Breaking News: Vocational Qualification Exams Resume Today! According to a recent statement by the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Services, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, the Vocational Qualification Exams will continue from today where they left off. Minister Selçuk announced that the exams, which had been suspended on March 16, 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak, will restart as of today.
Minister Selçuk noted that work to define occupational standards and to establish a qualified, certified workforce—tasks essential to working life—will resume today. She emphasized the importance placed on certified, skilled labor and added that, through the Vocational Qualifications Authority (MYK), 217 organizations have been authorized to certify 326 occupational groups across 19 sectors. She also reiterated that in hazardous and highly hazardous occupations, citizens who pass exams conducted by authorized certification bodies will continue to receive Vocational Qualification Certificates.
What Precautions Will Be Taken for the Vocational Qualification Exams?
Regarding precautions to be taken for the Vocational Qualification Exams, Minister Selçuk explained that examinations will be carried out under occupational health and hygiene rules following the MYK’s prepared guidance. She stressed that only personnel assigned to the exam areas will be present at exam sites.
Exam halls and centers will be arranged to comply with social distancing rules because of the coronavirus. In addition, exam rooms will be monitored by camera recordings to verify compliance with the precautionary measures. Minister Selçuk stated that these steps were implemented to ensure a safe working environment, to increase production efficiency, and to boost registered employment. She also noted that, out of 226 occupations, vocational qualification exam obligations have effectively been implemented for 143 occupations to date.