FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

HRDA FUNDING

Do I need to be registered on the ERMIS Portal?

If you are registering for an HRDA-accredited course, all participants—whether receiving funding or not—must access and register as natural persons on the ERMIS Portal.

For participants receiving funding, if your employer is registering you for continuous professional or vocational training, your employer must also be registered on the ERMIS Portal as a legal person.

If you encounter any difficulties registering as a natural person or a legal person, please contact us for assistance.

How does course funding work?

Employer Contribution

   Every employer in Cyprus is legally required to contribute 0.5% of their total payroll costs to the HRDA fund (rate can be set up to 1%).
   Contributions are collected through the social insurance mechanism.
   Government organizations and self-employed individuals are exempt from this requirement.

Course Registration Process

   Employer Application:
       Employers must apply to our training center using the "Enroll Now" button on the course page.


   ERMIS Platform Verification:
       Once we receive your application, we will confirm your status on the HRDA ERMIS platform.
       Our team will guide you through the application process to register for the course on the platform.


   Approval and Registration:
       We will approve your application through the ERMIS platform and confirm your registration.


   Funding Application:


       Upon course completion, we will apply to the HRDA to secure your funding, which is paid directly to us.

I am a trainee lawyer - am I funded?

Unfortunately, trainee lawyers are not funded by the HRDA. However we offer discounts to trainee lawyers. Please get in touch with us at 24655510 for more information.

What are Personal Learning Accounts (PLAs)?

Personal Learning Accounts (PLAs) are an initiative by the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) designed to promote lifelong learning and skill enhancement among the workforce. PLAs provide individuals with credits to participate in accredited training programs, enabling them to acquire new knowledge or upgrade existing skills.
CEDEFOP

Who is eligible for PLAs?

Eligibility criteria for PLAs include:

   Employment Status: Employed individuals, particularly those with education levels up to upper secondary education.

   Unemployment Status: Long-term unemployed individuals (unemployed for more than six months).

The program aims to support 1,800 individuals during the 2021-2027 programming period.

How do I apply for a PLA?

To apply for a PLA:

  Registration: Apply through the HRDA's "ERMIS" digital portal.

   Approval: HRDA reviews applications and approves eligible individuals.

  Training Selection: Approved individuals can choose from a list of accredited training programs.

   Participation: Attend and complete the selected training program.

  Certification: Receive certification upon successful completion of the training.

What funding is available through PLAs?

Each eligible individual receives credits amounting to €2,400 over a three-year period, which can be used to cover part of the cost of participating in accredited training programs.

What happens if I do not have Ermis portal access?

If you do not have access to the Ermis portal, you will not be able to participate in an HRDA-funded course. However, we are here to help! Contact one of our team members, and they will be happy to assist you in gaining access to the HRDA Ermis portal. Additionally, you can still participate in our courses that are not HRDA-accredited.

What if I apply for funding and then am rejected by the HRDA?

To receive funding, the student/employee must:

  • Be present at their desk using their computer with a working camera.
  • Keep their camera on throughout the seminar.
  • Have a working microphone.
  • Failure to meet the following requirements will result in ineligibility for funding, and ELTC may request payment of the full fee from the employer:
    • Attending less than 75% of the seminar.
    • Failing to keep the camera on during sessions.
    • Not having a working microphone.
    • Not following instructions regarding the use of the online ERMIS Register.
  • What is Ermis?

    ERMIS is the new digital platform of the HRDA, designed to streamline all operational services and processes using modern information and communication technologies. The platform aims to reduce bureaucracy and administrative costs while providing a simple, user-friendly experience.

    Through ERMIS, users can easily access all HRDA schemes and systems, with step-by-step guidance for:

       Registration,
       Submission of applications,
       Tracking application progress,
       Monitoring payment of subsidies.

    Currently, the ERMIS portal allows external users to register under their specific status, including:

       Physical Persons (e.g., individuals participating in training programs),
       Legal Entities (e.g., companies or organizations),
       Consortia,
       Government Bodies,
       Employers,
       Vocational Trainers,
       Vocational Training Facilities,
       Vocational Training Centres, and
       Assessment Centres for Vocational Qualifications.

    The platform is designed to make the entire process efficient and accessible for all users.

    What is HRDA funding?

    When you participate in an HRDA-accredited and funded seminar, you may be eligible for funding of up to 80% of the course fee.

    HRDA accreditation ensures that the course has been thoroughly reviewed for its quality and structure. The Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) sets the maximum subsidy levels, which are calculated using the following formula:

    Maximum Subsidy = Number of Employees × Duration of Training × Hourly Subsidy per Participant

    Who is eligible for HRDA Funding

    To be eligible for HRDA funding, the following criteria must be met:


    Employers:

       Must be based in Cyprus and contribute to the Human Resource Development Fund through the social insurance system (0.5% of their payroll costs).
       Government organizations and self-employed individuals are not eligible for funding.

    Employees (Participants):

       Must be employed by a company that contributes to the HRDA fund.
       Must attend an HRDA-accredited course approved by their employer.
       Must actively participate in the course, meet attendance requirements, and follow course guidelines (e.g., keeping their camera on during online sessions for virtual courses).

    Training Centres:

       Courses must be accredited by the HRDA.
       Training centres must be registered and approved on the HRDA ERMIS platform.

    De Minimis Aid Limitations:

       Companies cannot receive more than €200,000 in HRDA funding over a rolling three-year period, as per the de minimis aid regulation (Council Regulation 1407/2013).

    If you are unsure about your eligibility, feel free to contact us, and our team will be happy to assist!

    REGISTRATION

    Do I have to be a lawyer to attend your seminars?

    No, you do not have to be a lawyer to attend our seminars. However, if the course is HRDA accredited, we must review your CV to ensure that you are able to attend the course that has been accredited.

    Do you offer any discounts?

    Yes, discounts are available for those participants not entitled to HRDA subsidy (for subsidized courses)

    I am unemployed - Can I join a seminar?

    Unemployed persons can our courses for free, provided that:

    • they have secured a referral from the Department of Labor (ΔΥΑ) for participation in a training program, with a start date of validity that is either before the start date of the training program or within 25% of the duration of the training program.
    • Also, they must have obtained from the ΔΥΑ a form for the renewal of the unemployment registration (ES19), which confirms that they were unemployed at the start of the program.
    • Additionally, they must not have already participated in two (2) training programs subsidized by the Human Resource Development Authority (ΑνΑΔ) within the same calendar year, as part of the Scheme,
    • they must meet any minimum requirements of the training program specification in terms of education level or experience, or in terms of specific skills that the candidates must possess.
    • The registration process is complete once all the necessary forms are uploaded in the ERMIS portal.

    When is my registration complete?

    Your registration is considered complete once you have: 

    • Signed up on the HRDA Ermis Portal.
    • Paid the required fees in full, or, if paying in installments, once your first installment has been paid.

    Additionally, after signing up on the Ermis Portal, you are required to pay the employer's contribution.

    Where can I find answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions?

    Click here to find the FAQs

    CPD POINTS

    Do all of your courses offer verified CPD points?

    This programe may be approved for CPD Points. Eligibility criteria and CPD Points are verified directly by your association, regulator, or other bodies in which you hold membership.

    Will you register my CPD points for me?

    Yes, our admin team will make sure that your CPD points are registered with the Cyprus Bar Association within 7 days from the completion of the training program. In order to receive the CPD points, you must make sure that you have paid all relevant course fees.

    COURSE METHOD

    Can I download course notes and materials?

    Course notes and materials may be available for download depending on the preferences of the trainer. In any case, all materials will be shared with you and can be accessed through our online learning portal. Some trainers may also choose to send materials via email for download. This approach ensures flexibility while maintaining the security and integrity of our course content.

    Can I review course recordings after the session?

    Unfortunately, we do not provide access to course recordings for review after the live session. We believe in the importance of real-time interaction and engagement during our courses. This policy encourages active participation and fosters a dynamic learning environment. However, we do offer comprehensive course materials and resources to support your learning during and after the program.

    Can I share course materials with others who are not registered for the course?

    Sharing course materials with individuals who are not registered for the course is not allowed. Our course materials are intended exclusively for registered participants and are subject to copyright protection. Unauthorized distribution of course content is a violation of our terms and may result in legal action.

    Do you have terms and conditions for seminar attendance?

    Yes. You may find our terms and conditions here

    Do you only have seminars for lawyers?

    No, we are consistently updating our seminar library. We offer courses to paralegals, corporate administrators, accountants, compliance officers etc. The law is all-encompassing, and many professionals find the contents of our courses useful for their work. We also offer courses to people who are unemployed or looking to change professions. You should contact us to discuss which courses are right for you depending on your experience and professional goals.

    How can I access course materials and resources?

    Registered participants will receive access to our course materials and resources through our online learning platform. These materials are designed to complement the live sessions and help you reinforce your understanding of the topics covered. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties accessing these materials, please reach out to our support team, and they will be happy to assist you.

    How can I ensure I have access to course materials during and after the course?

    To ensure you receive all course materials and specimens, we will share them either via Google Drive, email, or our online learning portal. Materials will be distributed either throughout the course or provided in full at the end. If you have any questions or encounter any issues accessing the materials, please feel free to contact our support team for assistance.

    Is it possible to get a copy of the course recordings for personal use?

    We do not provide course recordings for personal use. Our courses are protected by copyright, and the distribution or reproduction of course content is strictly prohibited. While we record our sessions for quality control purposes and to ensure the protection of our trainers and participants, we do not share these recordings to protect the privacy of our participants and comply with GDPR policies. We encourage you to attend our live sessions and actively participate to make the most of your learning experience

    Will I receive a certificate at the end of the training?

    Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance from ELTRC or the relevant awarding body.

    © Copyright 2024 by E.L.Tr.C. European Legal Training Center Ltd