About

The NQF online tool

The NQF online tool presents the evolution of qualifications frameworks in Europe since 2018. Qualifications frameworks promote transparency and comparability of qualifications, as well as mobility among European education and training systems. They can also impact broader education and lifelong learning policies, such as those on recognition and validation of prior learning. By offering information on qualifications through databases and on certificates, diplomas and supplements, countries are extending the frameworks’ outreach to stakeholders and the wider public at national and international levels.

National qualifications frameworks (NQFs) classify qualifications by level, based on learning outcomes. This classification reflects the content and profile of qualifications, i.e. what the holder of a certificate or diploma is expected to know, understand, and be able to do. The learning outcomes approach also enhances openness among education and training subsystems, making people’s vertical and horizontal progression easier.

The European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) has been the main catalyst for the development of NQFs in Europe, including qualifications from all education levels and sectors. A total of 41 countries committed to the EQF are developing or implementing NQFs: the 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. The development of NQFs in Europe also reflects the Bologna Process, while the EQF Recommendation confirms the compatibility between the EQF and the Framework  of qualifications for the European higher education area (QF-EHEA). All countries implementing the EQF are participating in this process.

How Cedefop supports EQF and NQF implementation

Cedefop’s work on qualifications frameworks dates back to 2003. At the time, the Centre worked mainly on the EQF’s conceptual development. Since 2009, Cedefop has carried out conceptual and technical work, and has developed and published: 

• the European inventory on NQFs, including biennially country-specific reports monitoring NQF developments at national level (since 2012);
• analyses and monitoring of European and national developments (2015-2016, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009); 
• short summaries of NQF developments in Europe (2019, 2017, 2016) and NQF overviews; 
• briefing notes (e.g. 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016);
• focused studies: EQF: IVET qualifications at levels 3 and 4 (2020); Analysis and overview of NQF level descriptors in European countries (2018, 2013); Qualifications at EQF level 5 (2014); European reference levels (2005).