession holding a management or supervisory position.

5. National vocational skill assessor standards for levels one through five of the vocational skill level.
A person who has full civil conduct capacity, completes the national vocational skill assessment business training course and meets any of the following conditions:

a) Possesses a national vocational skill certificate at level 5 and at least three years of practical experience in the profession from the date such national vocational skill certificate was issued;

b) Has graduated with a bachelor's degree or higher in a field corresponding to the profession and has at least fifteen years of work experience in the profession from the date of graduation, currently teaching at a level above college or working at an enterprise, production facility, business, or service related to the profession holding a management or supervisory position.

6. The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide the development, compilation, updating, and revision of the national vocational skill assessment business training program curriculum. Compile training materials for the national vocational skill assessment business.

7. The People's Committee at the provincial level shall be responsible for organizing the national vocational skill assessment business training according to the program and materials developed and compiled in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 6 of this Article.

8. The People's Committee at the provincial level decides on the delegation or authorization of the performance of the duties, powers stipulated in paragraph 7 of this Article in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Organization of Local Administrative Bodies No. 72/2025/QH15.

Article 15. Application for, and Reissuance of, National Vocational Skill Assessment Business License

1. The application for, and reissuance of, a national vocational skill assessment business license (hereinafter referred to as the "license") shall consist of one set:

a) For the issuance of a license.
A request for issuance of a license in accordance with Form No. 02B attached as Appendix II to this Decree.
Documentation demonstrating compliance with the conditions stipulated in Article 13 of this Decree, including: a description of the declaration, physical infrastructure, equipment, monitoring system, information platform, and national vocational skill assessor team according to Form No. 02D and 02E attached as Appendix II to this Decree or a feasible business plan for conducting national vocational skill assessment activities that has been approved in accordance with authority;

b) For the reissuance of a license.
In cases where there is a change, addition to the name of the profession, level of vocational skill, or change in the name and address of the main office of the national vocational skill assessment organization on the issued license, or in case of merger with another organization, or if the license is no longer intact or lost, the application for reissuance of a license shall consist of one set:
A request for reissuance of a license in accordance with Form No. 02C attached as Appendix II to this Decree;
Documentation related to changes and additions to the name of the profession, level of vocational skill, or change in the name and address of the main office of the national vocational skill assessment organization on the issued license, including: a description of the declaration, physical infrastructure, equipment, monitoring system, information platform, and national vocational skill assessor team according to Form No. 02D and 02E attached as Appendix II to this Decree or a feasible business plan for conducting national vocational skill assessment activities that has been approved in accordance with authority.

2. Authority for issuance and reissuance of the license.
The People's Committee at the provincial level is the competent authority for issuing and reissuing licenses; the People's Committee at the provincial level decides on the delegation or authorization of the performance of the duties, powers stipulated in this paragraph in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Organization of Local Administrative Bodies No. 72/2025/QH15.

3. Procedures and processes for issuance and reissuance of the license.

a) An organization that requires issuance or reissuance of a license shall prepare an application in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article and submit it to the competent authority specified in paragraph 2 of this Article using one of the following methods: directly at the One-Stop Service Window, through postal services, or online on the National E-Government Portal according to regulations;

b) Within ten working days from the date of receipt of a complete application as required, the competent authority shall be responsible for reviewing the application and issuing or reissuing the license in accordance with Form No. 02A attached as Appendix II to this Decree.
In cases where issuance or reissuance is not granted, written notification must be provided along with the reasons;

c) The result of the administrative procedure shall be communicated using methods prescribed by law on the implementation of administrative procedures under a one-stop service and inter-agency coordination mechanism;

d) Within three working days from the date of issuance of the license, the competent authority shall publicly disclose the license on the agency's electronic information platform.

Article 16. Revocation of Certification

1. The national vocational skills assessment organization shall have its certification revoked in the following cases:
a) Fabricating content in the application to obtain the certification;

b) Engaging in actions that interfere with or distort the results of knowledge and practical examination for participants;

c) Fabricating the results of knowledge and practical examinations for non-participants, or requesting issuance of national vocational skills certificate for non-participants;

d) Failing to conduct national vocational skills assessment activities for a continuous period of 24 months from the date of certification issuance when all conditions for organizing such assessments are met according to legal provisions;

d) The organization that has been certified has submitted a document indicating it no longer requires the national vocational skills assessment activity; due to functional, mission, or organizational restructuring leading to non-compliance with the conditions for conducting national vocational skills assessment activities, or other objective reasons preventing continued maintenance of operational conditions;

e) Being dissolved, liquidated, or ceasing operations in accordance with legal provisions. In cases where only one or some occupations are affected, the revocation shall be limited to the corresponding scope of national vocational skills assessment activities.

2. Within ten working days from the date of conclusion by the competent authority regarding violations under points a, b, and c of paragraph 1 of this Article, the competent certification issuing authority shall decide on the revocation of the issued certification.

3. For cases under points d and e of paragraph 1 of this Article, the competent certification issuing authority shall decide on the revocation based on the results of inspections and reviews by the national vocational skills assessment management agency.

4. Within seven working days from the issuance of the revocation decision, the competent certification issuing authority shall publicly announce the revocation decision on the official website of the agency.

5. The national vocational skills assessment organization shall be responsible for resolving rights and obligations related to organizations and individuals affected by the revocation of its certification.

Article 17. Rights and Obligations of National Vocational Skills Assessment Organizations

1. Rights of the national vocational skills assessment organization:

a) To conduct trial tests for knowledge examination questions and practical evaluation tasks used in previous national vocational skills assessments at the request of workers;

b) To establish connections with other organizations as provided by law to ensure physical infrastructure and equipment conditions necessary for conducting national vocational skills assessments for participants;

c) To lease tools, equipment, and purchase materials, raw materials, and fuel for use by participants when implementing practical evaluation tasks at market-based prices;

d) To participate in international cooperation activities related to assessment and certification of national vocational skills according to legal provisions;

d) To charge fees for services specified under points a, b, c of paragraph 1 of this Article and other national vocational skills assessment services as provided by Paragraph 2 of Article 25 of the Employment Law;

e) To organize training and enhancement of vocational skill levels in accordance with provisions of Article 7 of this Decree and other conditions for educational activities applicable to teachers and lecturers according to the Vocational Education Law.

2. Obligations of the national vocational skills assessment organization.

To conduct national vocational skills assessments in accordance with the procedures specified in Article 19 of this Decree.
To conduct national occupational skill assessments in accordance with the procedures specified in Article 19 of this Decree.

Chapter IV ASSESSMENT AND ISSUANCE OF NATIONAL SKILL CERTIFICATE

Section 1 ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL SKILL LEVELS

Article 18 Tool Kit for Assessing National Skill Levels

1. The tool kit for assessing national skill levels is a document used to evaluate and measure the degree of compliance with the requirements in the national occupational standard for workers, including: question bank for knowledge tests, practice evaluation bank according to each level of occupational skill grade for each occupation; test paper for knowledge, practical assessment paper; list of facilities, equipment, tools for assessing occupational skills for each level of occupational skill grade.

2. Compilation principles:

a) Based on the published national occupational standards, the Ministry of Home Affairs organizes the compilation of the tool kit for assessing national skill levels; establishes and manages the evaluation criteria for national skill levels, providing them to organizations responsible for assessing national skills for use in national skill assessment periods;

b) The tool kit for assessing national skill levels is updated and adjusted to be consistent with practical experience and according to the requirements of reviewing, supplementing, and updating the national occupational standards for the occupation being compiled.

3. The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide the procedures for compiling the tool kit for assessing national skill levels; management, use of the tool kit for assessing national skill levels, and provision of evaluation criteria to organizations responsible for assessing national skills.

Article 19 Procedure for Conducting National Skill Level Assessment

1. Organizations responsible for assessing national skill levels shall conduct national skill level assessments in accordance with the following steps:

a) Develop plans and prepare conditions for organizing national skill assessment periods;

b) Establish an examination board, coordinate to perform tasks with the inspection team established by the provincial people's committee;

c) Conduct knowledge test evaluation, practical work skills evaluation, and safety and hygiene procedures of participants according to each level of occupational skill grade for each occupation;

d) Summarize results of knowledge test scores, practical assessment scores;

e) Recognize the results of the assessment.

2. The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide paragraph 1 of this Article.

3. The provincial people's committee decides on the delegation or authorization to perform tasks and powers specified in point b, paragraph 1 of this Article according to the provisions of the Law on Organization of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15.

Article 20 Method for Conducting National Skill Level Assessment

1. The national skill level assessment is organized periodically throughout the year in accordance with the schedule announced by the provincial people's committee in December of the previous year, as follows:

a) For occupational skill levels from grade 3 and above, four periods are organized annually;

b) For occupational skill levels grades 1 and 2, multiple periods are organized throughout the year.

2. Knowledge test evaluation is conducted through test papers according to one of the following forms:

a) Multiple choice;

b) Essay;

c) A combination of the forms specified in points a and b of this paragraph.

3. Practical work skills assessment and adherence to safety and hygiene procedures are conducted through practice evaluation papers according to one of the following forms:

a) Operation on equipment, tools;

b) Working on paper to handle and resolve situations;

c) A combination of the forms specified in points a and b of this paragraph.

4. The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of this Article.

5. The provincial people's committee decides on the delegation or authorization to perform tasks and powers specified in paragraph 1 of this Article according to the provisions of the Law on Organization of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15.

Article 21. Conditions for Registration to Participate in National Vocational Skills Appraisal at Various Skill Levels

1. All workers who have the desire shall be entitled to participate in the national vocational skills appraisal at the level one skill level of a trade.

2. To be eligible to participate in the national vocational skills appraisal at the level two skill level of a trade, the worker must meet any of the following conditions:

a) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level one or an equivalent basic certification for the trade and have at least two years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate was obtained;

b) Have completed the secondary vocational education program, intermediate-level (secondary vocational, professional secondary, vocational qualification, technical worker) corresponding to the trade being participated in;

c) Have at least three years of work experience in the trade.

3. To be eligible to participate in the national vocational skills appraisal at the level three skill level of a trade, the worker must meet any of the following conditions:

a) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level two or an intermediate-level (secondary vocational, professional secondary, vocational qualification, technical worker) graduation corresponding to the trade being participated in and have at least two years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate or graduation was obtained;

b) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level one or an equivalent basic certification for the trade and have at least five years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate was obtained;

c) Have completed the higher secondary education program corresponding to the trade being participated in;

d) Have at least six years of work experience in the trade.

4. To be eligible to participate in the national vocational skills appraisal at the level four skill level of a trade, the worker must meet any of the following conditions:

a) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level three or an equivalent higher secondary education graduation corresponding to the trade being participated in and have at least three years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate or graduation was obtained;

b) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level two or an intermediate-level (secondary vocational, professional secondary, vocational qualification, technical worker) graduation corresponding to the trade being participated in and have at least six years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate or graduation was obtained;

c) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level one or an equivalent basic certification for the trade and have at least nine years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate was obtained;

d) Have completed the higher education program corresponding to the trade being participated in;

d) Have at least ten years of work experience in the trade.

5. To be eligible to participate in the national vocational skills appraisal at the level five skill level of a trade, the worker must meet any of the following conditions:

a) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level four or an equivalent higher education graduation corresponding to the trade being participated in and have at least five years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate or graduation was obtained;

b) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level three or an intermediate-level (secondary vocational, professional secondary, vocational qualification, technical worker) graduation corresponding to the trade being participated in and have at least nine years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate or graduation was obtained;

c) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level two or an equivalent intermediate-level (secondary vocational, professional secondary, vocational qualification, technical worker) graduation corresponding to the trade being participated in and have at least twelve years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate or graduation was obtained;

d) Hold a national vocational skills certificate at level one or an equivalent basic certification for the trade and have at least fourteen years of work experience in the trade from when such certificate was obtained;

d) Have at least fifteen years of work experience in the trade.

6. The period of work experience in a trade is determined through a labor contract, an employment verification document issued by the employer, or other legal documents that prove the worker's professional practice.

7. Conditions for recognition of equivalence or exemption from national vocational skills appraisal.

a) A worker who wins a medal or an excellent vocational skills certificate at a World Skills Competition or an ASEAN Skills Competition is recognized as equivalent to level three in the national skill level and is exempted from performing practical test when participating in the national vocational skills appraisal at level four for the corresponding trade;

b) A worker who wins an excellent vocational skills certificate at an ASEAN Skills Competition, an Asian Skills Competition, or a first, second, or third place medal (prize) at a national vocational skills competition is recognized as equivalent to level two in the national skill level and is exempted from performing practical test when participating in the national vocational skills appraisal at level three for the corresponding trade;

c) The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide the examination of recognition of equivalence or exemption from national vocational skills appraisal mentioned in points a and b of this paragraph.

Part 2 CERTIFICATE OF NATIONAL SKILL QUALIFICATION

Article 22 Application, Procedure, and Process for Issuance and Reissuance of National Skill Qualification Certificate

1. The national skill qualification certificate consists of five types classified according to five levels from level 1 to level 5 corresponding to the five levels of skill proficiency in the National Occupational Competence Framework, as follows:

a) Level 1 National Skill Qualification Certificate;

b) Level 2 National Skill Qualification Certificate;

c) Level 3 National Skill Qualification Certificate;

d) Level 4 National Skill Qualification Certificate;

e) Level 5 National Skill Qualification Certificate.

2. The application for issuance and reissuance of the national skill qualification certificate is one set,
including:

a) For the application for issuance of the national skill qualification certificate.
Application document in accordance with Form No. 04B attached to this Decree as Annex IV.
Decision recognizing the evaluation results from the national vocational skills assessment organization, accompanied by a summary of test scores for theoretical and practical assessments of the worker undergoing the evaluation and issuance of the national skill qualification certificate.
List of applicants who meet the requirements for issuance of the national skill qualification certificate in accordance with Form No. 04C attached to this Decree as Annex IV;

b) For the application for reissuance of the national skill qualification certificate.
In cases where an individual requests modification of certain contents recorded on the issued certificate or due to the loss or damage of the issued certificate, the application for reissuance includes:
Application form for reissuance of the national skill qualification certificate in accordance with Form No. 04D attached to this Decree as Annex IV;
Relevant supporting documents in cases where certain contents recorded on the issued certificate are requested to be modified.

3. The procedure, process, and authority for issuance and reissuance of the national skill qualification certificate.

a) Authority for issuance and reissuance of the national skill qualification certificate.
People's Committee at the provincial level is the authority responsible for issuing and reissuing the national skill qualification certificate.
The People's Committee at the provincial level decides on the delegation or authorization to issue and reissue the national skill qualification certificate in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Organization of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15;

b) Individuals or organizations requesting issuance and reissuance of the national skill qualification certificate shall prepare a set of documents in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of this Article and submit it to the competent authority responsible for issuing and reissuing the national skill qualification certificate using one of the following methods:
directly at the One-Stop Service Window, through postal services or online on the National E-Government Portal as per regulations;

c) Within ten working days from the date of receipt of the application, the competent authority responsible for issuing and reissuing the national skill qualification certificate shall be responsible for reviewing the application and deciding whether to issue or reissue the certificate in accordance with Form No. 04A attached to this Decree as Annex IV; if not issued, a written response must be provided along with the reasons;

d) The result of the administrative procedure is delivered using methods prescribed by the law on implementing administrative procedures under the one-stop service and inter-agency coordination mechanisms;

e) Within three working days from the date of issuance of the national skill qualification certificate, the competent authority responsible for issuing and reissuing the national skill qualification certificate shall notify on its electronic information platform the list of persons issued with the certificate and submit a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs for monitoring and management.

4. The issuance, management, storage, and retrieval of the national skill qualification certificate are carried out in an electronic environment according to the roadmap for digital transformation; applying digital signatures and certificates as prescribed by the law on electronic transactions and storage. National skill qualification certificates issued in electronic form have legal validity equivalent to those issued in paper form.

Article 23. Revocation of National Vocational Skills Certificate

1. A national vocational skills certificate issued shall be revoked in the following cases:

a) Fraudulent declaration content in the application for issuance or renewal of the national vocational skills certificate;

b) Forgery of documents, papers included in the application for issuance or renewal of the national vocational skills certificate.

2. Within three working days from the date of the conclusion by an authorized body regarding the violation as provided in Clause 1 of this Article, the authorized body that issues the national vocational skills certificate shall issue a decision to revoke the issued national vocational skills certificate.

Article 24. Recognition and Mutual Acknowledgment of National Vocational Skills Certificate between Vietnam and Other Countries

1. General Principles:

a) Ensuring compliance with Vietnamese law, international treaties in which Vietnam is a party, and international agreements signed or participated by Vietnam;

b) Ensuring equality, transparency, and mutual respect between Vietnam and other countries participating in the recognition and acknowledgment process;

c) Safeguarding the rights and legitimate interests of workers, employers, and relevant parties; without harming national defense, security, public order, social safety, national interests, or ethnic interests;

d) Ensuring harmony with the National Vocational Skills Framework and having the capability to reference and compare with the vocational skills framework, standards of vocational skills of other countries, regions, and internationally.

2. Reference Basis and Content of Mutual Recognition and Acknowledgment.

a) The mutual recognition and acknowledgment are carried out based on the comparison between Vietnam's National Vocational Skills Framework with the vocational skills framework or national capability standards of another country for the occupation being considered for recognition and acknowledgment;

b) The mutual recognition and acknowledgment are conducted through reference, harmonization, or equivalent evaluation methods between Vietnam's National Vocational Skills Framework with the vocational skills or occupational standards of another country for the occupation under consideration;

c) The content of mutual recognition and acknowledgment includes scope, legal value, duration of recognition; rights, obligations of workers, employers, and authorized bodies.

3. Authority and Procedure for Negotiation and Signing.

a) Bilateral or multilateral agreements between the Government of Vietnam or the Ministry of Home Affairs with the competent authority of another country;

b) Participation and implementation of mutual recognition and acknowledgment agreements in ASEAN (ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement - MRA) or similar mechanisms where Vietnam is a member;

c) In cases without international agreements, the Ministry of Home Affairs shall take the lead in coordinating with relevant agencies to present to the competent authority for the recognition and acknowledgment of national vocational skills certificates between Vietnam and other countries.

4. Procedures, Formalities for Recognition and Acknowledgment of National Vocational Skills Certificate between Vietnam and Other Countries.

a) Application documents for recognition and acknowledgment include:
A request document for the recognition and acknowledgment of national vocational skills certificate in the format prescribed by Model 07A Appendix VII attached to this Decree;
An electronic copy with authentication of the national vocational skills certificate or equivalent document as per regulations;
A certified translation into Vietnamese;

b) Procedures for recognition and acknowledgment of national vocational skills certificates. Individuals holding a national vocational skills certificate issued by foreign authorities who wish to be recognized in Vietnam submit their application documents to the Ministry of Home Affairs through one of the following methods: directly at the One-Stop Service, via postal services or online on the National E-Government Portal as per regulations;

c) Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the complete application documents as provided in point a of this clause, the Ministry of Home Affairs shall be responsible for reviewing the application and recognizing or acknowledging the national vocational skills certificate according to Model No. 07B Appendix VII attached to this Decree; if not recognized or acknowledged, it must respond in writing with reasons;

d) The result of administrative procedure handling is carried out through methods as per the law on implementing administrative procedures under a single window and inter-agency coordination mechanism;

d) Within three working days from the date of recognition or acknowledgment of the national vocational skills certificate, the Ministry of Home Affairs must notify on its electronic information portal the information about the recognition or acknowledgment of the national vocational skills certificate or in the national database system for evaluation; issue a national vocational skills certificate (if applicable);

e) The Ministry of Home Affairs shall report periodically annually or ex tempore to other countries on the recognition and acknowledgment of national vocational skills certificates.

Article 25. Rights of Individuals Holding a National Vocational Skills Certificate

1. Shall be given priority consideration for recruitment, placement, and employment in positions suitable to their trade and vocational skill level as specified by law.

2. Shall be eligible for salary, wage, remuneration, salary adjustment, grade advancement, allowances, subsidies, and other benefits according to the job or position corresponding to their recognized vocational skill level as stipulated by labor laws, collective labor contract agreements between employers and employees in accordance with relevant legal provisions.

3. Shall be eligible for recognition of capability, priority consideration for recruitment, placement, salary adjustment, allowances, subsidies, and career advancement when holding a higher-level national vocational skills certificate.

4. Shall be given priority and provided opportunities to participate in training and skill enhancement programs.

5. Shall be recognized with credits or exempted from certain courses in vocational education and university programs as decided by the head of the vocational or higher education institution; shall have the opportunity to participate in bridging and conversion programs for further studies, skill enhancement, consistent with professional requirements or vocational skill levels within the National Vocational Skill Framework as stipulated by law.

6. Individuals who excel in a national vocational skills certificate may be considered, honored, and awarded according to legal provisions.

7. Shall be given priority for job placement assistance and labor supply connection through employment service systems.

8. Shall be eligible for mutual recognition of national vocational skills certificates issued under this Decree between Vietnam and other countries or regions as stipulated by law.

Chapter V SUPPORT FOR LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL VOCATIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION, AND SUPPORT FOR LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN TRAINING AND SKILL ENHANCEMENT

Section 1 SUPPORT FOR LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL VOCATIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION

Article 26. Content and Level of Support for Participation in National Vocational Skills Assessment and Certification

1. Labor force members belonging to any of the categories specified in Clause 3, Article 22 of the Employment Law are eligible for support in participating in national vocational skills assessment and certification, including:

a) Support for application or reissuance of national vocational skills certificates, with a maximum support amount of 300,000 VND per person per instance;

b) Support for meal and living expenses during the actual participation in national vocational skills assessment, at a rate of 50,000 VND per person per day;

c) Support for travel expenses from their current residence to the location of the national vocational skills assessment based on the following rates: 200,000 VND per person one-way and return trip for labor force members residing more than 15 km away from the assessment site; 300,000 VND per person one-way and return trip for labor force members residing in areas with special economic and social difficulties located more than 5 km away from the assessment site;

d) Support for service fees related to participation in national vocational skills assessment at actual charges of the national vocational skills assessment organization, with a maximum support amount of 4,000,000 VND per person per instance according to each level of national vocational skill certification for each trade.

2. The cost of supporting labor force participation in national vocational skills assessment is allocated from the state budget based on current budgetary allocation, with support costs from organizations, individuals, enterprises, and other legal sources of funding. In cases where local economic and social conditions permit, the People's Committee at the provincial level may propose to the People's Council at the provincial level for a higher support amount than that specified in Clause 1.

3. Labor force members belonging to any of the categories specified in Clause 3, Article 22 of the Employment Law are only eligible for one-time support according to the policy stipulated in Clause 1.

Article 27. Files, Procedures, and Processes for Applying for Support to Participate in Evaluation and Issuance of National Vocational Skills Certification

1. Application for support as per Form No. 05A attached as Annex V to this Decree.

2. Documentation proving that the worker falls within the scope of support specified in Clause 3, Article 22 of the Employment Law includes copies from original records or certified true copies for comparison or electronically authenticated copies or copies from original records of one of the following documents:

a) Decision by an authorized body recognizing as a person with merit according to the Ordinance on Preferential Treatment for Persons with Merit; Decision conferring national defense hero title; Hero, National Hero award;

b) Certificate confirming kinship of persons with merit as per Form No. 05B attached as Annex V to this Decree for workers who are relatives of persons with merit;

c) Documentation issued by an authorized body certifying information on individuals from poor households or near-poor households and documentation issued by an authorized body certifying information on members of the household for workers from poor or near-poor households;

d) Documentation issued by an authorized body certifying information on elderly persons for workers who are elderly;

e) Certificate confirming disability status for workers who are disabled;

f) Documentation issued by an authorized body certifying information on ethnic groups for workers from minority ethnic groups;

g) Decision of discharge from military service for young people who have fulfilled their military or People's Public Security duties;

h) Certificate confirming participation in voluntary activities for young volunteers who have completed tasks under economic and social development programs;

i) Certificate confirming the work of a youth talent after completing their assignment at an economic-defense zone.
The administrative authority responsible for processing administrative procedures shall proactively utilize information from national and specialized databases that are interconnected and shared to verify the support recipients, ensuring compliance with legal provisions; no documentation should be requested from workers if such information is already available. In cases where data cannot be accessed due to lack of data, non-connection, or technical reasons, the worker must provide and present the required documents as per regulations.

3. Procedures for applying for support to participate in evaluation and issuance of national vocational skills certification.

a) Workers submit application files for support to participate in evaluation and issuance of national vocational skills certification directly at One-Stop Service Centers or through postal services, by hiring services from enterprises or individuals, or by authorizing the Administrative Service Center where they reside to do so online via the National E-Government Portal;

b) Within seven working days from receipt of a complete application for support to participate in evaluation and issuance of national vocational skills certification, the competent authority shall decide whether to provide support or not; if no support is provided, the reasons must be communicated in writing.

4. In cases where workers are determined to receive support as per points (a) and (b) of Clause 3 of this Article, the People's Committee at the provincial level shall decide on the delegation or authorization for disbursing the support funds for participation in evaluation and issuance of national vocational skills certification according to the provisions of the Law on Organization of Local Government No. 72/2025/QH15.

Article 2 Support for Workers Participating in Vocational Skills Enhancement Training to Take Part in National Vocational Skills Assessment

Article 28 Content and Level of Support for Vocational Skills Training, Refresher Training, and Skill Improvement

1. Workers are entitled to support among the categories specified in Clause 1 of Article 26 of this Decree.

2. Workers who have not yet received support for vocational skills training, refresher training, or skill improvement may receive the following supportive policies:

a) Travel expenses for workers traveling from their current residence to the training and refresher training location according to the following rates: 200,000 VND per person round trip for those residing more than 15 km away from the assessment site; 300,000 VND per person round trip for those residing in a socio-economically extremely difficult area more than 5 km away from the assessment site;

b) Support for food and living expenses during actual participation in training, refresher training, or skill improvement is 50,000 VND per person per day with a maximum support of three months;

c) Support for training, refresher training, and skill improvement fees for occupations listed in the National Vocational Skills Certification Occupation List, where the support does not exceed 4,000,000 VND per person according to each level, profession, or occupation.

3. The funding for supporting vocational skills training, refresher training, and skill improvement is allocated from the state budget according to the current budget allocation system. Support funds from organizations, individuals, enterprises, and other legal sources are also included. In cases where local socio-economic conditions permit, the People's Committee of the province may propose to the Provincial People's Council to decide on a higher support level than that specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 29 Application for Support for Participation in Vocational Skills Training and Refresher Training

1. The application file consists of one set, including:

a) A support request form according to Model No. 05C attached as Annex V to this Decree;

b) Documentation proving the worker's eligibility for support as specified in Clause 2 of Article 27 of this Decree;

c) In cases where training, refresher training, or skill improvement is contracted out, the application file includes documents specified at points a and b of this clause.

2. The procedures and steps for applying for support to participate in vocational skills training and refresher training are as follows:

a) Workers submit their application files requesting support for participation in national vocational skills training, refresher training, or skill improvement directly at the One-Stop Service Window or through postal services or by hiring services from enterprises or individuals, or by authorizing submission to the Administrative Services Center where they reside, or online via the National E-Government Portal;

b) Within 7 working days from the date of receiving a complete application file as specified in Clause 1 of this Article, the competent authority decides whether to support or not; if not supporting, it must notify in writing with reasons.

3. In cases where the People's Committee of the province decides that workers are entitled to support for vocational skills training, refresher training, and skill improvement as specified at points a and b of Clause 2 of this Article, the provincial People's Committee decides on the delegation or authorization to pay the support funds for participation in vocational skills training, refresher training, and skill improvement according to the provisions of the Law on Organization of Local State Administration No. 72/2025/QH15.

4. In cases where training, refresher training, or skill improvement is contracted out for workers, based on needs and the number of workers participating in vocational skills training, refresher training, or skill improvement, the competent authority supports the vocational training contract with the training organization according to the laws on task assignment, contracting, or bidding.

Chapter VI OCCUPATIONS AND JOBS REQUIRING NATIONAL SKILL CERTIFICATE

Article 30. List of occupations and jobs requiring national skill certificate

1. Occupations that require a national skill certificate are those that have work directly affecting the safety or health of workers or the community.

2. Jobs that require a national skill certificate are those that directly affect the safety or health of workers or the community.

3. Occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate,
include:

a) Occupations and jobs listed in the list of special heavy, hazardous, and dangerous occupations;

b) Occupations and jobs where the performance directly affects the safety of the community or the health of others.

4. The list of occupations and jobs specified in paragraph 3 of this Article is arranged according to the current Vietnamese National Economic Sector System and specifies the level of skill certificate requirements, consistent with the complexity and impact on the safety or health of workers or the community for each occupation and job.

5. The list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate is specified in Appendix VI attached to this Decree.

6. Within a maximum period of 24 months from the date this Decree takes effect:

a) The Ministry of Home Affairs shall be responsible for organizing the development, updating, revision, review, and publication of national skill standards for occupations listed in the list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate;

b) The Ministry of Home Affairs shall organize the compilation of the national skill assessment tools for occupations listed in the list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate.

7. Within a maximum period of 36 months from the date this Decree takes effect:

a) The Ministry of Home Affairs shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of the evaluation, issuance of national skill certificates to workers in occupations listed in the list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate;

b) Employers using labor in occupations and jobs listed in the list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate have the responsibility to participate in the development of national skill standards, participate in the assessment of national skills for workers in occupations listed in the list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate, and create conditions for workers to participate in the national skill assessment; in cases where workers do not meet the conditions, they shall provide opportunities for training and enhancement of their occupational skills or arrange other suitable work;

c) In case of unforeseen circumstances preventing the publication of national skill standards as required by paragraph 6 point a of this Article, the Ministry of Home Affairs may consider issuing decisions to apply the skill standards published by the International Organization for Standardization.

Article 31. Updating, Supplementing, and Removing Occupations and Jobs from the List Requiring National Skill Certificate

1. Annually, ministries, agencies at the same level, and people's committees of provinces shall be responsible within their functions, duties, and powers to direct relevant agencies and organizations under their management to review, examine, and propose updates, supplements, or removals of occupations and jobs from the list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate for submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs for consolidation.

2. The Ministry of Home Affairs shall be responsible for organizing the examination and consideration of proposals for updating, supplementing, or removing occupations and jobs from the list of occupations and jobs requiring a national skill certificate with relevant ministries, sectors, political-social organizations, associations, and occupational associations to submit to the Government for issuance.

Chapter VII Transitional Provisions

Article 32. Transitional Clauses

1: Those who were issued vocational skills national assessment certificates before the effective date of this Decree are deemed to meet the standards for national vocational skills assessors as stipulated in this Decree.

2. The vocational skills national assessment certificates already issued, the published standards for vocational skills, the training programs for vocational skills assessment; lists of facilities and equipment for vocational skills assessment; banks of test questions, practical examination papers, knowledge test question banks, practical test question banks, and national vocational skills assessment examination question banks approved before the effective date of this Decree remain valid.

3. For any national vocational skills assessment period where there are activities in the process of conducting the assessment, issuing vocational skills national certificates that have been approved, are being implemented, and administrative procedures have been submitted in a valid manner, under the authority to approve, receive, and handle such matters according to the law at the time before this Decree becomes effective but have not yet been completed, the competent authorities and the vocational skills assessment organizations, as well as relevant organizations, shall continue to implement until completion according to the provisions of the law that were in effect at the time before this Decree becomes effective, even if the authority to handle has been adjusted according to the provisions of this Decree.

Article 33. Implementation

1. The Ministry of Home Affairs shall be responsible for:

a) Taking the lead and coordinating with other ministries and agencies in drafting or formulating, as appropriate, regulatory documents on developing vocational skills according to the provisions of this Decree;

b) Taking the lead and coordinating with other ministries and agencies in developing and implementing policies, programs, and plans for developing vocational skills; mechanisms for mobilizing the participation of relevant parties; establishing, reviewing, and publishing national vocational skill standards for professions listed in the National Vocational Skill Catalogue that require a national vocational skills certificate; reviewing and publishing national vocational skill standards for other professions;

c) Developing, managing, utilizing, and implementing applications of scientific and technological advancements and systems of databases related to developing vocational skills and conducting assessments and issuing national vocational skills certificates;

d) Establishing and promulgating standards, technical specifications, procedural guidelines, and operational regulations for national vocational assessment organizations; ensuring the uniformity in the use of forms in developing vocational skills and conducting assessments and issuing national vocational skills certificates;

e) Implementing measures to enhance the capacity of the national vocational assessment system; safeguarding the rights and obligations of workers and employers regarding enhancing the skill levels of workers according to legal provisions;

f) Managing international cooperation on developing vocational skills and conducting assessments and issuing national vocational skills certificates; negotiating and signing bilateral and multilateral agreements recognizing each other's national vocational skills certificates with foreign countries within its authority;

g) Organizing inspections, supervision, resolution, and handling of any issues arising from the implementation of provisions in this Decree within the scope, responsibilities, and powers of the Ministry of Home Affairs;

h) The Minister of Home Affairs shall guide the implementation of information and reporting systems on the management of vocational skills development and recognition of national vocational skills certificates with foreign countries;

i) Perform other tasks as specified in this Decree.

2. Ministries and agencies within their respective jurisdictions are responsible for:

a) Coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs to manage the development of vocational skills, and developing and participating in reviewing national vocational skill standards;

b) Developing and proposing the National Vocational Skill Catalogue that directly affects personal safety and health or community welfare requiring permits or professional licenses; organizing national vocational skills assessments for such professions and occupations;

c) Collaborating to compile, update tools for assessing vocational skills; performing other tasks as specified.

3. People's Committees at the provincial level are responsible within their respective jurisdictions:

a) Managing the development of vocational skills in their regions; coordinating with organizations conducting national vocational skills assessments and issuing certificates;

b) Directing, supervising the implementation of national vocational skills assessments; supporting assessment and issuance of national vocational skills certificates and providing training, retraining, and skill enhancement for workers; implementing local policies and plans for developing vocational skills;

c) Ensuring the participation of relevant parties in the development of vocational skills in their regions;

d) Implementing information and reporting systems on the management of vocational skills development, sending reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs annually or as required;

e) Performing other tasks specified in this Decree.

4. Employers are responsible for:

a) Exercising rights and fulfilling obligations under this Decree and relevant labor, employment, vocational education, higher education laws, and related legal provisions on developing vocational skills;

b) Organizing and creating conditions for workers to participate in training and skill enhancement; dispatching experts from the enterprise to participate in establishing, compiling, and reviewing national vocational skill standards, tools for assessing vocational skills, and participating in national vocational skills assessments when requested;

c) Prioritizing recognition and use of national vocational skills certificates in recruitment, job placement, salary grading, remuneration, promotion, allowances, subsidies, and career advancement for workers;

d) Performing other tasks specified in this Decree.

5. Workers are responsible for:

a) Perform rights and obligations under the provisions of laws on enhancing vocational skills; proactively participate in training, education, and national skill assessment;

b) Adhere to the training program and safety, labor hygiene regulations during the learning and skill enhancement process;

c) Request employers to fulfill their obligations regarding training, education, and arranging practical conditions for enhancing vocational skills as prescribed.

Article 34. Enforceability

1. This Decree shall come into force on the date of its issuance.

2. From the date this Decree comes into force, the following decrees and clauses will cease to be enforceable:

a) Decree No. 31/2015/NĐ-CP dated March 24, 2015 of the Government on detailed implementation of certain provisions of the Labor Law concerning assessment and issuance of national vocational skill certificates;

b) Article 3 of Decree No. 140/2018/NĐ-CP dated October 8, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing decrees related to investment conditions for business operations and administrative procedures under the management scope of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs;

c) Clause 14 of Article 2 of Decree No. 37/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2025 of the Government on functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. The Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in accordance with their assigned functions and tasks, shall take the lead in guiding the organization of skill competitions and contests at various levels; organize national-level skill competitions and participate in regional and international skill contests appropriate to the managed entities from the date this Decree comes into force.