The Swedish Qualifications Framework (SeQF) makes it possible to recognise and compare skills, no matter how they are acquired– whether through formal education, work experience, or other forms of learning. A key aspect of the SeQF is that it includes non-formal qualifications, which allow professional skills gained outside the formal education system to be described, validated and compared. This fosters greater recognition of individual’s skills, improving their labour market prospects, and supports the skills supply across various sectors.
Around 120 non-formal qualifications and growing
The number of non-formal qualifications assigned to the SeQF is continuously growing. As of April 2025, 120 such qualifications have been levelled to the SeQF, all of which are available in the Swedish National Qualifications Database.
Since non-formal qualifications were introduced in 2016, the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MyH), which is responsible for levelling non-formal qualifications to the SeQF, has tracked their use. According to their latest unpublished data, between 2017 and 2024, over 23 000 individuals have had their skills assessed and recognised through non-formal qualifications.
Validation that builds confidence
One example is the Operations Technician – Water and Wastewater Networks qualification, which offers workers without formal education the opportunity to have their skills validated through a structured assessment process.
At Jack Nilcrant’s workplace, only few colleagues had formal training for the work they do. ‘The validation showed that everyone actually has a lot of knowledge – often more than they thought,” says Jack, who works in water and wastewater management.
The validation process included both theoretical and practical parts. Assessors observed employees in real work settings, and those lacking certain skills were given the chance to learn them. ‘Everyone was supportive, and we could ask the assessors any question,’ Jack recalls. ‘Now we’ve got certificates on the wall showing we’re validated against the industry’s qualification standards – it feels great to have that recognition.’
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| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Sweden, & Cedefop (2025, November 12). Sweden: increasing number of non-formal qualifications strengthens Sweden’s skills supply. National news on VET |