The European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning Update

The European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning – Update on Recent Developments Refer. Net Meeting 22 January 2009

Overview Ø EQF: Purpose and Structure Ø Legislative process Ø Implementation ØNational Co-ordination Points ØEQF Advisory Board ØEQF Web Platform Ø EQF and Bologna Framework Ø Conclusion

EQF: Purpose and Structure • • Proposal for a European Qualifications Framework launched by the European Commission in September 2006 Recommendation outlines the establishment of an overarching framework to facilitate comparison of qualifications and qualifications levels – in order to promote geographical and labour market mobility – in order to promote Lifelong Learning The core of EQF consists of 8 qualifications levels described through learning outcomes: knowledge, skill and competence EQF represents a new approach to European co-operation in the field of qualifications

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

EQF: Legislative process and implementation I • EQF adopted by the European Parliament and Council in December 2007 • Formal signing of documentation took place in April 2008 • EQF Launch Conference 3 -4 June 2008 • Implementation process has now commenced

EQF: Legislative process and implementation II • Implementation of EQF a voluntary process: countries who choose to do so will implement EQF in 2 stages – Referencing national qualifications levels to EQF by 2010 – Referencing EQF in all new certificates, diplomas and Europass documents by 2012

EQF: Legislative process and implementation III • Timeline is to allow for development of national qualifications frameworks in most member states • Ireland, of course, has a Framework and will, along with the UK, move towards speedier implementation – Referencing processes well advanced in Scotland, and England/Northern Ireland – Commencing now in Wales

Implementation: National Co-ordination Points • • • NCPs are to be appointed by member states to support and guide relationship between national qualifications systems and EQF Qualifications Authority designated as Irish NCP Will be responsible for: – co-ordinating referencing of Irish Framework levels to EQF, using a transparent methodology – providing access to information and guidance to stakeholders on referencing process – promoting participation of stakeholders in referencing process

Implementation: EQF Advisory Group I • Implementation at European level will be overseen by EQF Advisory Group – first meeting held 13/14 March 2008 • Composed of representatives of member states and involving social partners and other stakeholders as appropriate • Qualifications Authority representing Ireland on EQF Advisory Group

Implementation: EQF Advisory Group II Advisory Group responsible for: – Providing overall coherence and promoting transparency of the process of relating qualifications systems to EQF – Sub-group has produced criteria and procedures for referencing national frameworks and qualifications levels to EQF (Qualifications Authority participated) – Other issues/policy areas being explored include: • • quality assurance, particularly in relation to certification how sectoral qualifications might relate to EQF; the external dimension of EQF (relationship with other geographical areas) the EQF Web platform

Implementation: EQF Web platform • • Prototype web platform under development Issue around whether it will serve primarily as a technical communication tool for the National Coordination Points or as an information point for European citizens on EQF matters more generally Advisory Group is establishing a Steering Committee to look at this issue and procedures and protocols for populating the web platform – Qualifications Authority participating It appears web platform will, initially, provide information on types of qualifications and on the referencing processes of national systems to EQF

EQF and Bologna Framework I • Similarities and overlaps – Overarching frameworks – Cover broad scope of learning – Designed to improve transparency – Support Lifelong Learning and mobility – Associated with quality assurance – Employ concept of ‘best fit’ for relating national qualification levels to the overarching framework • Developed out of different political processes: Bologna and Copenhagen/Lisbon • Recognised at an early stage that two Frameworks needed to be compatible

EQF and Bologna Framework II • Compatibility asserted in European Commission’s recommendation on EQF • Also through co-operation between Council of Europe and Commission through EQF Advisory Board and Bologna Framework Co-ordination Group • Clear cross-referencing exists at Levels 5 -8 (EQF) and cycles 1 -3 (Bologna Framework)

EQF Levels Bologna Framework 1 2 3 4 5 Short cycle within the first cycle 6 First Cycle 7 Second Cycle 8 Third Cycle

EQF and Bologna Framework IV • • Ireland has verified the compatibility of its National Framework to the Bologna Framework (2006) Referencing of NFQ levels 6 -10 to EQF levels 5 -8 may be deemed to be completed on the basis of – this verification and – the assertion of compatibility in the EQF Recommendation of EQF levels 58 to the Bologna Framework Short-cycle and Cycles 1 -3 • Referencing Process: technical comparison of the NFQ and EQF level descriptors will be undertaken across all levels

Conclusion • Irish Referencing process now commencing • Will conduct process using EQF Advisory Group criteria and procedures • Communications with stakeholders to be significant part of process • Aim to complete referencing process by Summer 2009