The project “Women in SMEs” aimed to transfer, adapt and pilot an innovative process for validating/certifying the management competences acquired by spouses in non-formal (e.g. in-company training) or informal (through life & work experience) settings. A validation process has been developed by the Swiss Union of Crafts and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SGV) resulting in a nationally recognised diploma in the management of SMEs with a specialisation in the management of family SMEs (Federal Professional Education and Training Diploma) specifically designed to meet the needs of spouses of family SME owners. The qualification profile, validation self-assessment tool and applicant support system have been transferred to partner countries of France, The Netherlands and Slovenia, who have adapted and tested the Swiss process in their national/local context. The validation process has been piloted with 37 women in SMEs in each partner country.