Qualifications systems are useful tools for modernising education and training. National qualifications frameworks are treated as one aspect of qualifications systems that is useful 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 the recognition of learning through qualifications, and that the definition of qualifications levels can be useful. The fact that qualifications system reform is just one element of education and training reform is emphasised.

Starting with the complexity of qualifications systems in partner countries and problems facing modernisation, the publication 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 qualifications 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.

Borhène 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.

List of Figures and Tables; Acknowledgements; Contributors; Foreword; Preface; SECTION I. QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORKS: TOOLS FOR IMPROVEMENT; Introduction; Concepts of Qualification; National Qualifications Frameworks; Supporting Structures: Laws and Institutions; Can Qualifications Frameworks Improve the Quality of Learning Provision?; SECTION II. THE INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE; The European Qualifications Framework; The Development of NQFs in the EU; Trends in the Recognition and Validation of Learning; Qualifications Frameworks in an International Context; SECTION III. NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORKS IN THE ETF PARTNER COUNTRIES; The Potential of Qualifications Systems in ETF Partner Countries; Current Developments in the Partner Countries; Russia and Ukraine; Southern Caucasus; Central Asia; The Mediterranean Partners; South Eastern Europe; Concluding Remarks; Annex