The Communiqué on National Occupational Standards (No. 2025/5) (“Communiqué”), prepared by the Vocational Qualifications Authority (“Authority”), was published in the Official Gazette No. 33059 dated 26 October 2025. The Communiqué was issued on the basis of the provisions of the Vocational Qualifications Authority Law No. 5544 dated 21 September 2006 (“Law”) and the Regulation on the Preparation of National Occupational Standards and National Qualifications, published in the Official Gazette No. 29507 dated 19 October 2015 (“Regulation”).

Through the Communiqué, 11 National Occupational Standards concerning various occupational groups operating in the media, broadcasting and stage-performance sectors entered into force.

Purpose of the National Occupational Standards Determined by the Authority

The national occupational standards determined by the Authority aim to enhance the quality of employment in Türkiye and to establish a common framework for occupations in terms of knowledge, skills, and competencies. These standards seek to clarify the scope of occupations and to establish a strong link between education, certification, and employment processes. They also aim to align vocational training programmes with the needs of the labour market.

In addition, the national occupational standards seek to strengthen the certification system by ensuring the application of objective criteria in measurement and evaluation processes. Developed in harmony with the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), this system aims to increase the number of qualified workers, ensure occupational safety, and support the employability of certified employees at national and international levels.

Certain Occupational Standards Included in the Communiqué

The Image Virtual Broadcasting Operator (Level 5) National Occupational Standard aims to identify the knowledge, skills and competencies required for individuals who install, operate and manage visual systems in virtual broadcasting environments and conduct live broadcast processes; thereby seeking to ensure the safe, efficient and standard-compliant use of virtual broadcasting technologies, to enhance broadcast quality, and to contribute to the creation of a qualified workforce in the sector.

The Image Content Management Operator (Level 5) National Occupational Standard aims to identify the professional qualifications of individuals who take part in the planning, preparation, broadcasting and archiving of visual content; thereby seeking to ensure quality, integrity and continuity at all stages from production to broadcasting, and to establish a standardised framework for content management.

The Senior Image Technician (Level 5) National Occupational Standard aims to regulate the competencies of professionals who assume the technical responsibility of camera, image recording and broadcasting systems, manage team operations and conduct quality-control processes; thereby seeking to enhance technical reliability and quality in image production processes, to ensure team coordination, and to maintain the continuity of broadcasting operations.

The Lighting Designer and Lighting Console Operator (Level 5) National Occupational Standard aims to identify the competencies of individuals who carry out lighting design in stage, studio or event environments, install and operate lighting equipment, and oversee technical procedures; thereby seeking to combine the creative and technical aspects of lighting systems, to establish an effective, safe and aesthetic lighting standard, and to contribute to the professionalisation of the sector.

The Sound Technician (Level 4) National Occupational Standard aims to determine the knowledge and skill level of technical personnel who install, operate and maintain sound systems in broadcasting, event or studio environments; thereby seeking to define professional competence for entry- and mid-level personnel in the field of sound engineering and to increase the number of qualified and certified workers in the sector.

Obligation to Obtain a Vocational Qualification Certificate

The media and entertainment sector operates within a wide spectrum, including the production of films and television programmes, and these fields are classified as “hazardous” or “highly hazardous” occupations under the Workplace Hazard Classes List. Accordingly, the Communiqué introduces not only the determination of occupational standards but also the obligation to obtain a Vocational Qualification Certificate for employers and employees operating in these sectors.

In this regard, for hazardous or highly hazardous occupations for which the standard has been published by the Authority and which will be specified in the communiqués to be issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, it is prohibited to employ individuals who do not hold a Vocational Qualification Certificate twelve months after the publication date of the relevant communiqués. Ministries and public institutions and organisations are obliged to update the regulations falling within their respective areas of responsibility within twelve months following the entry into force of the relevant provision.

An administrative fine shall be imposed by the Provincial Directorate of the Labour and Employment Agency on employers or employer representatives who act in breach of the obligation to obtain a Vocational Qualification Certificate, and the amount of such fine has been determined as TRY 7,156 per employee for the year 2025.

Conclusion

The Communiqué aims to strengthen the national qualification system for technical roles in the media and broadcasting sectors by clearly defining occupational scopes and responsibilities and standardising certification processes nationwide.

The newly effective standards serve as a reference for educational institutions, certification bodies, and employers in implementing and assessing vocational qualifications, thereby enhancing quality, safety, and efficiency across the sector and fostering a common professional language.