The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a unified scale with eight levels which comprise all qualifications. The EQF levels are described by means of knowledge, skills and competences.
A qualification is the capability to use something that someone really knows, can do and is able to carry out, which is verified through an examination.
The EQF level is an extremely important piece of information for applying for work within the European labour market as it includes data about the highest completed level of education and provides foreign employers with information about the candidate's real competences.
The EQF level achieved is influenced not only by the knowledge and the skills acquired at school (from primary school up to university), but by the knowledge and the competences acquired in the course of work experience or through other courses or studies, provided that they are verified by an exam which is valid nationwide. The EQF level may be increased during a person's lifetime.
Benefits connected with the establishment of a common qualifications framework:
- It allows the comparison of qualifications between European countries
- It is useful for people searching for jobs or studies abroad as employers and schools can easily find out what they can expect and/or require from the candidate
- It makes the lifelong learning process easier as the framework includes not only qualifications acquired at school but beyond school as well (courses, scholarships, seminars, self-study, etc.)
Where will the EQF level be recorded?
From 2012, all new diplomas, school reports, certificates and Europass documents will include information about the EQF level achieved.