The primary vocational (handicraft) education is aimed at preparing specialists with primary vocational (handicraft) qualification.

The secondary vocational education is aimed at preparing specialists with a secondary vocational qualification at least on the basis of basic general education.

According to the RA “Law on Primary Vocational (Handicraft) And Secondary Vocational Education” primary and secondary vocational education is provided through the following educational programs:

  1. basic primary education program providing qualification of a craftsman;
  2. the basic program of secondary vocational education providing qualification of a specialist;
  3. supplementary education programs of primary and secondary vocational education providing training, raising the qualification of and re-qualification of specialists.

To receive a qualification degree of a craftsman of primary education, the duration of instruction of basic education program ranges from 6 months to 3 years.

To receive a qualification degree of a specialist in secondary vocational education, the duration of instruction of basic education programs ranges from 2 to 5 years.

Basic education programs of primary and secondary vocational education may be implemented by different forms of instruction, namely on-site education, offsite education, distance-learning or external studies, individual vocational instruction (apprenticeship).

The primary vocational (handicraft) education is provided in vocational schools, other vocational education institutions, educational centers and penitentiary institutions.

Secondary vocational education is provided in colleges and higher education institutions. Admission to institutions of primary and secondary vocational education is carried out upon applications submitted by persons with at least basic general education, on a competitive basis, as prescribed by legislation.

According to the RA “Law on Education”,12-year general secondary education and primary vocational (handicraft) or secondary vocational education are compulsory until the learner attains the age of 19 if that right has not been realized at an earlier age. Secondary education in state educational institutions is free of charge.