Estonian qualifications framework and referencing to European qualifications framework

The European Union (EU) is developing a common lifelong learning area with learning outcomes as a central concept. On April 23, 2008 the European Parliament and Council adopted a recommendation on the implementation of the European qualifications framework for lifelong learning (EQF) (henceforth Recommendation). In this context qualification is understood as a result of official assessment and validation of competency. The EQF has 8 qualification levels, where competency is described in terms of learning outcomes, expressed in three categories: knowledge, skills and competence (extent of autonomy and responsibility). The first step in implementing the EQF is referencing national qualifications framework (NQF) levels or national qualifications to the EQF levels.

Developments of Estonian Qualifications Framework and the referencing process to EQF

European qualifications framework and the referencing process

The EQF is a reference framework linking together qualifications systems of EU countries and as a result, making qualifications more understandable and comparable. An important aim is also facilitating recognition of non-formal and informal learning. To achieve these goals development of NQF-s is recommended. Although this is not obligatory, most of the EU member states, including Estonia, are developing their NQF-s.

Referencing national qualifications to the EQF is envisaged in two steps:

• By 2010 the member states have to reference their NQF-s to the EQF,
• From 2012 the member states have to add a reference to the corresponding EQF level to each qualification certificate and diploma issued.

Referencing national qualifications and qualifications frameworks to the EQF is based on the best fit principle. This means reliable decision on what EQF level a particular qualification or NQF level fits best.  Because of the structure of the EQF level descriptors the application of this principle has two dimensions:

• Best fit with the EQF level description for a national qualification or a NQF level,
• Best fit with a particular EQF level descriptor (knowledge, skills and competence).

Implementation of the EQF is a voluntary undertaking based on mutual trust between the member states. The EQF Advisory Group has proposed 10 criteria and procedures for referencing the NQF levels to the EQF levels. These criteria and procedures serve as guidelines for the member states implementing the EQF. Following the criteria and procedures enables to do this in a transparent and coherent way.

To co-ordinate the development of the NQF and assure the quality of referencing the NQF levels to the EQF levels member states are advised to establish National Coordination Points (NCP). In Estonia the Estonian Qualifications Authority (Kutsekoda) has been nominated as the NCP. To guarantee participation of all important stakeholders in the referencing process member states are advised to establish a steering committee. The establishment of such committee at Kutsekoda is in progress.

Estonian qualifications framework

According to the Professions Act the Estonian qualifications framework (EKR) has 8 levels, whereas level one is the lowest and level eight is the highest. Descriptions of the qualifications levels in the EKR are identical to the EQF level descriptions. The aim of establishing the EKR is to develop a framework encompassing all qualifications in formal education (general, vocational, higher and adult education) as well as vocational and professional qualifications.

The quality criteria and procedures for referencing the NQF to the EQF foresee two cases of referencing qualifications to the NQF: „including into the NQF" and „describing the position in the NQF" or assigning the NQF level. Only state recognised qualifications are included into the EKR. The EKR level can be assigned to the qualifications, which have not received state recognition yet or the qualifications with undefined conditions of recognition, e.g. partial qualifications or individual competences.

The state recognised qualifications have to:

• Be defined in a learning outcomes based qualification standard (curriculum or professional standard), meeting the requirements of the national framework standard(s) (if applicable),
• Have state recognised awarding institution (educational institution, professional association etc.).

As far as the EKR level descriptions are identical to the EQF level descriptions, the centre of gravity of the referencing process is shifting to referencing qualifications to the EKR levels. Therefore the quality criteria and procedures for referencing to the EQF have to be reformulated in terms of including the qualifications into the EKR or assigning the EKR levels to the types of qualifications.

The referencing of qualifications to the EKR proceeds in two steps. First, the EKR levels are assigned to the types of qualifications in general education, initial vocational education and training (VET), higher education, adult education, and professional qualifications. Second, a qualification is included into the appropriate EKR level or assigned an appropriate EKR level.

Principles of including qualifications into the EKR or assigning the EKR levels to the types of qualifications:

1. The responsibilities and/or legal competence of all relevant national bodies involved in the referencing process, including the NCP, are clearly determined and published by the competent public authorities.
2. There is a clear and demonstrable link between the types of qualification descriptions and the level descriptors of the EKR.
3. The qualifications are based on the principle and objective of learning outcomes and linked to arrangements for validation of non-formal and informal learning and, where these exist, to credit systems.
4. The procedures for inclusion of qualifications in the EKR or for describing the place of qualifications in the EKR are transparent.
5. The national quality assurance system(s) for education and training refer(s) to the EKR and are consistent with the relevant European principles and guidelines (as indicated in annex 3 of the Recommendation).
6. The referencing process shall include the stated agreement of the relevant quality assurance bodies.
7. The referencing process shall involve international experts.
8. The competent national body or bodies shall certify the referencing of the national qualifications with the EKR. One comprehensive report, setting out the referencing and the evidence supporting it shall be published by the competent national bodies, including the NCP, and shall address separately each of the criteria (learning outcomes descriptors).
9. The official EQF platform shall maintain a public listing of member states that have confirmed that they have completed the referencing process, including links to completed referencing reports.
10. Following the referencing process, and in line with the timelines set in the Recommendation, all new qualification certificates, diplomas and Europass documents issued by the competent authorities contain a clear reference, by way of national qualifications systems, to the appropriate EQF level.

At the moment no educational or professional qualifications have been included into the EKR. Four types of qualifications in higher education and three types of qualifications in VET have been assigned the EKR level. Assignment of the EKR levels to professional qualifications framework levels has not been formalised yet.

More information about Estonian Qualifications Framework:

Estonian qualifications framework conference  "Qualifications into the new framework?!", 19 November 2009