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The European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Loukas Zahilas, Project ManagerLoukas.Zahilas@cedefop.europa.eu

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In the beginning…

the LISBON agenda

Background

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LISBON agenda

Knowledge for:

• competitiveness• more and better jobs• social inclusion

Success for Lisbon depends on success in vocational education and training

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LISBON agenda

Success in VET requires:

• knowing skills needs• establishing systems to deliver those skills• providing access for people

This requires VET-effective policies.

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Actual pathway for 2010 objectives

Lisbon Strategy

Bologna ProcessCopenhagen

Process

Maastricht Communique

Bergen Declaration

European Higher Education Framework

E. Q. F.

E.V.C.E.T.

National Processes

N. Q. F.

New National Qualifications Frameworks

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Functions of the EQF

Neutral reference pointNeutral reference point based on

learning outcomeslearning outcomes

Translation deviceTranslation device for comparing qualifications

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The European Qualifications Framework

• Bologna and Copenhagen

• Focus on Qualifications

• Reflects an explicit need

• Expert group

Consultation

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Our Lifelong Learning Experience: Obstacles!

• within and between countries

• between education and training systems

• to use of acquired skills

• to new learning

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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

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What EQF is NOT!

• EQF not about replacing national/sectoral frameworks

• EQF not about harmonisation

• EQF CANNOT define new qualifications

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The main elements of the EQF

12EQF Level 1EQF Level 1

EQF Level 2EQF Level 2

EQF Level 3EQF Level 3

EQF Level 4EQF Level 4

EQF Level 5EQF Level 5

EQF Level 6EQF Level 6

EQF Level 7EQF Level 7

EQF Level 8EQF Level 8

Country A Country B

Q

Q

QNQF/ NQS

NQF/ NQS

NQF/ NQS

Q

Q

Q

Q

NQF/NQS

NQF/NQS

NQF/NQS

NQF/NQS

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Swedish post-secondary engineering

education (Påbygnadsutbildning)

= EQF Level 4 = Irish post secondary education at national

level 6 (Advanced certificate)

EE QQ FF

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The Eight EQF Levels

EachEQF

Reference Level

Knowledge

Skills

Wider personal and professional competences

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Focus on Learning Outcomes

EQF

LearningOutcomes

Non-Form

al Learning

Formal Learning

Info

rmal

Lea

rnin

g

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Consultation — Results

• Input to drafting of Council and EP Recommendation in Spring 2006

• Support through the Integrated Lifelong Learning Programme

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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

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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