SCQF to EQF Benchmarking Project

The European Commission is estimating a target date of 2012 for full referencing across all countries. Most countries are currently developing frameworks and need this time. However, as Scotland already has the SCQF less time is required for implementation.

To meet the proposed target date the SCQF will be focusing its efforts on the following key milestones:

1.Reference levels in the frameworks to the EQF levels

A matching exercise will review framework level descriptors and the aims, content and assessment criteria for major qualifications as well as the evidence for potential level-to-level matches with the EQF. A number of other studies will inform this process, including the 'Qualifications Cross Borders', Scottish HE self-certification process and the CEDEFOP 2004 study on European reference levels.

2.Promote quality assurance (QA) procedures

A digest of the QA procedures in use in Scotland in relation to the SCQF and the sub frameworks of the SCQF will be developed. In addition, it will be compared to the European principles (both for HE and VET).

3.Make the referencing process transparent

All the main stakeholders will include information relating to Reference Levels and Quality Assurance in their corporate communications and the SCQF partnership will have a common statement on their websites.

4.Provide guidance of the European levels of main qualifications

Following the matching exercise for each of the main national qualifications (such as Highers or Bachelor Degrees) it is expected that the EQF level will need to be made clear on certificates by 2012. SCQF will engage with awarding bodies to consider the approach required and update existing guidance documentation.

5.Engage stakeholders

The SCQF will maximise all opportunities to engage with stakeholders as well as contributing to formal consultation.