Getting started

1. What Is the Skills Pass

The Skills Pass is an online system to check and confirm people’s skills to ensure that they are capable of working in Malta. It makes sure people follow the rules before they continue in work processes. It is not optional and not just a training course. It checks readiness and compliance through registration, identity check, learning, exams, interviews, and certificates.

There are two types of access: public and candidate. The public can see general information without an account. To use the system, a person must register as a candidate, verify their email, and accept the rules. After this, all actions are saved in the candidate’s profile. This includes documents, payments, exams, bookings, and certificates. These records stay in the system and are used to check progress and compliance.

The Skills Pass works in steps. Candidates must complete each step in order and cannot skip any. The system includes admin checks to ensure everything is correct. Certificates are created by the system only after all requirements are completed. They are not given manually or later.

The Skills Pass system is the official record. If there is a difference between other information and the system, the system is correct. Candidates, employers, and others must use it as the main source for results and certificates.

2. What is the Difference Between the Pre-Departure Course and the Skills Pass

Pre-Departure Course

The Pre-Departure Course consists of an online learning course and assessment exams. It is required for all people seeking a work permit in Malta.

It has two phases:

• Phase 1 is done online on the platform.
• Phase 2 is an exam done at VFS Global centres around the world.

The course includes learning modules and online exams. All candidates must complete them under monitored conditions.

Skills Pass - Tourism and Hospitality Course

The Skills Pass Course is different from the Pre-Departure Course. It is for people who want to work in hospitality and tourism. It is completed together with the Pre-Departure Course.

The exam process is the same:

• Phase 1 is done online on the platform.
• Phase 2 is done at VFS Global centres.

Candidates must complete both parts to continue in the process.

3. Who Needs What (Eligibility and Applicability Rules)

All third-country nationals must complete the Pre-Departure Course to apply for a work permit in Malta.

Those who hold a valid and complete skills pass achievement, are not required to do the pre-departure course.

Those holding a long term residency card, who will be applying for their work permit, are required to do the pre-departure course and skills pass course if they will be working in hospitality and tourism.

Third-country nationals who will work in hospitality and tourism, in establishments licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority, must register under tourism and complete the Skills Pass Course. Excluding marketing, HR, Finance, kitchen helpers and cleaners, as these only require the Pre-Departure course

4. Legal Basis, System Requirements, and Access Conditions

The Skills Pass and the Pre-Departure Course follow Maltese laws and Legal Notices. These laws say that candidates must complete learning, exams, and certificates before they can continue in work processes. All candidates must follow these rules.

The Skills Pass system follows the current rules. If the laws change, the system rules and steps may also change. Candidates must follow the rules at the time they apply, not old rules or advice. The system may update rules without notice.

To use the Skills Pass system, users need a computer or device with internet, a supported browser, and a valid email address. The email is used for verification and messages. Users must create a password to log in. Candidates must upload ID documents in the correct format. They must also allow webcam access for identity checks and exams.

If a candidate does not meet these requirements, they may not be able to continue or may fail. All steps must be done online in the system. Offline work is not allowed. It is the candidate’s responsibility to meet these requirements. The system applies the same rules to everyone to ensure fairness, data protection, and correct procedures.