Cedefop's NQF online tool allows cross-border comparison of qualifications

The tool, a rich source of information on the qualifications frameworks and systems of the 41 countries participating in the European qualifications framework (EQF) process, aims to enhance the transparency and comparability of qualifications and contribute to increasing the mobility of individuals through different education and training sectors, in the labour market and across borders.

By the wealth of information presented, Cedefop aims to make best use of the European Year of Skills to inspire and support all those interested in developing transparent and accessible education and training systems, and those navigating through the various European qualification types.

Policy-makers, researchers and qualification experts can learn about the latest developments regarding the structure and scope of the NQFs and get information on their implementation, impact and future priorities.

Interactive features

But the tool is also addressing members of the wider public who can compare, through the EQF, qualifications from their country with those from all the other countries participating in the EQF process (Qualification comparison) and, in this way, establish which EQF level a given qualification is.

Furthermore, users can access (Overview) an updated list of the NQF websites and of the national qualifications databases and registers. These contain detailed information on qualifications, such as the expected learning outcomes, the awarding body, credits, internal and/or external quality assurance, and entry requirements.

The information displayed in the tool is collected biennially by Cedefop jointly with the European Commission and the European Training Foundation (ETF), in cooperation with countries and the EQF national coordination points. Cedefop also publishes the European inventory of NQFs, where a country-specific report for each of the countries participating in the EQF process can be found.

Detailed information on 2022 developments in the accession and pre-accession countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine) will be available in the second half of 2024.

Key findings and conclusions from the study of the NQF online tool 2024 edition are presented in a policy brief published by Cedefop, while policy-makers, stakeholders, experts and researchers will have an opportunity to reflect on the latest NQF developments and trends across countries participating in the EQF process during a dedicated workshop on 21 March.