General features

Non-formal learning and/or non-formal qualifications were relatively similarly defined in all the seven countries participating in the NOVA Nordic comparative study. The study includes six different areas related to the linkages between non-formal qualifications, validation of prior learning and National Qualifications Frameworks (see picture below). The initial study was carried out online as a multiple-choice questionnaire including some open questions. The respondents were representatives of the EQF National Coordination points of the seven countries.

The overall results of all the seven countries indicate that the two weakest areas are the inclusion of non-formal qualifications in the NQFs, and the links between NQFs and validation. Norway is the only country, that has not opened their framework for non-formal qualifications, the other countries have taken initial steps to widening access to their NQFs. Some of the countries are planning further measures for levelling e.g. smaller learning units or micro-credentials. Validation arrangements linked to NQFs were present to some extent in all countries.

For further details, see the NOVA Nordic presentation from the transnational seminar “Validation + NQF = putting all skills to work?” on the 18^th of May in Reykjavik, Iceland.

After the initial analysis of the results, a few questions arose:

1. As formal qualifications are “automatically” levelled according to their type, and in contrast, non-formal qualifications go through a relatively strong scrutiny, could this mean that non-formal qualifications correspond to the NQF level more accurately and are better quality assured?
2. If there are no credit points or competence points indicated for non-formal qualifications (as specified by some countries) levelled to an NQF, how are such qualifications comparable? “Size” matters?
3. If validation arrangements remain weak in connection with the NQFs and included qualifications, what does that mean from the viewpoint of mobility between countries? And equality of citizens in the Single Market?
4. At the moment, the non-formal qualifications that are levelled and included into NQFs are rather sizeable competence units – partly due to the workload connected to the approval process. What could be done to make the levelling process smoother, quicker? What could be done to also ensure inclusion of micro-credentials, if relevant?
5. Are NQFs just paper tigers or will they really be used as practical tools?
6. What is a level worth? Can end users reap the benefits of the NQFs?

The next step for the NOVA Nordic project is to deepen the analysis by interviewing the experts of the National Coordination Points for the EQF – European Qualifications Framework. The final results - including recommendations - will be published in 2023 and presented at the closing transnational seminar in Sweden.