ReferNet Meeting 22 January 2009
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Transcript of ReferNet Meeting 22 January 2009
The European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning – Update on Recent
Developments
ReferNet Meeting22 January 2009
Overview
EQF: Purpose and Structure Legislative process Implementation
National Co-ordination PointsEQF Advisory BoardEQF Web Platform
EQF and Bologna Framework 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
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EQFCountry A Country B
Qualifications(A)
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
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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 verificationand – the assertion of compatibility in the EQF Recommendation of EQF levels 5-
8 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