Presentation for Regional TAM on National Qualifications Frameworks based on EU Experience Venue: The University of Jordan 23-24 May 2017

1. How regional meta-frameworks in Europe - QF-
EHEA (Bologna) and EQF for lifelong learning –
complement national qualifications frameworks
Dr Bryan Maguire
Quality and Qualifications Ireland
National Qualifications Frameworks based in EU Experience
Regional TAM Workshop – Amman, Jordan - 23-24 May, 2017

2. Overview
• European Qualifications Frameworks and referencing
• Evaluating the EQF
• Lessons on regional frameworks

3. Where are we?

4. European Frameworks
• Two regional “meta-frameworks”
• QF European Higher education area
• European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning

5. European
meta-framework characteristics
• QF-EHEA
• Higher education
• May 2005
• Agreement between national
ministers of higher education
• 47 countries
• 3 cycles
• End-of-cycle descriptors
• Verification of compatibility
(self-certification)
• EQF-LLL
• Lifelong learning
• April 2008
• Recommendation of EU
Parliament & Council
• 37 countries
• 8 levels
• Level descriptors
• Referencing report (& peer
commentary by EQF advisory
group)

6. Criteria for self-certification
• The national framework for HE qualifications and the body or bodies responsible for its development are
designated by the national ministry with responsibility for HE
• There is a clear and demonstrable link between the qualifications in the national framework and the
cycle qualification descriptors of the European framework
• The national framework and its qualifications are demonstrably based on learning outcomes and the
qualifications are linked to ECTS or ECTS compatible credits
• The procedures for inclusion of qualifications in the national framework are transparent
• The national quality assurance system for HE refer to the national framework of qualifications and are
consistent with the Berlin Communiqué and any subsequent communiqué agreed by ministers in the
Bologna Process
• The national framework, and any alignment with the European framework, is referenced in all Diploma
Supplements
• The responsibilities of the domestic parties to the national framework are clearly determined and
published

7. Procedures for self-certification
• The competent national body/bodies shall certify the compatibility of the national framework with
the European framework.
• The self-certification process shall include the stated agreement of the quality assurance bodies in
the country in question recognised through the Bologna Process
• The self-certification process shall involve international experts
• The self-certification and the evidence supporting it shall be published and shall address
separately each of the criteria set out
• The ENIC and NARIC networks shall maintain a public listing of States that have confirmed that
they have completed the self-certification process
• The completion of the self-certification process shall be noted on Diploma Supplements issued
subsequently by showing the link between the national framework and the European framework

8. EQF referencing process
• Criteria and procedures in 10 points
to ensure that
• the information made public
• is validated by the competent authorities
• is relevant and transparent
• can be compared
• generates trust
• Similar to QF-EHEA criteria and procedures

9. Referencing of Irish NFQ to EQF
• Working group established
• Draft report presented for public comment
• International experts gave feedback
• Report presented to EQF Advisory Group and discussed
2009
• Framework included on EQF portal
https://ec.europa.eu/ploteus/en/compare

11. Evaluation of EQF - summary
“Considering the stage of implementation of the EQF
Recommendation, evidence of its outcomes and
impact on national education and training systems in
participating countries, on the use of learning
outcomes and validation of non-formal and informal
learning has been scarce so far. This means that the
implementation needs to progress further before this
impact becomes visible.”
Evaluation of the Implementation of the EQF
Recommendation, Oct 2013

16. QQI, an integrated agency for quality and
qualifications in Ireland

17. QQI, an integrated agency for quality and
qualifications in Ireland

18. QQI, an integrated agency for quality and
qualifications in Ireland

19. QQI, an integrated agency for quality and
qualifications in Ireland

20. Added value – early
adopters
• UK, Ireland, France, Malta
• Political momentum, among shareholders
• Technical sharing, peer learning
• Mobility – network good
QQI, an integrated agency for quality and
qualifications in Ireland

21. Added value – new NQFs
• Impulse to develop NFQ
• Deadlines for action
• Policy learning
• Structured feedback
• Developmental support
• Wider network benefits
• Infrastructure
QQI, an integrated agency for quality and
qualifications in Ireland

22. QQI, an integrated agency for quality and
qualifications in Ireland

23. Global Inventory of Regional and
National Qualifications
Frameworks
• UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning(UIL )
• European Training Foundation (ETF )
• European Centre for Development of Vocational Training
(Cedefop)
• Two volumes: Thematic chapters and inventory of 86
country and 7 regional frameworks
• 2nd
edition, 2015

24. Qualification frameworks rule the
world!
• Over 150 countries have or are developing frameworks
• Evolving understanding of role and functions of
frameworks
• Growing use for recognition of non-formal and informal
learning
• Challenge of populating qualifications frameworks
• Support for cross-border mobility

25. EQF and the world
• EQF technical comparability project with Australia, New
Zealand and Hong Kong, 2014-16
• QFs in the Lisbon Recognition Convention
• European and Asian Recognition conventions bridging
declaration 2013
• UNESCO global reference levels following the Shanghai
consensus 2012

26. Regional frameworks
• Should not substitute for national frameworks
• Keep the national framework national – do not rely too heavily
on borrowed models
• Regional political consensus/momentum is necessary
• Politics can be fickle but frameworks are long-term tools –
qualifications are for life
• Be wary of “zombie” frameworks – they have the outward
appearance but no life
• Build multi-level, bilateral & multilateral relationships around
frameworks within region, between ministries, agencies,
educational institutions, policy experts, employers, workers,
students through conferences, study visits, exchanges, webinars

27. Thank you
• http://ec.europa.eu/ploteus/en
• http://www.enic-naric.net/framework-of-qualifications-in-the-europe-and-north-america-region-new.aspx
• www.qqi.ie
• bmaguire@qqi.ie