The development of national qualifications frameworks in Europe (August 2010)

Report shows progress in national qualification frameworks

Most EU Member States, candidate and EEA countries are developing comprehensive national qualifications frameworks, using the European Qualifications Framework as a reference point.  

This second Cedefop overview on the development of national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) demonstrates the continuing progress in developing such frameworks across Europe.

In total, thirty-one countries – the 27 members of the European Union, candidate countries Croatia and Turkey and European Economic Area members Iceland and Norway – are in the process of developing or implementing a national qualification framework.

Beyond their technical usefulness as links between national systems of qualification to the European Qualification Framework, these tools support national reforms and lifelong learning policies. Moreover, they are instrumental in promoting the learning outcomes approach and in eroding barriers between vocational and higher education.