📌 What Is the 1696 Hours Professional Training Program?

The 1696 hours professional training program is a CTEVT-recognized vocational training curriculum in Nepal designed to provide industry-oriented, competency-based professional skills in specific trades or occupations. Many vocational fields under CTEVT — such as professional mason, plumber, carpenter, welder, telecom technician, and others — are structured with this 1696-hour duration as the standard.

This program equates to a professional level (often Level II) qualification in the CTEVT framework and is roughly equivalent to one year of training, including both classroom and practical work. 

🧰 Core Features of the 1696 Hours Program

📅 Duration & Structure

• Total Hours: 1696 hours covering both common modules (theory/general skills) and technical modules (occupation-specific skills)
• Training Days: Approximately 260 days over ~10 months of training.
• Training Model: A blend of center-based instruction and industry exposure or on-the-job training (OJT) so trainees gain real workplace experience.

🎓 Eligibility & Assessment

• Trainees must meet minimum eligibility requirements as per the specific curriculum (generally basic formal education and age requirements set by CTEVT).
• Attendance Requirement: Most programs require at least 90 % attendance to be eligible for assessments.
• Final Assessment: Trainees must pass a skill test based on the curriculum — often conducted by CTEVT’s National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) or another approved testing center.

📘 Objective & Learning Outcomes

The main goal of this program is to produce work-ready graduates who can:

• Apply technical skills directly in workplaces.
• Become employable in formal jobs or self-employment.
• Understand occupational health & safety, communication, basic business skills, and other soft skills integrated into the curriculum.

The curriculum is competency-based, meaning it focuses on what the trainee can do after training — combining theory knowledge with hands-on practice aligned with industry requirements.

🤝 Training with OJT and Industry Linkages

Many training programs include an OJT component, where trainees spend part of their time working in real industries under supervision to build practical experience. For example, a 1696 hour training might combine classroom learning at a training center with structured on-the-job practice in partner workplaces.

This model helps bridge the gap between training centre learning and real work needs, increasing employability.

🧾 Certification and Career Path

Upon successful completion and passing of skill tests, trainees are awarded a CTEVT-recognized professional certificate.

This qualification can help with employment in technical jobs, self-employment, or further vocational education.