As Europe steps up efforts to address skills shortages and foster a more competitive, inclusive and interconnected labour market, National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) are playing an increasingly important role. They make qualifications more understandable, trusted and comparable across borders supporting mobility, career transitions and lifelong learning. The latest edition of the European inventory of NQFs provides an updated picture of how countries are developing and using their frameworks.
Mapping qualification systems across Europe
The inventory offers structured and comparable information on qualification types, levels, databases and procedures for referencing and registration.
Today, two-thirds of EU and EFTA countries have fully operational NQFs frameworks, which:
Serve as reference points for curriculum design and review of qualification standards
Indicate levels on certificates and diplomas
Include searchable registers and databases with detailed qualification descriptors
The remaining countries are at the activation stage, with key implementation structures largely in place. Most are finalising tools such as databases, quality assurance arrangements and awareness-raising efforts to engage users.
Expanding scope and increasing relevance
The inventory tells a shared story: NQFs are evolving to reflect a broader range of learning and qualifications. In line with EU priorities on lifelong learning, skills portability and inclusion:
18 countries now include or are open to recognising qualifications awarded outside formal education and training (up from 7 in 2019)
14 countries have integrated microcredentials, while 3 more are open in principle
These developments support more flexible, inclusive learning pathways, making diverse qualifications more visible, trusted and portable. They also reflect efforts to value all forms of learning and align them with labour market needs.
A new section of the inventory provides practical guidance on how to include qualifications in national frameworks, helping providers navigate procedures and share good practices.
Evidence of impact and challenges ahead
Country-specific reports confirm that NQFs are driving change at both system and stakeholder level. They help:
Improve transparency and comparability of qualifications
Advance the use of learning outcomes and level descriptors
Strengthen cooperation between education and labour market actors
However, challenges remain. Awareness and use of NQFs vary across countries and groups. While education providers and recognition authorities are generally well-informed, learners, workers, jobseekers and employers often remain only moderately aware of how NQFs function or how they can benefit from them.
As the Union of Skills initiative moves forward, stronger communication and outreach will be key. NQFs will continue to underpin mobility, inclusion and competitiveness—helping people and organisations navigate Europe’s evolving skills landscape.