Practical skills assessment

Practical skills assessment in undergraduate studies at the Iceland University of the Arts
The goal of the practical skills assessment is to make it easier for people in the labor market who have work experience to study and acquire qualifications in a shorter period of time. This way, the needs of society and the labor market can be better met.

Why a practical skills assessment?
A competency assessment provides recognition of knowledge that an individual acquires through
work, studies and daily life. The knowledge may have been acquired through courses,
social work or work experience. By taking a practical skills assessment, individuals can shorten
study time that can both reduce stress and increase motivation for further study.

For the 2025-2026 school year, practical skills assessments are offered in:

• Certain courses in graphic design
• Certain courses in fashion design

Requirements for applying for a practical skills assessment:

• Be an undergraduate student
• Older than 25 years old
• Three years of continuous work experience in the profession
• Work experience certified by an employer

The process

1. The applicant completes a screening checklist to assess their own skills in relation to
   the practical assessment.
2. The applicant sends the following data to the project manager.
   • Resume
   • Screening list
   • Certificate from employer
3. Once the project manager has confirmed the data, the applicant will be interviewed by the study
   and career counselor
4. The applicant receives an invitation to come for an interview with an assessor.

If you have any questions, you can contact:
Ragnhildi Ísleifur Ólafsdóttir – Educational and Career Counselor  ragnhildur@lhi.is
Adam Flint Taylor – Graphic Design Manager adam@lhi.is
Ragna Sigríður Bjarnadóttir – Fashion Design Manager ragnabjarnadottir@lhi.is
Sigríður Hallgrímsdóttir – Project Manager of Practical Skills Assessment sirry@lhi.is

About Practical Skills Assessment
In the fall of 2023, preparations began at the Iceland Academy of the Arts in collaboration with other universities to develop a common assessment process that will be useful to all universities in the country for practical skills assessment for shortened studies.
The project is also being carried out in collaboration with the Icelandic Business Education Centre. Assessors attend courses and receive certification in the implementation of competency assessments.