The European Qualifications
Framework (EQF)
Loukas Zahilas, Project Manager
Loukas.Zahilas@cedefop.europa.eu
Background
In the beginning…
the LISBON agenda
LISBON agenda
Knowledge for:
• competitiveness
•more and better jobs
•social inclusion
Success for Lisbon depends on success
in vocational education and training
LISBON agenda
Success in VET requires:
• knowing skills needs
• establishing systems to deliver those
skills
• providing access for people
This requires VET-effective policies.
Actual pathway for 2010 objectives
Lisbon Strategy
Copenhagen Process
Maastricht Communique
Bologna Process
Bergen Declaration
European Higher
Education Framework
National Processes
New National
Qualifications
Frameworks
N. Q. F.
E.V.C.E.T.
E. Q. F.
Functions of the EQF
Translation device
for comparing qualifications
Neutral reference point
based on
learning outcomes
The European Qualifications
Framework
• Bologna and Copenhagen
• Focus on Qualifications
Consultation
• Reflects an explicit need
• Expert group
Our Lifelong Learning Experience:
Obstacles!
• within and between
countries
• between education and
training systems
• to use of acquired skills
• to new learning
A basis for co-operation
• EQF implementation
is voluntary
• Entails no legal
obligations on
Member States or
sectors
• Fosters change by
supporting and
informing reform
What EQF is NOT!
• EQF not about
replacing
national/sectoral
frameworks
• EQF not about
harmonisation
• EQF CANNOT define
new qualifications
The main
elements
of the
EQF
Country A
Country B
EQF Level 8
Q
NQF/
NQS
EQF Level 7
NQF/
NQS
Q
EQF Level 6
Q
Q
NQF/
NQS
NQF/
NQS
EQF Level 5
NQF/
NQS
Q
EQF Level 4
EQF Level 3
Q
NQF/
NQS
EQF Level 2
EQF Level 1
NQF/
NQS
Q
Swedish postsecondary engineering
education
(Påbygnadsutbildning)
= EQF Level 4
= Irish post secondary
education at national
level 6 (Advanced
certificate)
E
Q
F
The Eight EQF Levels
Knowledge
Skills
Wider
personal and
professional
competences
Each
EQF
Reference
Level
Focus on Learning Outcomes
EQF
Learning
Outcomes
Formal Learning
Using the EQF
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Table 1: Learning Outcomes
Aimed at qualifications authorities,
experts:
makes translations between systems and
frameworks possible
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Table 2: Supporting Information
Needs to be compiled and completed at
national or sectoral level
Linking qualifications to the EQF:
the role of national authorities
• Commitments to link national qualifications
to EQF
• Long term reform process
• Learning outcome-based qualifications?
• National Framework of Qualifications?
Linking qualifications to the EQF:
the role of national authorities
• Clear link between national qualifications
and the EQF levels
• Self-certification
• Transparency of procedures
• Publishing of results
Linking qualifications to the EQF:
the role of sectoral stakeholders
• Sectors have expressed the need for a
common reference point
• Focus on an outcomes and competence
based approach
• Follow up of Maastricht Communique
Linking qualifications to the EQF:
the role of sectoral stakeholders
• Invite sectors to link sectoral qualifications
to EQF
• Facilitate sector internal competence
developments
• Facilitate link between national and sectoral
qualifications
• Ongoing work in the ICT sector exemplifies
this approach
Consultation
Europe-wide consultation process from
July to December 2005:
• 32 countries in
‘Education and Training 2010’
• Bologna follow-up group
• European Social Partner organisations
• Industry & sector organisations
• Education and training NGO’s
Consultation — Results
• Input to drafting of Council and
EP Recommendation in Spring
2006
• Support through the Integrated
Lifelong Learning Programme
State of the art
• The Commission adopted on 5
September 2006 a proposal for a
Recommendation of the European
Parliament and of the Council on the
establishment of EQF
• The draft recommendation foresees that
Member States relate their national
qualifications systems to the EQF by
2009
Summary
• 8 common reference levels (learning outcomes)
• Common principles support EQF levels and
provide guidelines for cooperation
• A range of tools and instruments for individuals
• Commitment from national and sectoral bodies