What official sources say about the Pre-Departure Course Phase 2 interview: the question-and-answer format, what it assesses, timing, venue, and preparation.
Where the interview fits
First you finish two online modules: “Living and Working in Malta” and “Rights and Obligations in the Workplace”. The Skills Pass FAQ also lists English and occupation exams. After you pass them, you book Phase 2. Pass the interview and you get your certificate.
What it tests, and how long it takes
Identità says about 20 minutes, live online. The Skills Pass FAQ says about 30 minutes, in person. We cannot tell which is right for you. The interview checks two things:
- Your English. The FAQ says it is assessed online and in the interview.
- What you learned in the course. Identità and the Skills Pass process page both say this. The FAQ adds follow-up questions about your role or occupation.
There is no official pass standard. Our advice: review the material in the portal, and practise talking about the topics and your job in English.
Where it takes place
The official pages give different answers:
- Identità: a 20-minute live online interview at ITS Malta or an authorised Global Assessment Centre. Elsewhere it mentions an in-person check at an assessment centre. It does not say whether that is a second appointment.
- Skills Pass FAQ: a 30-minute interview in person at a VFS centre, with follow-up questions on the online exams. The process page says the closest VFS centre.
Both descriptions were re-checked on 2026-10-01. Use your booking confirmation for the place and format. If it is unclear, or conflicts with other guidance, ask Skills Pass before you plan travel.
How to prepare
- Go back over the two online modules shortly before your interview. Focus on workplace rights, duties and life in Malta. Review any English and occupation material in the portal too.
- Practise speaking English about work. Describe a normal workday, ask questions, explain a problem. Do not rely only on word lists.
- Check your place and time in your booking confirmation. If you must attend in person, leave plenty of time to travel.
- Bring what the booking instructions ask for, such as ID or your confirmation. If the instructions conflict with other guidance, ask Skills Pass before you go.
Common questions
Is the interview in English?
It tests your English, and the Skills Pass FAQ says English is assessed both online and in the interview. Prepare to speak English. The official pages do not say the whole interview is in English, and they do not mention another language.
Will I be asked about my own job, or general workplace topics?
You may be asked about both. Official pages describe checks on the course and on English. The Skills Pass FAQ also says you may be asked about your role or occupation in a workplace scenario. It does not say the questions are about your own employer.
What if my English is not strong yet?
The official pages set no minimum English level. They publish re-sit rules for assessments, but do not say clearly whether the same terms apply to the Pre-Departure interview. Before you book, ask Skills Pass about the English assessment, preparation help and interview re-sits.
Official sources for this page
These are the official pages this guide depends on. Open them directly before acting on a time-sensitive requirement.
- 01Identità (opens in a new tab)
Primary description of the Single Permit Pre-Departure Course requirement for non-EU nationals.
Source last checked:
- 02Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment (opens in a new tab)
Ministry-level description of the Pre-Departure Course: the two-part structure, the two Part 1 modules, the learning hours, the interview, the 42-day completion window, the fee, and the rollout dates.
Source last checked:
- 03Skills Pass (opens in a new tab)
Official Skills Pass frequently asked questions.
Source last checked:
We never collect official login details, documents, or payment data. Use this guide for context, then take action only on the official portal. Full citations are listed at the end of this page.
Read the official Identità Pre-Departure Course guidanceOpens the official website