Estonian Qualifications Framework in the Cleaning Sector
A professional certificate gives you a competitive edge in the job market!
A professional qualification exam provides an opportunity to officially prove your skills and knowledge. It is important for both employers and clients, as it ensures confidence that the work is carried out with quality and in accordance with standards.
Having a professional certificate gives you an advantage in the labour market – it increases your chances when applying for a job, supports career progression, and helps in negotiating better working conditions and remuneration. In addition, the validation of professional competences is important for personal development, as it motivates you to consciously develop your skills and stay up to date with developments in the field.
A professional certificate is not just a piece of paper – it is a mark of professionalism, quality, and reliability.
Having a professional certificate gives you an advantage in the labour market – it increases your chances when applying for a job, supports career progression, and helps in negotiating better working conditions and remuneration. In addition, the validation of professional competences is important for personal development, as it motivates you to consciously develop your skills and stay up to date with developments in the field.
A professional certificate is not just a piece of paper – it is a mark of professionalism, quality, and reliability.
EQF level 2
Cleaner assistant
Cleaner Assistant is a professional qualification focused on maintenance cleaning. The work is usually carried out in a stable environment under the guidance of a supervisor; however, the assistant also performs tasks partially independently.
The goal of a Cleaner Assistant is to keep the environment clean and orderly by using cleaning agents and equipment efficiently and safely. A Cleaner Assistant follows professional ethics, occupational health and safety, and hygiene requirements, and treats the employer’s property with due care.
The goal of a Cleaner Assistant is to keep the environment clean and orderly by using cleaning agents and equipment efficiently and safely. A Cleaner Assistant follows professional ethics, occupational health and safety, and hygiene requirements, and treats the employer’s property with due care.
Identifies cleaning needs in a familiar environment, selects appropriate cleaning tools, and prepares them for use.
Uses cleaning tools and machines correctly, safely, and ergonomically in accordance with instructions, and keeps them in good working condition.
Selects and uses cleaning agents economically and safely in accordance with instructions, taking into account both the environment and personal health.
Performs maintenance cleaning and removes dirt from furniture, floors, and other surfaces in accordance with instructions.
Follows professional ethics and complies with occupational safety, occupational health, and hygiene requirements, treating work equipment and property with due care.
For working professionals
Required Documents
Application
Proof of payment or confirmation of payment for costs related to the awarding of the professional qualification.
Certification Fee
Fee: €148 (incl. VAT)
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents, and paying the exam fee (€148).
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents, and paying the exam fee (€148).
Qualification Exam Procedure
The competences of applicants from the labour market are assessed in a single stage: the applicant performs a practical task under supervision or based on verbal and/or visual instructions, and explains the completion of the task in the form of an interview.
The practical task and its assessment take place in the applicant’s usual working environment.
The applicant attends the exam together with a supervisor, who does not participate in the assessment.
Before the practical task is carried out, the supervisor provides the assessment committee with information about the exam candidate’s individual learning and working style.
The practical task is assessed by an assessment committee appointed by the Qualification Committee.
The assessment committee jointly decides whether the practical task has been passed or not. The members of the assessment committee who conducted the exam submit a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award or not to award the professional qualification.
In the case of a proposal not to pass the exam, the identified deficiencies are clearly outlined. These are documented by the assessment committee in an explanatory report submitted to the Qualification Committee, and the report is also sent to the applicant in writing within two weeks after the exam.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard
For graduates of vocational training programmes
Required Documents
Certification Fee
The costs of qualification exams for graduates of vocational education programmes are covered by the state budget in accordance with the regulation established by the Minister of Education and Research and the procedures approved by the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda).
A graduate of a vocational education programme may register for a resit exam by paying the qualification awarding fee in advance in accordance with the fee schedule for applicants active in the labour market.
Qualification Exam Procedure
The competences of graduates of vocational education programmes are assessed in two stages.
In the first stage, assessment takes place during the learning process, where the learner completes written, visual, oral, and practical assessment tasks under guidance and, if necessary, with assistance.
In the second stage, the applicant performs a practical task under supervision or based on verbal and/or visual instructions and explains the completion of the task in the form of an interview. The practical task and its assessment take place in the applicant’s usual working environment (internship, work, or learning environment).
Before the practical task is carried out, the supervisor provides the assessment committee with information about the exam candidate’s individual learning and working style.
The practical task is assessed by an assessment committee appointed by the Qualification Committee.
The applicant attends the exam together with a supervisor, who does not participate in the assessment.
The assessment committee jointly decides whether the practical task has been passed or not. The members of the assessment committee who conducted the exam submit a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award or not to award the professional qualification.
In the case of a proposal not to pass the exam, the identified shortcomings are clearly specified. These are recorded by the assessment committee in an explanatory report submitted to the Qualification Committee and are also sent to the applicant in writing within two weeks after the exam.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard
EQF level 3
Cleaner
Cleaner is a professional qualification that covers maintenance cleaning, deep cleaning, and, when necessary, specialised cleaning tasks. A Cleaner works independently, follows professional ethics, and complies with occupational health and safety and hygiene requirements. They use appropriate cleaning tools and agents economically and safely, prepare the work, select suitable methods, and ensure the cleanliness and proper condition of surfaces.
A Cleaner is able to justify their work process and document work tasks.
Within the Cleaner Level 3 qualification, it is possible to specialise as a Specialised Cleaning Worker.
A Cleaner is able to justify their work process and document work tasks.
Within the Cleaner Level 3 qualification, it is possible to specialise as a Specialised Cleaning Worker.
A Cleaner is able to plan cleaning tasks and select appropriate cleaning tools and methods for their execution.
A Cleaner is able to carry out maintenance cleaning and deep cleaning, including the disinfection of surfaces.
A Cleaner is able to use cleaning agents, tools, and machines ergonomically, economically, and safely.
A Cleaner follows professional ethics and complies with occupational health and safety and hygiene requirements in daily work.
A Cleaner is able to use information technology tools to perform and document work tasks.
For working professionals
Required Documents
Application
Proof of payment or confirmation of payment for costs related to the awarding of the professional qualification.
Certification Fee
Fee: €148 (incl. VAT)
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents and paying the exam fee (€148).
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents and paying the exam fee (€148).
Qualification Exam Procedure
The qualification exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical task.
In the first part, the applicant completes a theoretical test electronically, consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions. The time allowed to complete the test is up to one hour.
To complete the test, please bring a digital device (mobile phone, laptop, or tablet). If bringing a digital device is not possible, please inform us in advance by email at info@puhastusekspert.ee.
To complete the theoretical test, a user account and password for the system are required. The test can be practised in advance.
The test is considered passed if at least 70% of the answers are correct, i.e. 35 points are achieved. Passing the theoretical test is a prerequisite for completing the practical task.
In the second part, the applicant performs a practical task and explains the completion of their work tasks in the form of an interview. The purpose of the practical task is to clean a room or part of a room of existing dirt.
The applicant may familiarise themselves with the cleaning agents during the exam while preparing for the practical task – not before.
The time allocated for completing the practical task is indicated on the exam ticket and depends on the room to be cleaned. If the allocated time is exceeded by more than 50%, the practical task is considered not passed.
The practical task is assessed by an assessment committee appointed by the Qualification Committee.
The assessment committee submits a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award or not to award the professional qualification based on the exam results. In the case of a proposal not to pass the exam, the identified shortcomings are clearly specified and documented in an explanatory report submitted to the Qualification Committee. This report is also sent to the applicant in writing within two weeks after the exam.
Members of the assessment committee have the right to remove a participant from the exam if the participant disrupts the assessment process, uses unauthorised aids, or consults with any persons other than members of the assessment committee.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard
For graduates of vocational training programmes
Required Documents
Certification Fee
The costs of qualification exams for graduates of vocational education programmes are covered by the state budget in accordance with the regulation established by the Minister of Education and Research and the procedures approved by the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda).
A graduate of a vocational education programme may retake the exam by paying the qualification awarding fee in advance in accordance with the fee schedule applicable to applicants active in the labour market.
Qualification Exam Procedure
The competences of graduates of vocational education programmes are assessed in two stages.
The assessment of the first stage takes place during the learning process at the vocational education institution and during practical training, in accordance with the curriculum and the rules of study organisation. The acquisition of learners’ competences is reflected in the confirmation submitted by the school to the Qualification Committee. The school is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
A positive result in the assessment conducted during the learning process is a prerequisite for admission to the second stage of assessment. When specialising as a specialised cleaning worker, the confirmation also highlights competences related to specialised cleaning in addition to general skills competences.
In the second stage, the applicant performs a practical task and explains the completion of their work tasks in the form of an interview. The purpose of the practical task is to clean a room or part of a room of existing dirt.
The applicant may familiarise themselves with the cleaning agents during the exam while preparing for the practical task, but not before.
The time allocated for completing the practical task is indicated on the exam ticket and depends on the room to be cleaned. If the allocated time is exceeded by more than 50%, the practical task is considered not passed.
The practical task is assessed by an assessment committee appointed by the Qualification Committee.
The assessment committee submits a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award or not to award the professional qualification based on the exam results. In the case of a proposal not to pass the exam, the identified shortcomings are clearly specified and documented in an explanatory report submitted to the Qualification Committee. This report is also sent to the applicant in writing within two weeks after the exam.
Members of the assessment committee have the right to remove a participant from the exam if the participant disrupts the assessment process, uses unauthorised aids, or consults with any persons other than members of the assessment committee.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard
EQF level 4
Cleaner supervisor
Cleaner supervisor is a professional qualification that covers maintenance cleaning and deep cleaning in various sectors (e.g. industrial and residential environments). This qualification requires an understanding of the causes of soiling and surface covering materials, as well as the ability to use cleaning agents, tools, equipment, and machines economically and safely.
The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to supervise and assess others, communicate with clients, and ensure that the agreed level of cleanliness at the site is achieved, while complying with professional ethics, occupational safety, and hygiene requirements.
For the Cleaner supervisor qualification, it is essential to be able to guide other cleaners, provide them with clear work-related instructions, monitor their implementation, and give feedback. In addition, the ability to contribute to maintaining consistent quality and a uniform standard of team performance is important.
Within the Cleaner supervisor Level 4 qualification, it is possible to specialise as a specialist in specialised cleaning tasks..
The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to supervise and assess others, communicate with clients, and ensure that the agreed level of cleanliness at the site is achieved, while complying with professional ethics, occupational safety, and hygiene requirements.
For the Cleaner supervisor qualification, it is essential to be able to guide other cleaners, provide them with clear work-related instructions, monitor their implementation, and give feedback. In addition, the ability to contribute to maintaining consistent quality and a uniform standard of team performance is important.
Within the Cleaner supervisor Level 4 qualification, it is possible to specialise as a specialist in specialised cleaning tasks..
A Cleaner supervisor is able to plan cleaning tasks, select appropriate cleaning tools and methods, and determine the need for deep cleaning or specialised cleaning tasks.
A Cleaner supervisor is able to prepare work processes, work ergonomically and safely, and guide others in work processes.
A Cleaner supervisor is able to clean and disinfect various surface materials using appropriate cleaning agents and methods.
A Cleaner supervisor is able to work in a team, supervise and assess the work of others, and ensure work quality.
A Cleaner supervisor is able to communicate with clients, collect feedback, use information technology tools, and ensure compliance with professional ethics and workplace requirements.
For working professionals
Required Documents
Application
Proof of payment or confirmation of payment for costs related to the awarding of the professional qualification.
Certification Fee
Fee: €177 (incl. VAT)
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a subsequent exam.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents and paying the exam fee (€177).
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a subsequent exam.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents and paying the exam fee (€177).
Qualification Exam Procedure
The qualification exam consists of two parts: a theoretical test and a practical task.
In the first part, the applicant completes a theoretical test electronically, consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. The time allowed to complete the test is up to one hour.
To complete the test, please bring a digital device (mobile phone, laptop, or tablet). If bringing a digital device is not possible, please inform us in advance by email at info@puhastusekspert.ee.
To complete the theoretical test, a user account and password for the system are required. The test can be practised in advance.
The test is considered passed if at least 75% of the answers are correct, i.e. 45 points are achieved. Passing the theoretical test is a prerequisite for completing the practical task.
In the second part, the applicant performs a practical task and explains the completion of their work tasks in the form of an interview. The purpose of the practical task is to guide a cleaner in cleaning a room or part of a room. The applicant provides guidance, demonstrates the tasks, and is responsible for the cleanliness of the area being cleaned.
The person being supervised must be brought by the applicant. If desired, exam candidates may also supervise each other.
The applicant may familiarise themselves with the cleaning agents during the exam while preparing for the practical task, but not before.
A fixed time is allocated for completing the practical task. If the allocated time is exceeded by more than 50%, the practical task is considered not passed.
The practical task is assessed by an assessment committee appointed by the Qualification Committee.
The assessment committee submits a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award or not to award the professional qualification based on the exam results. In the case of a proposal not to pass the exam, the identified shortcomings are clearly specified and documented in an explanatory report submitted to the Qualification Committee. This report is also sent to the applicant in writing within two weeks after the exam.
Members of the assessment committee have the right to remove a participant from the exam if the participant disrupts the assessment process, uses unauthorised aids, or consults with any persons other than members of the assessment committee.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard
For graduates of vocational training programmes
Required Documents
Certification Fee
The costs of qualification exams for graduates of vocational education programmes are covered by the state budget in accordance with the regulation established by the Minister of Education and Research and the procedures approved by the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda).
A graduate of a vocational education programme may retake the exam by paying the qualification awarding fee in advance in accordance with the fee schedule applicable to applicants active in the labour market.
Qualification Exam Procedure
The competences of graduates of vocational education programmes are assessed in two stages.
The assessment of the first stage takes place during the learning process at the vocational education institution and during practical training, in accordance with the curriculum and the rules of study organisation. The acquisition of learners’ competences is reflected in the confirmation submitted by the school to the Qualification Committee. The school is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
A positive result in the assessment conducted during the learning process is a prerequisite for admission to the second stage of assessment. When specialising as a specialised cleaning worker, the confirmation also highlights competences related to specialised cleaning in addition to general skills competences.
In the second stage, the applicant performs a practical task and explains the completion of their work tasks in the form of an interview. The purpose of the practical task is to guide a cleaner in cleaning a room or part of a room. The applicant provides guidance, demonstrates the tasks, and is responsible for the cleanliness of the area being cleaned.
The person to be supervised must be brought by the applicant. If desired, exam candidates may also act as supervisors for each other.
The applicant may familiarise themselves with the cleaning agents during the exam while preparing for the practical task, but not before.
A fixed time is allocated for completing the practical task. If the allocated time is exceeded by more than 50%, the practical task is considered not passed.
The practical task is assessed by an assessment committee appointed by the Qualification Committee.
The assessment committee submits a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award or not to award the professional qualification based on the exam results. In the case of a proposal not to pass the exam, the identified shortcomings are clearly specified and documented in an explanatory report submitted to the Qualification Committee. This report is also sent to the applicant in writing within two weeks after the exam.
Hindamiskomisjoni liikmetel on õigus eemaldada eksamilt osaleja, kes häirib hindamise läbiviimist, kasutab lubamatuid abivahendeid, konsulteerib mistahes isikutega välja arvatud hindamiskomisjoni liikmed.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard
EKR level 5
Cleaning Manager
Cleaning Manager is a professional qualification that covers the planning, management, and execution of cleaning services at sites to the required standard. The work includes organising maintenance and deep cleaning services, supervising teams, assessing work quality, preparing and managing budgets, and communicating with clients.
A Cleaning Manager designs work processes in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner, staying informed about developments and standards in the field.
A Cleaning Manager collects data, analyses results, and implements improvements to enhance service quality.
A Cleaning Manager designs work processes in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner, staying informed about developments and standards in the field.
A Cleaning Manager collects data, analyses results, and implements improvements to enhance service quality.
A Cleaning Manager is able to plan and organise cleaning services according to site-specific needs, including the preparation of budgets.
A Cleaning Manager is able to supervise and evaluate teams, ensuring work quality and the consistent implementation of clear instructions.
A Cleaning Manager is able to assess the effectiveness of cleaning processes, collect feedback, and plan service development.
A Cleaning Manager is able to identify and implement efficient solutions and technologies for work processes, based on industry standards and best practices.
A Cleaning Manager is able to communicate with clients and stakeholders and represent their field professionally.
For working professionals
Requirements for Applying for the Qualification
Lead – level 4
Employment as a Lead or in another position within the cleaning sector involving the management of people and processes for at least two years within the last seven years.
Professional training – 60 hours (core skills, occupational standard, including 9 academic hours of professional use of biocides).
Required Documents
Application
Document(s) confirming employment in a managerial position within the cleaning sector (an extract from the Employment Register of the Tax and Customs Board or an official confirmation letter from the employer).
Documents confirming professional training, including a certificate of 9 academic hours of training for the professional use of biocides, with a training programme recognised by the Pest Control Association.
Document confirming the Lead – Level 4 qualification.
Proof of payment or confirmation of payment for costs related to the awarding of the professional qualification.
Cleaning Manager Level 5 Examination Assignment
Certification Fee
Fee: €247 (incl. VAT)
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
A paid exam may be postponed once.
In the event of late or incomplete submission of documents, the assessment committee of the qualification exam will notify the applicant in writing and propose a new exam date.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents and paying the exam fee (€247).
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
A paid exam may be postponed once.
In the event of late or incomplete submission of documents, the assessment committee of the qualification exam will notify the applicant in writing and propose a new exam date.
In the event of an unsuccessful exam, the applicant may register for a resit exam after submitting a new application and the required documents and paying the exam fee (€247).
Qualification Exam Procedure
The Cleaning Manager Level 5 qualification exam consists of a written examination assignment and its defence on the exam day, conducted online via the Microsoft Teams environment.
The examination assignment and all required documents must be submitted together with the qualification exam application no later than one month before the exam date. Examination assignments submitted after the deadline will not be admitted for defence on the desired date.
Three days before the qualification exam, the Chair of the assessment committee will send the applicant an email containing a Microsoft Teams invitation, including the link to join the session and the exam start time.
The assessment committee will have reviewed the examination assignments in advance.
After introducing the assessors, the assessment committee asks the qualification applicant to display their prepared slide presentation on the screen.
The slide presentation may last a maximum of 10 minutes. It should be a brief overview of the examination assignment. The presentation must include only the objective of the assignment, a short description of the actions, analyses, measurements, etc., carried out to achieve the objective, and a summary indicating the results achieved or, if the objective was not met, the reasons why.
The slide presentation may last a maximum of 10 minutes. If the presentation exceeds 10 minutes, the committee has the right to interrupt it and proceed with questioning the applicant. If the presentation fails to display repeatedly, the time allocated for the presentation will be reduced accordingly.
The assessment committee asks the applicant questions if any of the required competences for the Cleaning Manager Level 5 qualification are not clearly demonstrated.
The defence of the examination assignment is recorded.
The assessment committee submits a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award the qualification or not, based on which the Qualification Committee makes the final decision.
The result will be announced within two weeks.
The applicant will receive a notification from the Qualifications Register regarding the exam completion and qualification registration. If, for any reason, the notification is not received, the applicant can check the information themselves in the register by entering their name and personal identification code.
If the exam is not passed, the applicant will receive an email containing the reasons and indicating which competences were not met.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard
For graduates of vocational training programmes
Requirements for Applying for the Qualification
Lead – level 4
Employment as a Cleaning Manager or in another position within the cleaning sector involving the management of people and processes for at least two years within the last seven years.
Required Documents
Application
Documents confirming professional training, including a certificate of 9 academic hours of training for the professional use of biocides, with a training programme recognised by the Pest Control Association.
Document confirming the Lead – Level 4 qualification.
Cleaning Manager Level 5 Examination Assignment
Document(s) confirming employment in a managerial position within the cleaning sector (an extract from the Employment Register of the Tax and Customs Board or an official confirmation letter from the employer).
Certification Fee
The costs of qualification exams for graduates of vocational education programmes are covered by the state budget in accordance with the regulation established by the Minister of Education and Research and the procedures approved by the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda).
A graduate of a vocational education programme may retake the exam by paying the qualification awarding fee in advance in accordance with the fee schedule applicable to applicants active in the labour market.
Qualification Exam Procedure
The Cleaning Manager Level 5 qualification exam consists of a written examination assignment and its defence on the exam day, conducted online via Microsoft Teams.
The examination assignment and all required documents must be submitted with the qualification exam application no later than one month before the exam date. Examination assignments submitted after the deadline will not be admitted for defence on the desired date.
Three days before the qualification exam, the Chair of the assessment committee will send the applicant an email containing a Microsoft Teams invitation, including the link to join the session and the exam start time.
The assessment committee has reviewed the examination assignments in advance.
After introducing the assessors, the assessment committee asks the qualification applicant to display their prepared slide presentation on the screen.
The slide presentation may last a maximum of 10 minutes. It should be a brief overview of the examination assignment. The presentation must include only the objective of the assignment, a short description of the actions, analyses, measurements, etc., carried out to achieve the objective, and a summary indicating the results achieved or, if the objective was not met, the reasons why.
The slide presentation may last a maximum of 10 minutes. If the presentation exceeds 10 minutes, the committee has the right to interrupt it and proceed with questioning the applicant. If the presentation fails to display repeatedly, the time allocated for the presentation will be reduced accordingly.
The assessment committee asks the applicant questions if any of the required competences for the Cleaning Manager Level 5 qualification are not clearly demonstrated.
The defence of the examination assignment is recorded.
The assessment committee submits a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award the qualification or not, based on which the Qualification Committee makes the final decision.
The result will be announced within two weeks.
The applicant will receive a notification from the Qualifications Register regarding the exam completion and qualification registration. If, for any reason, the notification is not received, the applicant can check the information themselves in the register by entering their name and personal identification code.
If the exam is not passed, the applicant will receive an email containing the reasons and indicating which competences were not met.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
EKR level 5
Cleaning Manager
Cleaning Manager is a professional qualification that covers the planning, management, and execution of cleaning services at sites to the required standard.
The work includes organising maintenance and deep cleaning services, supervising teams, assessing work quality, preparing and managing budgets, and communicating with clients.
A Cleaning Manager designs work processes efficiently and sustainably, staying informed about developments and standards in the field.
A Cleaning Manager collects data, analyses results, and implements improvements to enhance service quality.
The work includes organising maintenance and deep cleaning services, supervising teams, assessing work quality, preparing and managing budgets, and communicating with clients.
A Cleaning Manager designs work processes efficiently and sustainably, staying informed about developments and standards in the field.
A Cleaning Manager collects data, analyses results, and implements improvements to enhance service quality.
A Cleaning Manager is able to plan and organise cleaning tasks according to site-specific needs, including the preparation of budgets.
A Cleaning Manager is able to supervise and evaluate teams, ensuring work quality and the consistent implementation of clear instructions.
A Cleaning Manager is able to assess the effectiveness of cleaning processes, collect feedback, and plan service development.
A Cleaning Manager is able to identify and implement efficient solutions and technologies for work processes, based on industry standards and best practices.
A Cleaning Manager is able to communicate with clients and stakeholders and represent their field professionally.
Revalidation
Required Documents
Application
Copy of the Cleaning Manager Level 5 qualification certificate
A written confirmation from the employer stating that the applicant has worked for at least 3 years within the last 7 years as a cleaning supervisor or in another position in the cleaning sector involving the management of people and processes. An extract from the Employment Register of the Tax and Customs Board is also acceptable.
Copies of certificates for training/seminars completed within the last 7 years (including at least 40 hours of professional training, such as the 9 academic hours of biocide professional use training with a curriculum recognised by the Pest Control Association, and other training related to competences of the occupational standard), showing the topics, duration, and date of completion.
Self-assessment of professional competence based on work experience over the last 7 years, completed on the provided form.
Certification Fee
Fee: €165 (incl. VAT)
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid to the bank account of OÜ Puhastusekspert,
IBAN: EE802200221023962849, Swedbank.
Please indicate the participant’s name and the exam date in the payment reference.
The qualification awarding fee is generally non-refundable.
The qualification awarding fee must be paid before the qualification exam.
Qualification Exam Procedure
Recertification of the Cleaning Manager Level 5 qualification consists of submitting a written examination assignment on the provided form, a written confirmation from the employer, and copies of professional development certificates.
The examination assignment and all required documents must be submitted with the qualification exam application no later than one month before the exam date. Documents submitted after the deadline will not be admitted for defence on the desired date.
For the recertification of Cleaning Manager Level 5, there is no meeting with the assessment committee.
If necessary, the assessment committee will send the applicant questions in writing via email, which must be answered within one week.
The assessment committee submits a proposal to the Qualification Committee on whether to award the qualification or not, based on which the Qualification Committee makes the final decision. The result will be announced within two weeks from the chosen exam date.
The applicant will receive a notification from the Qualifications Register regarding the exam completion and qualification registration. If, for any reason, the notification is not received, the applicant can check the information themselves in the register by entering their name and personal identification code.
If the exam is not passed, the applicant will receive an email containing the reasons and indicating which competences were not met. In the event of an unsuccessful recertification exam for Cleaning Manager – Level 5, the qualification loses its validity, and the applicant must retake the Cleaning Manager Level 5 qualification exam.
Professional Standard
The occupational standard can be accessed on the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) website.
Assessment Standard