DISCO project seminar Prague, 28 February 2008 The European Qualifications Framework and European transparency instruments Carlo Scatoli, European Commission DG Education and Culture

Transparency? Eekewäf…? What…? Transparency of formal qualifications: Formal recognition Making formal qualifications easier to compare and understand between countries … and formally recognise for academic or professional purposes ECTS NARIC Regulated professions

Transparency? EQF…? What…? Transparency of formal qualifications: Formal recognition based on formal criteria: Entry level required Duration of course Further entry allowed

Transparency? What…? And why? Back to the purpose: Transparency of qualifications to allow people move abroad to work (and study). ? Are formal criteria always necessary? Are formal criteria enough?

Transparency? What…? And why? To find a job abroad, formal recognition may not be necessary, but good appreciation of what the applicant knows and can do is vital. Formal criteria may not be necessary and are not enough. ! Non regulated professions !

Transparency? What…? And why? To find further education abroad, formal recognition is usually necessary. Recognition can require appreciation of what the applicant knows and can do. Formal criteria are necessary but may not be enough.

Transparency? What…? And why? What the applicant knows and can do: This is the applicant’s learning outcomes, all the knowledge, skills and competences that a person has developed, through education and training youth activities work experience volunteer work personal interests

Transparency? What…? Transparency of qualifications and skills Making communication easier between applicants and employers (or admission staff) abroad or at home by focusing on what the applicants know and can do. CV LP EM CS DS ECTS NARIC

Transparency? What…? Transparency of qualifications through knowledge, skills and competence Making national qualifications easier to understand by employers (or admission staff) through the relationship to a level in a common reference framework the European Qualifications Framework

Country A Country B EQF Level 8 NQF/ NQS EQF Level 7 EQF Level 6

Transparency through focus on the learning outcomes. What next? The work to relate the national qualifications to the European Qualifications Framework is starting. - Set up of the Advisory Group first meeting 13-14 March 2008 - National coordination points being designated - Operational (launch) conference 3-4 June 2008

Transparency through focus on the learning outcomes. What next? All European countries have national qualifications systems, a few have national qualifications frameworks – a more coherent approach and organisation. Many countries have started or have planned to start developing a national qualifications framework This will facilitate respecting the set deadlines: 2010 for relating systems to EQF and 2012 for referencing qualifications Cluster on recognition of learning outcomes

Transparency through focus on the learning outcomes. What next? Development of Europass Comprehensive CV and self-assessment service, including: CV LP EM CS DS Targeted versions of the CV template; New self-assessment tools for ICT skills and for the outcomes of informal and non-formal learning; Targeted and diversified guidelines and examples. First external evaluation of Europass finalised January 2008 Work to start soon

Transparency through focus on the learning outcomes. What next? Development of Europass CS: based on skills associated to qualifications, but without any reference to an individual’s learning outcome; CV LP EM CS DS DS: reference to an individual’s academic achievements, but not in terms of knowledge, skills and competence. First external evaluation of Europass finalised January 2008 Debate to be launched

Thank you for your attention carlo.scatoli@ec.europa.eu