This project aims to test in a lifelong learning perspective the level 5 and level 6 of the European Qualification Framework on 25-30 professional diplomas provided by Higher education institutions (average of 2 to 3 per institution) to identify potential confusions in the classification of the qualifications at levels 5 and 6 of the EQF framework in different institutions or countries; Identify nature and source of the distortions in the classification in levels 5 and 6 (conflict with other frameworks: National qualification framework, sectoral framework, local employment constraints...) and to propose guidelines to ensure a better presentation of the qualifications. More...

Certificates, diplomas and titles are commonly known as qualifications. Their purpose is to show employers, training providers and individuals what the person holding the qualification has learned and can do. More...

Frameworks help to make qualifications easier to understand and compare. They can also encourage countries to rethink and reform national policy and practice on education, training and lifelong learning. More...

Through a number of comparative studies and analysis, Cedefop aims at deepening the understanding of qualifications in Europe. All studies and analysis take into account the shift to learning outcomes and reflect the key elements in the definition of qualifications, for example educational and occupational standards, validation, curriculum development, assessment and the processes involved in awarding and recognising qualifications. The studies’ outcomes feed directly and support systematically policy developments at EU, national and sectoral level. More...

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a common European reference framework. It acts as a translation grid which links countries' qualifications systems/frameworks. It covers qualifications at all levels and in all sub-systems of education and training (general and adult education, vocational education and training as well as higher education). Its main role is to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. In close cooperation with the European Commission, Cedefop provides analytical and coordination support for the implementation of the EQF and carries out a number of comparative studies and analysis on issues related to the implementation of the framework at EU, national and sectoral level.

European Qualifications Framework - a bridge between national qualifications systems - details
The core of the EQF is its eight reference levels defined in terms of learning outcomes, i.e. knowledge, skills and competence. Learning outcomes express what individuals should know, understand and be able to do at the end of a learning process. Countries develop national qualifications frameworks (NQF) to implement the EQF.

Why the EQF is important
Its main role is to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. This is important to support cross-border mobility of learners and workers and lifelong learning across Europe. In the 'Compare qualifications frameworks' page it is possible to see how national qualifications levels of countries that have already finalised their referencing process have been linked to the EQF. More...

L’année 2014 a vu un engagement politique plus fort et le travail technique pour le développement et la mise en œuvre de cadres nationaux de certifications certifications (CNC) à travers l’Europe.
Ce cinquième rapport annuel et l’analyse du Cedefop sur les développements européens NQF confirme le rôle clé de ces cadres dans la fabrication des qualifications comparables au sein et entre les pays. Voir l'article...