Domestic workers in Spain can now access a free online course on occupational risk prevention, backed by SEPE and Fundae. The training provides official certification and aims to improve safety in a sector employing over 350,000 people.
From May 16, 2026, domestic workers in Spain have access to a new free online course designed to certify their knowledge in occupational risk prevention. The initiative, developed by the Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE) and managed through the eFundae platform, marks a significant step in formalizing safety training for a sector that employs more than 351,000 people, the vast majority of whom are women.
The course responds to a long-standing need for tailored safety education in the domestic sector. According to the official resolution published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado on May 15, the training is structured to address the specific risks encountered in private households. Participants can earn either a certificate of participation or a diploma of achievement, depending on their performance in the course assessments.
Course Structure and Content
The training is basic-level, fully online, and lasts five hours. It covers seven main activities identified as risk areas in domestic work: cleaning, meal preparation and service, driving, caregiving, night or live-in work, handling pets, and gardening. The first five are considered especially relevant due to their higher exposure to accidents, overexertion, falls, cuts, muscle injuries, and risks associated with caregiving.
Drawing on the risk map from the Instituto Nacional de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, the course includes modules on general household hazards, electrical and gas installations, emergency procedures, and specific risks linked to each task. Interactive elements such as videos, images, and practical activities are integrated to support learning and retention.
Certification Process
To obtain official recognition, participants must complete a self-assessment and periodic progress checks throughout the course. Those who finish at least 75% of the progress checks can download a certificate of participation. If they also pass at least 75% of these checks, they qualify for a diploma of achievement. Both documents, available through eFundae, detail the course title, content covered, duration, and date of issue.
Impact on Domestic Work Safety
This new training framework is a direct response to the rights established under Real Decreto 893/2024, which guarantees domestic workers effective protection in occupational health and safety. The May 2026 resolution clarifies how preventive training should be accredited, adapting safety standards to the unique environment of private homes—distinct from traditional workplaces.
Fundae highlights that 96% of registered domestic workers in Spain are women, underlining the gendered nature of the sector and the importance of accessible, official training. By providing a clear path to certification, the course aims to empower workers, improve safety awareness, and support compliance with evolving legal standards.
As the domestic sector continues to professionalize, this initiative may also help raise the profile of household employment and encourage broader recognition of the skills and responsibilities involved. For many workers, the new course offers not just a credential, but a practical tool for safer, more informed daily work.
