1. Implementing NQF: developing high quality qualifications
Further improvement of the system for development and implementation of the National Qualification Framework
FINAL CONFERENCE
Twinning Project MK 13 IPA SO 02 15
Skopje, 10th of October 2017

2. Process of development of qualifications for the NQF enhanced
Component 3
Process of development of qualifications for the NQF enhanced
Twinning Project MK 13 IPA SO 02 15

3. Main strands of Component 3
Methodology of developing new qualifications for the NQF based on labour market needs. Testing of the updated methodology (two priority sectors).
Guidelines and procedures for quality assurance of the NQF
Support in the referencing process

4. Updating and developing qualifications
Main strands of work:
Identification of existing practices in developing qualifications in different sectors
Developing manuals: for updating qualifications (including the checklist) and developing new ones
Capacity building: training the trainers on the development of new qualifications
Testing: developing and updating qualifications in 2 priority sectors: tourism and IT

5. Updating and developing qualifications
Clear definition of the competencies of experts involved in developing and adopting qualifications, binding for Sectoral Qualifications Councils
Clearly defined and communicated rules of experts’ functioning
Necessary resources, including financing, ensured
Clearly specified and binding rules of assigning NQF levels to existing and new qualifications
Rules for activities of the Sectoral Qualification Councils related to adopting existing and developing qualifications prepared and adopted by relevant bodies
Standardised indication of NQF level on diplomas and certificates
The national general criteria of selecting existing qualifications for adaptation to NQF requirements (and at the same time to include these qualifications in the NQF system) should be defined

6. Quality of qualifications
Interviews with stakeholders and site visits
Establishing the Working Group for Quality Assurance established
Developing recommendations: workshops with the Working Group for QA
As a result: common thinking about the QA developed and the general concept of the approach to QA agreed between stakeholders

7. Quality of qualifications
The quality assurance system of awarded qualifications should:
be based on the closed cycle of continuous improvement – quality assurance cycle
separate formal control from evaluation aimed at improvement
be as simple as possible and not focused on bureaucratic aspects of QA
be adapted to the needs of computerisation
embrace process of validation and certification of qualifications based on learning outcomes acquired outside the formal education system
take into account labour market and employers’ needs.

8. Support to the referencing process
Project started after the presentation and adoption of the referencing report to the Advisory Group
The main activities:
Working together on developing a road-map of the NQF implementation
Integrating activities in various NQF-related projects into one coherent agenda
Working on the common glossary
Involvement of experts from Advisory Group to ensure capacity building: Poland, Croatia, Austria, France, Hungary, Czech Republic