The Greek referencing report was approved by the European Qualifications Framework Advisory Group (EQF AG) in December 2015, ending the first phase of the Hellenic qualifications framework (HQF) development. The report was prepared by Eoppep (National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance), the body responsible for the creation and development of the HQF, under the supervision and coordination of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs. This followed a period of consultation with national stakeholders where consensus was achieved.
The Hellenic qualifications framework is an 8-level framework with descriptors, fully compatible with the EQF. Each level includes qualification types as the main element allowing classification of qualifications in the HQF and comparison between them. Qualification types are the basis for future development of new qualifications and their use will aid categorisation of qualifications which, though classified to the same level, are different from each other. The combination of levels and types offers a flexible recognition and referencing mechanism for every kind of learning achievement, supporting information on admission requirements, permeability and learning development of HQF end users.
EOPPEP has also developed methodological guides for the design and articulation of learning outcomes, for submission of classification proposals, and a wide range of tools aiming to assist education providers, awarding bodies and end users in navigating their way through the HQF. In 2015 the Greek qualifications register was established. This includes 647 qualifications so far, along with accompanying information to allow uniformity in the structure of information on qualifications among European countries. The qualifications register is interconnected with the European portal Learning opportunities and qualifications in Europe in the qualifications section. All this action has been realised through the national project Development of the Hellenic qualifications framework co-financed by the European social fund (ESF) and national resources.
Next steps for the HQF are the creation of the necessary legislative framework, inclusion of non-formal and informal qualifications (provided that they are compatible with the quality assurance principles that underpin the HQF) and development of tools to support the procedure. A set of dissemination activities, complemented by lifelong guidance and counselling services, will make the framework more visible to the wider public. It is expected that, in its operational phase, HQF will act as a catalyst for curriculum reform and certification procedures, enhancing the transparency of qualifications and promoting lifelong learning.
Date:
14/06/2016
