Towards Competence Based Qualifications System Olav Aarna Estonian Qualifications Authority Kutsete süsteemi arendamist toetab Euroopa Liit

Competence and qualification Aim: Develop sustainable, flexible, internationally compatible competence based qualifications system meeting the needs of lifelong learning persons, knowledge based society and economy Competence – ability to perform successfully in a specific field together with relevant perforamance criteria (learning outcomes) Qualification – officially recognized competence as a result of validation

Infrastructure of Qualifications System in Estonia Ministry of Education and Research: Examinations and Qualifications Centre Estonian Qualifications Authority Other ministries: Regulated professions (teachers, doctors, ...) Regulated occupations (welding, ...) Professional associations (especially those related to legal professions)

Formal education system in Estonia

Professional qualifications system in Estonia Qualifications framework (2001) has 5 levels (I-III – skilled workers, IV-V – “whitecollars”) Labour market is divided into 16 sectors Each sector is managed by a professional council: Development of professional standards Awarding of professional qualifications Estonian Qualifiacations Authority (Kutsekoda) is a support structure for the professional qualifications system in Estonia

Challenges (1) Overcome compartmentalization of formal education system using lifelong learning ideology as a glue Overcome compartmentalization of professional qualifications system using EQF (and NQF) as a glue Integrate formal educational and professional qualifications into a single national qualifications system with NQF as a platform Implement entirely competence based approach

Conceptual framework (1) Society (public, private and nongovern- mental sector)‏ Lifelong Learning System (formal, nonformal and informal learning) Quali- fica- tions Sys- tem

Conceptual framework (2) Quality assurance system for lifelong learning Qualifications system Professional qualifications system

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM Competence cycle (1) Expected competences L A B O U R M K E T Profes- sional stan- dards Tasks L E A R N I G Com- peten- cies Learning outcomes PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM Assessment criteria Profes- sional certifi- cates Qualification awarding Validation Assessment Actual competences

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM Competence cycle (2) Expected competences L A B O U R M K E T Profes- sional stan- dards Natio- nal curri- cula Tasks Curri- cula L E A R N I G Com- peten- cies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM Profes- sional certifi- cates Qualification awarding Validation Assessment Actual competences

New Professions Act New 8-level qualifications framework compatible with European qualifications framework (EQF) Entirely competence based approach to (professional) qualifications system Regulated education approach – possibility to award primary professional qualification on graduation from VET institution or HEI (starting from January 1, 2011) Stepped into force on September 1, 2008

European qualifications framework European QF for lifelong learning (EQF) (EU recommendation from 23.04.2008): Reference framework 8 learning outcomes (competency) based levels (knowledge, skills, competences) 2010: reference NQF levels to EQF 2012: reference to EQF level on all diploma and certificate supplements Estonian national QF? 11.06.2018 12

Estonian Qualifications Framework Estonian NQF EQF Secto- rial QFs HE LIFE- LONG- LEARN- ING SYS- TEM . VET LABOUR MARKET GE 11.06.2018 13

Developments 2008-2013 ESF sponsored program “Development of professional qualifications system” 2008-2013 Kutsekoda – center of competence for Estonian (professional) qualifications system! NCP for EQF imlementation!

Challenges (2) Redefine basic concepts and clear up national interpretations Develop holistic and transparent qualifications system Develop holistic quality assurance system for lifelong learning Integrate formal, nonformal and informal learning into a single lifelong learning system

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