National Coordination Point (NCP) for the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF)
The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) facilitates the promotion of mobility and lifelong learning by providing a common reference framework. The framework assists in comparing qualifications and levels of qualifications between countries and systems in Europe.
What is EQF NCP?
NOKUT is the National Coordination Point (NCP) for the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning in Norway. The coordination point is responsible for information, guidance and maintenance.
What is NCP contributing to?
The NCP will contribute to the understanding and use of the qualifications framework, and promote dialogue between national and international stakeholders in the world of work and education.
Who will benefit from the qualifications framework?
The qualifications framework has the potential to be valuable for several groups:
- Individuals/students
- Employers
- Job seekers
- Educational institutions and providers
- Quality assurance agencies and recognition offices
What is the EQF?
The EQF is a European qualifications framework that is applicable for any qualifications system. It has eight levels, and each level is defined through learning outcome descriptors for each level. Learning outcomes are divided into three categories: "knowledge", "skills" and "competence".
Referencing qualifications systems from different countries to the EQF will facilitate understanding and the comparison of qualifications between European countries.
EQF will:
- Promote – or reduce obstacles for – mobility between countries in the world of work and education
- Strengthen the possibilities for lifelong learning
- Contribute to increased quality in national educational systems
What is the NQF?
The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (NQF) was adopted in December 2011, and places formal qualifications from level 2–8 (seven levels) in a comprehensive framework. Each of the seven levels are expressed in terms of learning outcomes, meaning what a person knows, and is able to do as a result of a learning process. Learning outcomes have the potential to create a bridge between the world of work and education, and individuals are placed centre stage in their own learning process.
What happens next?
A public consultation on the regulation concerning the Norwegian Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (NQF) and the referencing of its levels to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF) can now be found on the government’s website (Norwegian only).
With the support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.