Developments in the European qualifications framework for lifelong learning

1. Bologna ProcessDevelopment of Qualifications FrameworksMeeting of National correspondentsStrasbourg, 9-10 November 2009

2. Developments in the European qualifications framework for lifelong learning Carlo ScatoliDG Education and Culture

3. is a regional meta-framework linking national qualifications frameworks or systems through levels descriptors of learning outcomes not related to a specific structure of the education and training systems. The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning

4. The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning is * a meta-framework EU initiative * to connect, but not to merge nor reform… …the national qualifications systems and frameworks National competences …the national education and training systems

5. EQF will make qualifications easier to understand, appreciate and compare, and possibly to recognise, helping people move across countries and across sectors, in the European labour market and lifelong learning area. EQF : a meta-framework for mobility Strong demand from social partners

6. EQF covers all levels of qualifications, facilitates gateways between subsystems of education and training, promotes validation of non formal learning. EQF adopts and promotes the use of learning outcomes,a radical change of attitude in many education and training systems. EQF : a meta-framework for lifelong learning

7. What a learner knows, understands or is able to do at the end of a learning process EQF – Learning outcomes The adoption of learning outcomes, as opposed to formal features to define qualifications, is essential for qualifications frameworks and meta-frameworks

8. A grid of descriptorsdefining 8 levels of qualification in terms of learning outcomesrelated to knowledge, skills, competence EQF - Structure

9. In the context of the 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. EQF - Structure

10. Example: EQF level 5

11. Example: EQF level 6

12. Member States are recommended to: Relate their national qualifications systems to the EQF by 2010by referencing, in a transparent manner, their qualifications levels to the EQF levels The EQF process

13. Member States are recommended to: Ensure that all new qualification certificates, by 2012, contain a clear reference – by way of national qualification systems – to the appropriate EQF level The EQF process

14. It is not expressly recommended that Member States set up national qualifications frameworks The EQF process All Member States are now developing NQFs

15. Member States are recommended to: Use an approach based on learning outcomes when defining and describing qualifications Promote the validation of non formal and informal learning Promote and apply principles of quality assurance in education and training The EQF process

16. The EQF Advisory Group – set up by the Commission, provides coherence and transparency The national coordination points – implementation bodies at national level EQF – Implementation

17. The EQF Advisory Group: Representatives of EUR-32 countries, Council of Europe (EHEA), social partners, stakeholders (Eurochambres, EUCIS-LLL, EUA) EQF – Implementation Many parties concerned

18. Referencing – through a transparent methodology – is the first task of the national coordination points In particular, the AG has agreed on a set of criteria and procedures for referencing national qualifications to the EQF The EQF implementation

19. Referencing means to decide which EQF level is the closest to a given national level The target is the best fit, rather than the full fit The EQF implementation

20. Criteria and procedures in 10 points to ensure that the information made public - is validated by the competent authorities - is relevant and transparent- can be compared- generates trust The EQF implementation Close to the EHA criteria and procedures

21. The EQF implementation The referencing process Peer to peer review EQF is a meta-framework Common criteria Common criteria Mutual trust

22. The EQF implementation The process of referencing national qualifications levels to the EQF A national referencing report for each country Criteria & Procedures 9 22

23. The EQF implementation The process of referencing national qualifications levels to the EQF Irish report finalised and launched on 17 September 2009 Maltese report finalised and launched on 4 November (Preparatory) work started in all other countries 23

24. Irish EQF referencing report 24

25. Maltese EQF and EHEAreferencing report EQF MQF Referenced to the QF EHEA

26. Maltese EQF and EHEA referencing report - 8 level system which captures the level descriptors of the EQF and the QF-EHEA • 1 credit system across the framework - One area of Higher Educationrepresenting academic and research degrees as well as Vocational and Professional Degrees. 26

27. The EQF implementation 16 countries referencing by 2009 or 2010 - fully on schedule 10 countries referencing by 2011 - still on schedulefor 2012 5 countries not yet able to estimate Very provisional information August 2009,next round (Dec 2009) more accurate 27

28. Estimate August 2009 28

29. The EQF context All Member States are setting up (or revising) national qualifications frameworkswith a lifelong learning perspectivebased on learning outcomes 29

30. The EQF context Most are considering 8 levels, one 7 levels (Iceland)some 8 + entry level (UK-England)some 8 with one or two sublevels (Croatia, Slovenia – cf. Ireland) Mapping by Cedefop August 2009.Next round EHEA national correspondents to be contacted 30

31. Thank you for your attention carlo.scatoli@ec.europa.eu

32. 1. The responsibilities and/or legal competence of all relevant national bodies involved in the referencing process, including the National Coordination Point, are clearly determined and published by the competent public authorities. Clarity about actors and their role. Cf EHEA Crt 7. EQF – Referencing criteria

33. 2. There is a clear and demonstrable link between the qualifications levels in the national qualifications framework or system and the level descriptors of the European Qualifications Framework. Cf. EHEA Crt 2. EQF – Referencing criteria

34. 3. The NQF or system and its qualifications are based on the principle and objective of learning outcomes and linked to arrangements for validation of non-formal and informal learning and, where these exist, to credit systems. The learning outcomes approach is fundamental. Cf. EHEA Crt 3 EQF – Referencing criteria

35. 4. The procedures for inclusion of qualifications in the national qualifications framework or for describing the place of qualifications in the national qualification system are transparent. Transparency is a fundamental requirement. Cf. EHEA Crt 4. (EQF does not require NQF to be established.) EQF – Referencing criteria

36. 5. The national quality assurance system(s) for education and training refer (s) to the national qualifications framework or system and are consistent with the relevant European principles and guidelines (as indicated in annex 3 of the Recommendation). Cruciality of QA recognised through specific annex to the EQF Recommendation. Cf. EHEA Crt 5. EQF – Referencing criteria

37. 6. The referencing process shall include the stated agreement of the relevant quality assurance bodies. Completes and specifies EQF Crt 5.Cf. EHEA Prc 2. EQF – Referencing criteria

38. 7. The referencing process shall involve international experts. Possibly reflecting a variety of stakeholders – it is about generating mutual trust as well as about cooperation. Cf. EHEA Prc 3. EQF – Referencing criteria

39. 8. The competent national body or bodies shall certify the referencing of the national qualifications framework or system with the EQF. One comprehensive report, setting out the referencing and the evidence supporting it shall be published by the competent national bodies, including the National Coordination Point, and shall address separately each of the criteria. One country, one voice. Important to stress for an overarching framework.Cf. EHEA Prc 4. EQF – Referencing criteria

40. 9. The official EQF platform shall maintain a public listing of member states that have confirmed that they have completed the referencing process, including links to completed referencing reports. The EQF platform will be managed centrally. Cf. EHEA Prc 5. EQF – Referencing criteria

41. 10. Following the referencing process, and in line with the timelines set in the Recommendation, all new qualification certificates, diplomas and Europass documents issued by the competent authorities contain a clear reference, by way of national qualifications systems, to the appropriate European Qualifications Framework level. The process is achieved when the outcome indicated by the Recommendation is available – each single qualification is related to the EQF. Cf. EHEA Prc 6. EQF – Referencing criteria