Recognizing and validating the informal learning process outcomes is significantly beneficial for individuals. The example of tangible advantages are as following:
- Improvement confidence and self‑esteem of learners; The process of reflection that recognition of prior informal learning involves, and promoting the value of learning by self and others, often leads to increased self‑confidence as a learner.
- Increase the motivation to continue learning. Planning for further learning: the process of validation helps learners to think about what they have achieved so far and identify their strengths and skills. This helps to identify longer-term goals and what they need to do to achieve them.
- Gain access to formal education. Gaining credit for learning from experience for purposes of further formal learning: this may lead to entry to a program of study at a college or university or allow joining at a more advanced level, thus shortening the study period.
- Gain access to employment. Recognizing the competences based on informal learning can help people to get new job, get more professional duties, get promotion.
Source: CEDEFOP