The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) an update J. Bjornavold European centre for development of vocational training (Cedefop)
Why an EQF? Problem Lack of communication and cooperation between education and training systems Barriers to lifelong learning and mobility Between Member States and between systems, e.g. between higher education and VET, between international sectors and national systems
EQF: approach and objectives Increase transparency and portability of qualifications Create common reference framework as translation device between qualification systems and levels Cover all levels and forms of qualifications Base the reference levels and framework on learning outcomes
Country A Country B Q Q Q NQF / NQS NQF / NQS NQF / NQS EQF Level 8 EQF Level 7 EQF Level 6 EQF Level 5 EQF Level 4 EQF Level 3 NQF / NQS NQF / NQS Q Q Q NQF / NQS EQF Level 2 NQF / NQS Q EQF Level 1
EQF: reference level descriptors Based on learning outcomes knowledge, skills and competence 8 levels covering all levels of academic and vocational qualifications Integrates Bologna descriptors (within learning outcomes of levels 5-8)
Learning outcomes shifts focus from input duration and location of learning - to what a person knows and is able to do better match between needs of the labour market and education and training provision facilitates transfer and use of qualifications across different countries and education and training systems. facilitates validation of non-formal and informal learning
Where do we stand? Expert group Dec 2004-Feb 2006 Staff Working Paper July 2005 Public consultation July 2005 Feb 2006 Expert group on descriptors March June 2006 Commission proposal 5 September 2006 Council: general approach 14 November 2006 European Parliament; 1st reading in the Plenary July 2007 Aim: Agreement in 2007
EQF: recommends that MS 1. Use EQF as a reference tool 2. Reference their levels to EQF by 2010 3. Reference new qualifications to EQF levels by 2012 4. Use learning outcomes approach 5. Designate national EQF centre
EQF: Commission s role 1. Support MSs in cooperation, testing and guidance 2. Establish EQF advisory group 3. Report after 5yrs with possible review of Recommendation
Implementing the EQF Pilot projects (LdV) supporting the development of an operational EQF How to refer national qualification levels to the EQF How to develop qualifications frameworks at national and sectoral level? What kind of guidance and support is necessary? 12 out of 39 projects selected in 2006
Reactions to the EQF at national, sectoral and international level
National Qualifications Frameworks A rapid development of NQFs addressing the following objectives to establish national standards for learning outcomes; to promote a coherent national approach to quality of education and training provision; to act as a way of relating qualifications to each other; and to promote access to learning, transfer of learning and progression in learning
Why this momentum..? Broad agreement on EQF objectives and functions; The shift to learning outcomes and introduction of NQFs are important parts of national reform strategies; European and national objectives converge..
November 2006 NQF developments Ireland, UK, Malta and France have already developed NQFs Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Rep., Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Rep. and Turkey have committed themselves to develop a NQF: Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Slovenia and Sweden are considering or have taken first steps towards NQFs.
International sectoral organisations Points to the need for an international reference points for qualifications European ICT sector has already outlined sectoral framework referring to the EQF. LdV pilot projects will address stakeholders at this level, The relationship between national and international qualifications needs represents a challenge
An international positioning system for qualifications? Considerable interest outside Europe for the EQF. Can the EQF provide a starting point for an international positioning system for qualifications Discussed during G8 in the spring, as a part of EU-India dialogue last week IQF.?