Are you planning to start a vocational or technical training institute in Sri Lanka? Or perhaps you’re already running one but want to ensure it’s legally recognized? Then you’ve likely come across TVEC – the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about TVEC registration, why it’s essential, and how to get it done step-by-step.
🎯 What is TVEC?
The Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) is the governing body responsible for regulating and developing vocational and technical education in Sri Lanka. It was established under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Act No. 20 of 1990.
TVEC ensures that training institutions meet national quality standards and align with the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) framework. Think of it as Sri Lanka’s quality watchdog for vocational education.
👉 Website: tvec.gov.lk
✅ Why You Must Register with TVEC
By law, no institute or individual can advertise, operate, or offer vocational training in Sri Lanka without being registered with TVEC. Registration proves that:
- Your institute meets required quality standards
- The courses you offer are recognized and credible
- Students are eligible for national certifications
- You are eligible for government support or partnerships
In short, it gives you legitimacy and ensures that your students’ efforts count in the real world.
🏫 Who Needs to Register?
Any training provider that offers:
- Vocational training
- Tertiary-level courses
- NVQ-recognized qualifications
… must register with TVEC. Whether you’re a private, NGO, or government-affiliated training institute, this is mandatory.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Institute with TVEC
1. Start Online
Go to the TVEC’s online registration portal:
🔗 nvq.gov.lk – Institute Registration
2. Initial Registration
Fill in the basic information to get your temporary user ID and password:
- Applicant’s NIC
- Institute name & address
- Contact details
- Planned course areas
3. Complete Full Application
After logging in with your credentials, you’ll need to submit:
- Detailed info about the institute
- Course outlines
- Trainer qualifications
- Facilities (classrooms, equipment, washrooms)
- Legal documents (ownership/lease, company registration)
4. Pay the Evaluation Fee
This varies depending on the type and size of your institution.
5. TVEC Evaluation Visit
TVEC officers will conduct a physical inspection to verify that your institute meets infrastructure and training standards.
6. Receive Your Certificate
If approved, you’ll get a Certificate of Registration, valid for 2 years.
📌 Important Requirements
Your institute must have:
- A fixed, accessible location
- Proper signage and legal documents
- Adequate classrooms, labs, and sanitation facilities
- Fire safety and first aid readiness
- Qualified trainers and support staff
- Student records, attendance logs, and assessments
- A grievance and complaints system
🔁 Renewal Process
- TVEC registration must be renewed every 2 years
- Apply 3 months before the expiry date to avoid lapses
- Failing to renew can lead to legal consequences, including being blacklisted
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t operate without registration — your certificates won’t be recognized
- Don’t misuse the TVEC logo without approval
- Only promote approved courses
- Always update TVEC if your contact/location changes
🧭 Final Thoughts
Registering with TVEC might seem like a lot of work, but it’s a critical step in building a reputable training institute. Not only does it protect your students, but it also boosts your visibility and opens doors to government and international opportunities.
If you’re ready to start, visit the TVEC portal and begin your application.
Got questions or need help with the paperwork? You can check out the full guideline here:
👉 TVEC Registration Guidelines
