Developing Qualifications Frameworks As a Tool for Modernising Education and Training: Analysis of the Experience of Eu Partner Countries in Building National Frameworks

Qualifications systems are useful tools for modernising educations and training. In this study, national qualifications frameworks are treated as one aspect of qualifications systems that is helpful for improving education and training. The focus is on the reality of policy development in EU partner countries. After reminding the reader that education and training systems, and therefore qualifications systems, are always closely integrated with a country's social and cultural priorities, this study gives evidence from a range of countries that proves learning can be enhanced by developing this recognition through qualifications, and that the definition of qualifications levels can be valuable. The fact that qualifications system reform is just one element of educations and training reform is emphasised.

Starting with the complexity of qualification systems in partner countries and problems facing modernisation, the study sets out specific examples of how qualifications systems have been used to provide a strategic tool for improving the quality of provision and increasing levels of learning. Examples of these strategies include the creation of qualification bodies; new legal frameworks; the separation of assessment and certification from providers of training; development of NQFs and moves towards an increased use of learning outcomes in curricula; and qualifications and descriptors for framework levels.

Jean-Marc Castejon is a senior expert in human capital at the European Training Foundation.

Borhene Chakroun is a senior human capital development specialist at the European Training Foundation.

Mike Coles is a Senior Researcher on Qualifications and Skills.

Arjen Deij is a senior human capital development specialist at the European Training Foundation.

Vincent McBride is a senior human capital development specialist in the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit at the European Training Foundation.