Making the Az QF compatible to the EQF

Making the Az. QF compatible to the EQF, what does it mean? Olav Aarna Estonian Qualifications Authority, Kutsekoda

Competence, competences and learning outcomes S O C I E T Y Necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, . . . (learning outcomes) COMPETENCE Ability to perform necessary tasks (necessary competences) L E A R N E R 2

Competence and qualification • Competence – ability to perform successfully in a specific field, described through the relevant perforamance criteria (learning outcomes) • Qualification – officially recognized competence as a result of validation, e. g. : • Certificate of full secondary education (qualification in general education) • Certificate on speciality (qualification in initial VET) • Diploma of Bachelor’s degree (qualification in higher education) • Microsoft certificate of competence (qualification in continuous professional development)

European Qualifications Framework • European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) (adopted 23. 04. 2008): • 8 levels of competence, described in terms of learning outcomes (knowledge, skills, autonomy and responsibility) • National Coordination Points for the EQF implementation • 2010: reference the NQF to the EQF • 2012: reference to the EQF level on all certificates and diplomas • Reference framework for comparing of qualifications

Сountry A Qualifications (A) EQF 9 8 8 7 6 5 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 Country B 4 3 2 1 Qualifications (B)

What is Az. QF? • Az. QF is a tool for systematizing national qualifications, making them more transparent and internationally comparable • Az. QF is consistent with the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) for life-long learning • Comprises only qualifications described in the Education Act (2009), including diplomas and certificates for adult learning • Az. QF is using the language of competences and learning outcomes: qualifications are described in terms of what a person knows, understands, is able to do and carry responsibility for at the end of learning process

Why NQF for Azerbaijan? • Strengthen confidence in Azerbaijani qualifications • Support recognition of Azerbaijani qualifications abroad • Increase the mobility and competitiveness of people • Improve communication between education (world of learning) and the labour market (world of work) • Integrate with the QF-EHEA (May 2005) • Integrate with the EQF (April 2008) • Promote coherence of educational reforms in different sectors of education and training

Main principles for the Az. QF • Az. QF is designed for the recognition of lifelong learning (formal, non-formal and informal) • Qualifications are described in terms of learning outcomes (on threshold level) • System of 8 consecutive competence levels (described in terms of knowledge, skills, autonomy and responsibility) • All qualifications are quality assured (QA for describing expected learning outcomes, for assessment and validation of learning outcomes, for training providers, . . . )

Тypes of qualifications Az. QF includes the following types of qualifications: • Qualifications for general education • Qualifications for initial vocational education and training (VET) • Qualifications for secondary specialised education (sub-bachelor education) • Qualifications for higher education • Qualifications for further (additional, adult) education and training

The NQF for Azerbaijan EQF levels EHEA cycles General Eduation Initial VET Secondary Higher Additional specialised education 8 THIRD CYCLE (DOCTOR) 8 7 SECOND CYCLE (MАSTER) 7 6 FIRST CYCLE (BACHELOR) 6 5 SHORT CYCLE 5 Az. QF levels 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1

Criteria for referencing Az. QF to EQF (1) • The responsibilities and/or legal competence of all relevant national bodies involved in the referencing process, including the NCP, are clearly determined and published by the competent public authorities • There is a clear and demonstrable link between the types of qualification descriptions and the level descriptors of the NQF • The qualifications are based on the principle and objective of learning outcomes and linked to arrangements for validation of nonformal and informal learning and, where these exist, to credit systems

Criteria for referencing Az. QF to EQF (2) • The procedures for inclusion of qualifications in the NQF or for describing the place of qualifications in the NQF are transparent • The national quality assurance system(s) for education and training refer(s) to the NQF and are consistent with the relevant European principles and guidelines (as indicated in Annex 3 of the Recommendation) • The referencing process shall include the stated agreement of the relevant quality assurance bodies • The referencing process shall involve international experts

Criteria for referencing Az. QF to EQF (3) • The competent national body or bodies shall certify the referencing of the national qualifications with the NQF. One comprehensive report, setting out the referencing and the evidence supporting it shall be published by the competent national bodies, including the NCP, and shall address separately each of the criteria (learning outcomes descriptors) • The official EQF platform shall maintain a public listing of member states that have confirmed that they have completed the referencing process, including links to completed referencing reports • Following the referencing process, and in line with the timelines set in the Recommendation, all new qualification certificates, diplomas and Europass documents issued by the competent authorities contain a clear reference, by way of national qualifications systems, to the appropriate EQF level

Thank you! olav. aarna@kutsekoda. ee