The kick-off meeting of the new InnoVal project (Innovative Assessment Methods for Validation) took place on 14-15 November in Paris. Representatives from the 6 partner organisations (LLLP, Dafni Kek, ANESPO, EIESP, UC Leuven, EUCEN) and from Bertelsmann Stiftung, gathered to discuss and foster a shared understanding about the aims, objectives and next steps of the project which will run for 2 years. The first stage of InnoVal will review the state of play regarding the use of non-traditional assessment methods across Europe, while focusing on the needs of specific target groups such as refugees and long-term unemployed. The research phase will lead to the collection of 60 case studies which will set the basis for the development and piloting of a Training Programme on the implementation of innovative assessment methods, organised around Open Educational Materials and targeted at validation practitioners.