Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A certificate awarding ceremony was held today in Tashkent for the first successful candidates of Uzbekistan’s National Technical Qualification (NTQ) exams.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), KOICA’s implementing partner HRD Korea, and other project stakeholders.

This marks an important milestone in Uzbekistan’s efforts to develop a national qualifications framework and enhance the competitiveness of its workforce.

A total of 251 individuals — including vocational school students, graduates, and those voluntarily seeking to assess their skills — applied to participate. Of these, 90 passed the first phase, a theoretical examination, and advanced to the practical phase. Ultimately, 30 candidates successfully passed both stages and received official National Technical Qualification certificates.

The project is being implemented with funding from KOICA, in line with Clause 146 of the Presidential Decree dated 28 February 2023, “On the State Program for the Implementation of the Development Strategy of the New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026, designated as the Year of Attention to People and Quality Education,” and the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 267, dated May 6, 2024.

The NTQ exams were conducted in three technical fields: automobile maintenance, electrical and electronic systems, and welding.

Jointly established by KOICA and the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, the qualification assessment system is designed to strengthen the link between vocational education and the labor market, while enhancing the skill levels and employability of professionals.

In the next phases of the project, the National Technical Skills Assessment and Training Center is expected to expand and include new professional tracks.

KOICA remains committed to advancing quality vocational education and enhancing labor market competitiveness in Uzbekistan.