National qualifications framework

In 2015, amendments to the Vocational education law set the link between professional qualification levels and the LQF levels, and the general regulation of the LQF. The LQF became a comprehensive eight-level framework based on learning outcomes and encompassing general, vocational and higher education as well as professional qualifications.

In September 2016, new Cabinet of Ministers regulations called for developing occupational standards in line with LQF levels. Regulations supporting the use of the learning-outcomes approach, while developing occupational standards, vocational education content and assessment methods, have been in force since May 2016.

Since January 2017, vocational education certificates and diplomas include reference to LQF levels. On 13 June 2017, the Government adopted new Regulations on the classification of the Latvian education system, including reference to LQF/EQF, and LQF level descriptors in terms of knowledge, skills and competences, which replaced the previous version of regulations with the same title (approved in 2008).

In 2017, sectoral qualifications frameworks were revised within the framework of the ESF project Development of sectoral qualifications system for vocational education development and quality assurance (2016-21) implemented by VISC (the National Centre for Education). Descriptors of sectoral qualifications levels were developed or revised in line with LQF levels, and general descriptions of sectoral occupations and specialisations were updated.

Upon agreement between education and sectors, 15 sectoral qualifications frameworks were officially approved in April 2018; craftsmanship qualifications were incorporated into sectoral qualifications frameworks.

In 2018, a new qualification was introduced and included in the LQF: professional Doctor diploma in arts (LQF level 8).

In 2019, the updated self-assessment report Referencing the Latvian qualifications framework to the European qualifications framework for lifelong learning and the Qualifications framework for the European higher education area, was prepared and presented to the EQF Advisory Group.

In 2020, the Latvian National contact point (NCP) prepared three video presentations on LQF and qualifications: Latvian qualifications framework and how it is referenced to the European qualifications framework (EQF); Latvian qualifications database and how to use it; and the new Europass platform, its functions and benefits, including CV creation.

In 2021, the Latvian National contact point conducted a study on micro-credentials in Latvia to prepare for national level discussions on opening the LQF to qualifications acquired outside formal education.

In 2021, the sectoral expert councils updated the sector qualifications frameworks (referenced to LQF). Amendments deleted obsolete qualifications and added new professional qualifications and specialisations. Necessary changes were also made in the LQF levels of professional qualifications. The titles of professional qualifications were clarified in accordance with the needs of the sectors, aiming to ensure international comparability and recognition of professional qualifications.