Publication of the updated report on the referencing of the Lithuanian Framework to EQF and QF-EHEA

Background of the Updated Referencing Report

Established in 2008 and updated in 2017 to address emerging trends and challenges, the EQF functions as a translation tool. Similarly, the QF-EHEA, adopted in 2005 and revised in 2018 to include short-cycle qualifications, provides a framework for aligning higher education systems across Europe. The first national referencing report of Lithuania to EQF was published in 2012. Since then, significant changes have been introduced into the country's education and training system, making an update necessary for transparency reasons.

The report in a nutshell

The national referencing report presents Lithuania’s experience in implementing the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework (LTQF) and related developments in the education system since 2012, when the first referencing report was produced and presented.  

The revision was carried out in 2023 as part of the Erasmus+ project “Implementation of the European Qualifications Framework in Lithuania”. The updated report was presented to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Advisory Group in March 2024, and the final version was further revised and published in August 2024 to reflect comments received from other countries and international organisations.

It covers all levels of education ¬– general education, vocational education and training (VET) and higher education – and provides information on the existing tools for recognition of non-formal and informal learning. Special attention is paid to the implementation of the learning outcomes approach and the development of quality assurance mechanisms in the design and award of qualifications.  

The report provides updated answers to the criteria and procedures for referencing NQFs to the EQF, identifies the challenges related to the implementation of the national framework and outlines the LTQF development plans for the coming years. A separate section is dedicated for verifying the compatibility of LTQF with the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA).

What are the key VET-related developments in the context of LTQF implementation?

• The framework of sectoral qualification standards is in place. These standards specify qualifications at different LTQF levels and define their content in terms of competences.
• As recommended in the EQF Recommendation, LTQF and EQF levels have been indicated in the documents certifying the completion of VET programmes and the acquisition of qualifications since 2012. The LTQF and EQF levels are also included in the information about qualifications in the Register of Studies, Training Programmes and Qualifications.
• Lithuania has transitioned to modularised VET programmes which has particularly facilitated the implementation of the learning outcomes approach. Since 2015, the volume of programmes has been defined in terms of learning credits.
• Systematic quality assurance procedures based on self-assessment and external evaluation have been introduced.
• The model for final competence assessment of graduates of formal VET programmes, including independent learners, has been revised. Nominated VET providers (competence assessment centres) now organise and implement the competence assessment under the coordination of the Qualifications and VET Development Centre.
• LTQF level 5 qualifications have been launched.

The 2024 publication of the updated referencing report, which incorporates all the above-mentioned developments, strengthens trust in Lithuania’s referencing to the EQF. It enhances the comparability and clarity of national qualifications, promotes transparency, and facilitates mobility to and from Lithuania within the EU.

Read more

• Government of the Republic of Lithuania. (2010). Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania No. 535 of 4 May 2010 Lietuvos kvalifikacijų sandaros patvirtinimas [On the Approval of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework] (in Lithuanian).
• Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre. (2024). Update of the national report on the referencing the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area.
• Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre. (2012). National report on the referencing of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning and the European Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area.
• Informacija apie Lietuvos kvalifikacijų sistemą [Information on the Lithuanian qualifications system] (in Lithuanian). (n.d.).