Ireland links its national qualifications framework to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning

The linking of the Irish National Qualifications Framework to the EQF is the first important step in the implementation of the EQF in Europe. The Irish referencing report is the result of both serious discussions between various stakeholders within Ireland and consultations with international experts. Discussions in Ireland involved representatives of further and higher education and training providers, learner representatives, the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and social partners, including employer and trade unions representatives.

The Irish referencing report which explains a clear and demonstrable link between the NQF and the EQF is available at: http://www.nqai.ie/interdev_eqf.html

The EQF, as a common European reference framework, links together qualifications obtained in participating countries and acts as a translation device to make qualifications more readable and comparable for all. The eight reference levels of the EQF are described in learning outcomes - what the learner knows, understands and is able to do by the end of a learning process. The EQF pursues to incorporate all types and levels of learning. Its principal aim is to promote the mobility of citizens and facilitate lifelong learning.

EU Member States are invited to reference their national qualifications levels to the EQF by 2010. The referencing is done based on a set of common criteria and procedures agreed within the EQF Advisory Group that co-ordinates the implementation of the EQF at European level.

To know more

• European Commission: The European Qualifications Framework
• National Qualifications Authority of Ireland: The European Qualifications Framework [including the Irish referencing report]