The European Qualifications Framework for
Lifelong Learning – Update on Recent
Developments
ReferNet Meeting
22 January 2009
Overview
 EQF: Purpose and Structure
 Legislative process
 Implementation
National Co-ordination Points
EQF Advisory Board
EQF Web Platform
 EQF and Bologna Framework
 Conclusion
EQF: Purpose and Structure
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Proposal for a European Qualifications Framework launched
by the European Commission in September 2006
Recommendation outlines the establishment of an overarching
framework to facilitate comparison of qualifications and
qualifications levels
– in order to promote geographical and labour market mobility
– in order to promote Lifelong Learning
The core of EQF consists of 8 qualifications levels described
through learning outcomes: knowledge, skill and competence
EQF represents a new approach to European co-operation in
the field of qualifications
Country A
EQF
Country B
1
2
3
4
5
Qualifications
(A)
6
7
8
Qualifications
(B)
EQF: Legislative process and implementation I
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EQF adopted by the European Parliament and
Council in December 2007
•
Formal signing of documentation took place in April
2008
•
EQF Launch Conference 3-4 June 2008
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Implementation process has now commenced
EQF: Legislative process and implementation II
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Implementation of EQF a voluntary process:
countries who choose to do so will implement EQF in
2 stages
– Referencing national qualifications levels to EQF by
2010
– Referencing EQF in all new certificates, diplomas
and Europass documents by 2012
EQF: Legislative process and implementation III
•
Timeline is to allow for development of national
qualifications frameworks in most member states
• Ireland, of course, has a Framework and will, along
with the UK, move towards speedier implementation
– Referencing processes well advanced in Scotland,
and England/Northern Ireland
– Commencing now in Wales
Implementation: National Co-ordination Points
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NCPs are to be appointed by member states to support
and guide relationship between national qualifications
systems and EQF
Qualifications Authority designated as Irish NCP
Will be responsible for:
– co-ordinating referencing of Irish Framework levels to EQF,
using a transparent methodology
– providing access to information and guidance to stakeholders on
referencing process
– promoting participation of stakeholders in referencing process
Implementation: EQF Advisory Group I
• Implementation at European level will be
overseen by EQF Advisory Group – first
meeting held 13/14 March 2008
• Composed of representatives of member states
and involving social partners and other
stakeholders as appropriate
• Qualifications Authority representing Ireland on
EQF Advisory Group
Implementation: EQF Advisory Group II
Advisory Group responsible for:
– Providing overall coherence and promoting transparency of the
process of relating qualifications systems to EQF
– Sub-group has produced criteria and procedures for referencing
national frameworks and qualifications levels to EQF
(Qualifications Authority participated)
– Other issues/policy areas being explored include:
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quality assurance, particularly in relation to certification
how sectoral qualifications might relate to EQF;
the external dimension of EQF (relationship with other geographical areas)
the EQF Web platform
Implementation: EQF Web platform
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Prototype web platform under development
Issue around whether it will serve primarily as a technical
communication tool for the National Coordination Points or as an
information point for European citizens on EQF matters more
generally
Advisory Group is establishing a Steering Committee to look at
this issue and procedures and protocols for populating the web
platform – Qualifications Authority participating
It appears web platform will, initially, provide information on
types of qualifications and on the referencing processes of
national systems to EQF
EQF and Bologna Framework I
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Similarities and overlaps
– Overarching frameworks
– Cover broad scope of learning
– Designed to improve transparency
– Support Lifelong Learning and mobility
– Associated with quality assurance
– Employ concept of ‘best fit’ for relating national qualification
levels to the overarching framework
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Developed out of different political processes: Bologna and
Copenhagen/Lisbon
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Recognised at an early stage that two Frameworks needed to be
compatible
EQF and Bologna Framework II
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Compatibility asserted in European Commission’s
recommendation on EQF
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Also through co-operation between Council of Europe and
Commission through EQF Advisory Board and Bologna
Framework Co-ordination Group
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Clear cross-referencing exists at Levels 5-8 (EQF) and cycles 1-3
(Bologna Framework)
EQF Levels
Bologna Framework
1
2
3
4
5
Short cycle within the first
cycle
6
First Cycle
7
Second Cycle
8
Third Cycle
EQF and Bologna Framework IV
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Ireland has verified the compatibility of its National
Framework to the Bologna Framework (2006)
Referencing of NFQ levels 6-10 to EQF levels 5-8 may
be deemed to be completed on the basis of
– this verification
and
– the assertion of compatibility in the EQF Recommendation of EQF levels 58 to the Bologna Framework Short-cycle and Cycles 1-3
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Referencing Process: technical comparison of the NFQ
and EQF level descriptors will be undertaken across all
levels
Conclusion
• Irish Referencing process now commencing
• Will conduct process using EQF Advisory
Group criteria and procedures
• Communications with stakeholders to be
significant part of process
• Aim to complete referencing process by
Summer 2009