As EU member states are working to define national qualifications levels in terms of learning outcomes in order to link them to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), Germany has just presented a proposal for a national qualifications framework (DQR), considering all formal qualifications of the German education system. In a next step, qualifications from informal learning will be considered as well. The purpose of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF) is to act as a translation device and a neutral reference point for comparing qualifications and skills across different education and training systems and their levels. It is structured around eight reference levels, covering the entire span of qualifications and describing what one knows, understands, and is able to do (see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, September 2006). The German proposal is to be seen as an important step towards a German national qualifications framework and towards reaching the European objectives. EU member states taking part in this voluntary scheme have pledged to refer their qualifications to the EQF by 2010. Most of them plan to do this by developing a comprehensive national qualifications framework. DQR
European Commission