National Qualifications Systems Forum

THE EUROPEAN QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK LEVELS

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) for lifelong learning creates a common platform that links the qualifications systems of the forty or so participating nations.

Their purpose is to enable labour market mobility and to facilitate lifelong learning that benefits the people and the country.
 
The EQF is based on learning outcomes. A learning outcome is defined as what a leaner knows, understands and is able to do upon completion of a learning process.

It is outcome based not input defined. 

This establishes a harmonious and balanced work place system that defines qualifications in different ways including theory and experience, technical and practical, individual and collective. It also addresses initial qualifications from schooling and continuous education. 

There are eight levels in the EQF.   Learning outcomes are defined as knowledge, skills and competence

A LITTLE THEORY ABOUT NATIONAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

I enjoyed reading the article “National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ): One route to improve the status of women in Libraries. “ by Sandra Parker, Catherine Hare and Pat Gannon-Leary from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle in the United Kingdom.

It provided a concise overview of the some of the theory behind national vocational qualifications.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) exist in England and Wales while Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) exist in Scotland. They are both are underpinned by national occupational standards-a concept we have embraced here in Canada.

The following is taken from the section of the paper presented in Jerusalem, Israel entitled “What is an SVQ or NVQ and what is involved in getting one.”

 “NVQs measure skills that are directly relevant to the everyday world of work (Arundale 1995). They are competence based (Dakers 1994b and 1994c) and measure whether a person can carry out his or her work to the defined national standards of current best practice (Dakers 1997b).