Validation tools

The Recommendation emphasises the need for appropriate tools and instruments allowing for validation of non-formal and informal learning; it also draws attention to the relevance of common European tools for transparency and recognition and their potential support to the process: ‘the use of Union transparency tools, such as the Europass framework and Youthpass, is promoted in order to facilitate the documentation of learning outcomes’ (Council of EU, 2012, p. 3, point 3i); and asks Member States to ensure that ‘[…] synergies exist between validation arrangements and credit systems applicable in the formal education and training system, such as ECTS and ECVET’ (p. 4, point 3j); Member States are also asked to foster participation of stakeholders that ‘[…] should promote and facilitate the identification and documentation of learning outcomes acquired at work or in voluntary activities, using relevant Union transparency tools, such as those developed under the Europass framework and Youthpass’ (p. 4, point 4a).