On 20 May 2026, a study visit took place in Zagreb, Croatia, at the Croatian NCP – the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of Croatia. During the visit, the Latvian delegation learned about Croatia’s experience in the development of the qualifications framework, the use of occupational standards, the implementation of micro-credentials, as well as the mechanisms for the recognition of prior learning and professional experience. The activities of the Croatian and Latvian National Europass Centres were also discussed.
During the visit, Croatian partners presented the development and operating principles of the Croatian Qualifications Framework (CROQF). The framework covers the entire education system and consists of eight levels with several sub-levels, forming a total of 13 qualification levels. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of occupational standards within the qualifications system and on the importance of the qualifications register in the development and quality assurance of educational programmes. Special attention was given to the development of micro-credentials. In Croatia, approaches to micro-credentials differ between higher education and vocational and adult education; however, in all cases they are linked to occupational standards and qualification requirements. In vocational and adult education, a methodology has been developed for the design of micro-credentials and partial qualifications, establishing common quality principles. Participants also discussed systems for the recognition of prior learning and professional experience.
The study visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experience and strengthen cooperation in the fields of qualifications and lifelong learning, while also generating ideas for the further development of Latvia’s qualifications system.
