Skills Pass for existing staff — what current employees need to do

Existing staff are not exempt

The Skills Pass requirement is not limited to new hires. Employees already working in covered roles at MTA-licensed establishments must also hold a valid Skills Pass — the obligation applies to anyone currently in a covered role, not only to people joining after the framework came into effect.

For employers, this means the compliance task is twofold: verify new hires before they start, and ensure your current workforce in covered roles obtains certification within any applicable transition period. Treat this as a live obligation rather than a one-off onboarding check.

How the process differs for existing staff

Per official guidance, employees already working in relevant covered roles are required to complete only the online component (the theory assessment) rather than the full practical assessment that applies to new candidates entering the sector for the first time. This distinction reflects the assumption that existing staff already have working knowledge of the sector gained through their employment.

This means the process for existing staff is shorter and less intensive than for someone entering the sector from scratch — but it is still a formal requirement that must be completed and passed before the worker is considered certified.

How to get existing staff certified

The route for registering existing staff runs through the employer portal at tourism.skillspass.org.mt. The general sequence is:

• Register the employee through the employer portal. Log in to your employer account and register the relevant staff member for their covered occupation.
• The employee completes the online component. The theory assessment is taken online and can generally be completed remotely. Staff should be given adequate time and, where appropriate, preparation materials.
• Certificate issued on passing. Once the employee passes the assessment, their Skills Pass certificate is issued and linked to their account. Verify it through the QR code before noting it on your compliance record.

For the specific steps in the employer portal, use the official link at the bottom of this page — portal features and interface details are subject to change.

Maltese and EU/EEA staff

The Skills Pass requirement covers the sector broadly. Maltese nationals and EU/EEA citizens working in covered roles at MTA-licensed establishments are within scope. Specific exemptions, if any, are published at the official portal — confirm the current position there rather than assuming that nationality or residency status creates a blanket exemption.

Managing the transition

If you have a large team with multiple people in covered roles, prioritise certification in the order most likely to manage compliance risk:

• Client-facing roles first. Roles that are most directly guest-facing and most clearly within the MTA-licence scope should be addressed earliest in any transition period.
• Build in buffer time. Even the online-only route for existing staff takes some time — registration, completing modules, passing the assessment. Do not leave certification until the final week of any deadline.
• Account for re-sits. Some employees may need more than one attempt. Build this possibility into your timeline so a failed first attempt does not result in a worker being unfit to remain in their role.
• Keep a transition log. Track which staff have registered, which have completed the assessment, and which have received their certificate. This gives you a live view of where your compliance exposure is.

Official Skills Pass portal