ecdc.europa.eu ESTONIA Information visitBrussels 1 June 2010

ecdc.europa.eu The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning Carlo Scatoli DG Education and Culture

Competences, outcomes 2001 – Memorandum on Lifelong Learning Towards (E)QF Input based (duration, institution) 1996 –European Year of Lifelong Learning Education and training system Learners and learning process Output oriented (what learners know and can do)

Competences, learning outcomes 2008 – The European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF) 2009 – European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) 2006 – The European Framework of Key Competences for Lifelong Learning 2008 – New skills for new jobs initiative Towards (E)QF 2004 – Europass

Learning outcomes 2005 –Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area National qualifications frameworks 2004 – Dublin descriptors - EHEA Towards (E)QF

The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning 8 EQF levels defined in terms of LEARNING OUTCOMES Knowledge Skills Competence Without reference to duration or institutional setting

The EQF level descriptors In the context of EQF, knowledge is described as theoretical and/or factual skills are described as cognitive (involving the use of logical, intuitive and creative thinking) and practical (involving manual dexterity and the use of methods, materials, tools and instruments) competence is described in terms of responsibility and autonomy

KnowledgeSkillsCompetence LEVEL5LEVEL5 comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge a comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change review and develop performance of self and others The EQF level descriptors (Very much like a national QF…)

The EQF brings together qualifications Connecting, including and ordering qualifications, but not directly by way of national systems and gives them further structure EQF is a meta- framework A EU meta-framework – What does it do?

Member States to relate NQS/F to the EQF Implementing the EQF -Following agreed criteria (transparent procedures, learning outcomes, quality assurance, international involvement) prepare a report explaining how national qualifications levels are referenced to EQF levels 2010

Implementing the EQF qualifications issued by competent authorities are related, via the national qualification systems, to the EQF. Member States to ensure that NQF 7 EQF 5

Referencing to the EQF Three EQF referencing reports have been finalised Sept 2009 Nov 2009 Feb 2010

Referencing to the EQF 8Countries referencing by 2009 or fully on schedule Countries referencing by Countries referencing after Countries not yet able to estimate 25 countries likely to meet the 2012 target date

Both EQF and EHEA QF are meta- frameworks. Their nature, purpose, objective, scope overlap, but are not the same. Qualification levels EHEA QF EQF Participating countries EHEA QF EQF Meta-framework meets meta-framework

Two European meta-frameworks Coordinated structure: EQF levels = EHEA QF cycles 1, 2, 3 EQF - EHEA QF Coordinated implementation: - EHEA QF represented in EQF advisory group - EQF coordination represented in EHEA QF working group - Criteria and procedures overlapping as far as possible - Shared commitment to avoid double referencing by participating countries

National qualifications frameworks All Member States are developing NQF based on learning outcomes - Easier progression and mobility between LLL sectors (vocational training and higher education) - Easier accreditation of prior learning and validation of non formal an informal learning outcomes The Commission is preparing a proposal on validation linked to EQF/NQF

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