Spain to regulate private Vocational Training with mandatory in-person hours

The Spanish Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports is preparing a new royal decree to regulate private Vocational Training (FP) centers, aiming to ensure quality and curb what officials have termed “chiringuitos” (unqualified academic establishments). The proposed regulation, presented by Minister Milagros Tolón, targets the growing online and semi-presential FP sector.

Key provisions include mandatory in-person attendance requirements: virtual cycles must include between 15% and 39% in-person activity, while semi-presential models will require between 40% and 60%. Additionally, the decree establishes a progressive reduction in student-to-teacher ratios for online training, moving from a maximum of 80 students per teacher in the 2028/2029 academic year to a final target of 50 students by 2030/2031.

The Association of Autonomous Private Teaching Centers (ACADE) and other private sector representatives have expressed concern, arguing that increased administrative burdens and strict attendance requirements could reduce flexibility for students who balance studies with work or family responsibilities. They also warn that smaller institutions may struggle to comply with the new standards.