The French National Qualification Framework

What is EQF ?

Translation system to compare the qualifications

Neutral reference point (meta-framework) based on learning outcomes

The functions of EQF and NQF must be kept separate

EQF > Transparency, comparison, neutral reference point

NQF> Coordination, permeability, regulation, tool for reform

EQF cannot be a direct model for NQF; needs to clarify main differences and identify which features of the EQF are useful for creating a NQF

What is called qualification in the French context ?

An individual is considered as “qualified” when he or she has demonstrated a combination of knowledge, know-how and abilities giving the insurance that he or she is able to perform a set of activities in a large professional context with a level of responsibility and autonomy previously defined.

What is a certification in the French system

A certification supposes :

- A standard describing what learning outcomes are certified

- A procedure to validate the conformity of learning outcomes to the standard

- An authority who attests the conformity of the procedure and award the certification to the applicant

Main principles in the French approach

• Every vocational certification can be awarded after initial, continuing as well as work integrated learning or after professional and personal experience through the VAE

• The vocational certifications recognised as qualification indicators are registered in the Répertoire National des certifications professionnelles and classified by a level grid and learning domains.

Common principles and procedures

Specific committees exist to manage together political orientations at a national, regional and sectoral levels about - LLL development - Guidance and information of youth and adults- Identification and validation of non formal and informal learning

The quality principles are set up under the responsibility of institutions and ministries responsible of the “certification” process

.

Focus on the learning outcomes

CEC- EQFCEC- EQF

Learning outcomes

Non-Form

al learning

Formal learning

Info

rmal

lear

ning

A certification system set up through a recent law on 17 January 2002

Main principlesAny “certification” can be got after a validation of learning

outcomes whatever they can be acquired (formal, non formal or informal learning) by a specific process named « validation des acquis d’expérience » (VAE) and the law reform the last approach which exist before

(VAE = Validation of knowledge acquired from experience)

- Certifications are registered in a Répertoire National des certifications Professionnelles hold and up to date by the Commission nationale de la Certification Professionnelle which is in charge of the European transparency

Social partnersEmployer

s

Social partnersUnions

State

A registration requiring a tripartite A registration requiring a tripartite consultationconsultation

La Commission Nationale de la Certification Professionnelle

(National Vocational Qualification Commission)

• Composition

– Representatives of the state (16)

– Social partners (5 employes, 5 employees)

– Chambers of Commerce (3)– Regions (3)– Experts (11)– President and Rapporteur

général

Représentants de l'Etat (16)

Partenaires sociaux (10)

Chambres consulaires (3)

Régions (3)

Personnalités qualifiées (11)

Président et Rapporteur général (2)

Registration conditions

Presentation of :• Description of skills, activities and competencies aimed

by the certification• Description of the certification process (learning outcomes

expected, assessment procedures and evaluation and validation criteria)

• Composition of the jurys• Information on professional development of applicants

who have been previously awarded

French Certifications Typology

Uses Authorities Public Type of awards

Social Qualification Ministries Pupils, students, adults LLL and VAE

Diplômas and degrees registered in RNCP

Vocational

Qualification

Ministr ies

Branches

Training Centres

Yong people and adults

LLL and VAE

Diplômas, titles CQP registered in RNCP

Licences for regulates activities

Organismes agréés par un ministère

Skilled workers and salrees

Habilitation,licences, certification

Qualification

Firms awards Lobbies and Firms organisations

Wide public Certification given by firms or labels

Three categories of certifications can be registered in the RNCP:

• Vocational diplomas (degrees) and titles delivered in the name of the State, under a ministry responsibility – including all the Higher education degrees from Universities

• Vocational Qualification Certificates produced by sectors under the social partners responsibility,

• Titles or certificates delivered by public, chambers or private institutions

The European Indicators for EQF

An 8 levels grid translation meta-framewok

Defined by 3 descriptors

• Knowledge

• Skills

• Competence (autonomy / responsability

EQF Niveau 1EQF Niveau 1

EQF Niveau 2EQF Niveau 2

EQF Niveau 3EQF Niveau 3

EQF Niveau 4EQF Niveau 4

EQF Niveau 5EQF Niveau 5

EQF Niveau 6EQF Niveau 6

EQF Niveau 7EQF Niveau 7

EQF Niveau 8EQF Niveau 8

Certification

Certification

Certification

Certification

Country ACountry A Country BCountry B

Certification

Certification

Certification

The French indicators of qualification

Two categories of indicators are in use :- The classification descriptors used in the sectoral

social conventions agreed by social partners

- Three kinds of individual certifications : diplomas (or degrees) , titles vocational and oriented, sectoral certificates produced by sectoral social partners (law of January 2002).

Classification in the RNCP

•A 5 levels grid since 1969

• Used in a different manner according to the awarding bodies responsible of the certification

Min. of education HE Other awarding bodies

Bac + 5 and over I Managers or experts

Bac + 3 II Middle manager or expert

Bac + 2 (years) III Higher technician

Baccalaureat IV Technician

V Skilled worker

Classification in the RNCP

• Disciplinary fields

• Technico-professional fields of production

• Technico-professional fields of services

• Personal development fields

Learning domains (NSF)

About referencing to EQF

• Actually referencing is in progress

• A specific group coordinated by CNCP is in charge of a common methodology

About referencing to EQF

• Actually referencing is in progress

• A specific group coordinated by CNCP is in charge of a common methodology

The RNCP is composed with three information steps and directly linked to the certificate supplement Europass • A list of certifications (first results after research by key words)• A description of the certification (on the basis of the certificate supplement format in Europass)• Links with other websites for further information about the certification consulted

The RNCP can be used freely through the website

Presentation of NQF

www.cncp.gouv.fr

NQF Settlement

• Strong links with Europass (CS)

• Coherence with Diplomas’ supplement

• Accompaniement of the Universities to fulfill the items in terms of learning outcomes

• Involvement of HE stakeholders (DGESIP, CPU, Bologna zxperts, CNCP….)

Commission Nationale de la Certification Professionnelle1, Av du Stade de France 93210 Saint Denis-La Plaine Tél 00 (33) 01 57 « 3 81 53 Internet : www.cncp.gouv.fr

Further information