ABSTRACT
Validating non-formal and informal learning is a key element of EU activation strategies, as emphasised in the 2012 EU Council Recommendation. This study examines the effects of Germany’s MYSKILLS assessment for jobseekers without vocational credentials. Using administrative data on individuals referred to MYSKILLS, we estimate participation effects with inverse probability weighting under a selection-on-observables design. We interpret the findings in light of evidence from a companion qualitative study based on 41 interviews with public employment service (PES) managers, caseworkers, test developers and social partners. We find that test participation increases entry into Active Labour Market Programmes but does not yield immediate re-employment gains. Over the medium to long term, however, effects become positive. By year four, participants’ monthly probability of regular contributory employment is up to around six percentage points higher than among referred non-participants. The findings suggest that skills assessments can support caseworker decisions and reduce reliance on formal credentials, but their effects depend on usability, uptake and institutional integration.