European database on validation of non-formal and informal learning

This database aims to support European countries in their efforts to develop and establish arrangements to validate non-formal and informal forms of learning. It is also a tool for anyone interested in validation, helping them understand better how validation is carried out in Europe.

The database links the European guidelines for validation of non-formal and informal learning (2nd edition, 2015) with the European inventory on validation (2014 update). It provides an overview of how countries are meeting the various challenges of establishing validation arrangements. It follows the chapters of the European guidelines. Detailed information per country is available in the country reports.

All information has been extracted from the ‘country fiches’, which were put together as part of the European inventory update, and are based on national researchers’ responses to a set of predefined questions. The text has not been edited by Cedefop. However, considerable effort has been made to ensure accuracy and correctness of the information. Please contact us if you discover inaccuracies. For suggestions, improvements, ideas, comments or further information, please contact the project manager, Ernesto Villalba-Garcia.

For more information about Cedefop’s actions in validating non-formal and informal learning, visit our validation project.