The European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning – Update on Recent

Developments

ReferNet Meeting22 January 2009

Overview

EQF: Purpose and Structure Legislative process Implementation

National Co-ordination PointsEQF Advisory BoardEQF Web Platform

EQF and Bologna Framework Conclusion

EQF: Purpose and Structure

• 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

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EQFCountry A Country B

Qualifications(A)

Qualifications(B)

EQF: Legislative process and implementation I

• 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

• Implementation process has now commenced

EQF: Legislative process and implementation II

• 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

• 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:• 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

• 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

• 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

• Developed out of different political processes: Bologna and Copenhagen/Lisbon

• Recognised at an early stage that two Frameworks needed to be compatible

EQF and Bologna Framework II

• Compatibility asserted in European Commission’s recommendation on EQF

• Also through co-operation between Council of Europe and Commission through EQF Advisory Board and Bologna Framework Co-ordination Group

• Clear cross-referencing exists at Levels 5-8 (EQF) and cycles 1-3 (Bologna Framework)

EQF Levels Bologna Framework

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5 Short cycle within the first cycle

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7 Second Cycle

8 Third Cycle

EQF and Bologna Framework IV

• 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 verificationand – the assertion of compatibility in the EQF Recommendation of EQF levels 5-

8 to the Bologna Framework Short-cycle and Cycles 1-3

• 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