European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 2

Second level of the European reference tool for the description and comparison of qualifications developed at national, international or sectoral level. The learning outcomes relevant to EQF level 2 are:

  • knowledge: basic factual knowledge of a field of work or study;
  • skills: basic cognitive and practical skills required to use relevant information to carry out tasks and to solve routine problems using simple rules and tools;
  • responsibility and autonomy: work or study under supervision with some autonomy.
Comment

Examples of qualifications at EQF level 2:

  • United Kingdom:
    • England and Northern Ireland: Technical/vocational qualifications level 1, GCSEs at grade D-G and, from 2017, grade 1-3 (England), Functional skills level 1 (England), Essential skills qualifications (Northern Ireland);
    • Scotland: National 4 awards, Skills for work national 4, National certificate, National progression award (SVQ);
    • Wales: Welsh baccalaureate foundation, Vocational qualifications, Essential skills, General certificate of secondary education (GCSE, grades D to G);
  • Ireland: Level 3 certificate (e.g. Level 3 certificate in information and communication technology), Junior certificate.
Source

Based on Council of the European Union, 2017; UNESCO, 2019.

Related term(s)
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF)
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 1
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 3
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 4
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 5
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 6
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 7
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) – Level 8
primary education (ISCED level 1 – EQF levels 1 or 2)