qualifications framework

Instrument for developing, classifying and issuing qualifications at international, national, regional or sectoral levels according to a set of criteria (such as descriptors) applicable to specified levels of learning outcomes.

Comment

A qualifications framework can be used to:

  • establish national standards of knowledge, skills and competences;
  • promote quality of education;
  • provide a system of coordination or integration of qualifications and enable comparison of qualifications by relating qualifications to one another;
  • promote access to learning, transfer of learning outcomes and progression in learning.
Source

Based on European Parliament and Council of the European Union, 2008; OECD, 2007a.

Related term(s)
descriptor
European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF)
international qualification / international certification
national qualifications framework
national qualifications system
qualification
qualifications system
sectoral qualification / sectoral certification
sectoral qualifications framework
standard
transnational qualification / transnational certification
transnational qualifications framework