On 21-22 November 2023, Cedefop has actively contributed to the 63rd EQF Advisory Group online meeting. The main topics of focus included the presentation of the updated referencing report of Malta, the addendum to the referencing report of Denmark, the guidelines on short descriptions of learning outcomes and Cedefop’s analysis of the 2022 NQF developments across Europe.
In the 63rd EQF Advisory Group (AG) meeting, Cedefop presented the main trends and NQF developments across Europe, based on the analysis of the country-specific reports included in the 2022 European inventory of NQFs. Countries have reported considerable progress in opening-up frameworks to qualifications awarded outside formal education and training (55% of the countries participating in the EQF process). Considerable work has also been done in linking validation arrangements to the NQFs. Most often countries have mentioned that NQFs have a positive impact on promoting transparency of qualifications and the use of learning outcomes.
The European Commission and Cedefop presented the results of the joint EQF-EUROPASS project group, which developed the European guidelines for drafting short descriptions of learning outcomes-based qualifications. These short descriptions of qualifications are intended for publication in databases/registers connected to Europass. They should offer users, like learners and employers, rapid insights into the content, orientation and complexity of qualifications. The guidelines can be used for different types of qualifications, including full and partial qualifications or micro-credentials, as well as to briefly describe the learning outcomes of education and training programmes. The group endorsed the Guidelines’ publication and translation into all EU language. They will also be used for supporting the review and digitalisation of the Europass certificate supplement.
Updated referencing reports
2023 has been a record year regarding the number of updated referencing reports presented to the EQF AG. The Flemish-speaking community of Belgium, which updated its referencing report in early summer, was followed by Malta and Denmark. Lithuania has also presented the state of play of updating its referencing report, aiming to conclude the process in 2024.
Cedefop, international experts and discussants appreciated the extensive research-based work performed by the Maltese experts. The report offers an illustration of the main changes in the framework and qualifications system, using an innovative approach to better reach end users. Emerging topics, such as the use of AI, are also explored.
The EQF AG has welcomed the Danish addendum to the referencing report as a concise and well-formulated document, presenting the levelling procedure of non-formal qualifications to the NQF. Its members agreed that the country has adopted a robust, evidence-based approach, starting from a mapping exercise of such qualifications, supported by close collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders and concluded with an evaluation report that have been already used to improve the procedure.