The Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) is a state level referencing system where all qualifications awarded in the Latvian education system are arranged in levels. The structure and functions of LQF were developed on the basis of EQF and taking into account the context and traditions in Latvian education, as well as stakeholders’ interests.
The Education Law (from 1998, with amendments of 18 June 2015 which came into force 16 July 2015) states the general regulation of the Latvian Qualifications Framework.
The Latvian Qualifications Framework is a system of eight levels comprising all education levels (basic, secondary and higher education) and all types of education (general, vocational (professional), and academic education), as well as professional qualifications acquired outside of formal education. The Latvian Qualifications Framework is referenced to the European Qualifications Framework.
LQF levels are described by the learning outcomes to be attained on each level. Each level comprises the knowledge, skills and competences of the previous levels.
The Vocational Education Law (from 1999, with amendments of 3 March 2022 which came into force on 1 August 2022) states that “the levels of professional qualification correspond to the same level of Latvian Qualifications Framework level”.
The Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 322 “Regulations on the Classification of the Latvian Education” (initial amendments 9.10.2010, present amendments on 13.06.2017, in force since 16 June 2017) determine the descriptions of knowledge, skills and competences corresponding the LQF levels and the conformity of the types of educational programmes with the LQF/EQF levels.
The LQF level descriptors are based on learning outcomes that are expressed in three dimensions:
Knowledge (knowledge and comprehension);
Skills (ability to apply knowledge, communication, general skills);
Competence (analysis, synthesis and assessment).
Latvian Qualifications Framework level descriptors (2010)
Cycle descriptors for higher education (2009)
Certificates of Latvian formal education and their corresponding LQF levels
Education documents (qualifications) | LQF level |
Certificate of general basic education (special education programmes for learners with (severe) mental development disorders or multiple severe developmental disorders) | 1 |
Certificate of general basic education
Certificate of vocational basic education
Certificate of professional qualification (at basic education level) | 2 |
Certificate of vocational education (arodizglītība)
Certificate of professional qualification (at vocational education (arodizglītība) level) | 3 |
Certificate of general secondary education
Diploma of vocational secondary education
Certificate of professional qualification (at secondary education level) | 4 |
Diploma of first level professional higher education (college education, length of full-time studies - 2 to 3 years) | 5 |
Bachelor's diploma
Professional Bachelor's diploma
Diploma of professional higher education, diploma of higher professional qualification (length of full-time studies - at least 4 years) | 6 |
Master's diploma
Professional Master's diploma
Diploma of professional higher education, diploma of higher professional qualification (total length of full-time studies - at least 5 years) | 7 |
Doctor's diploma
Professional Doctor's diploma in arts | 8 |
Indication of the LQF level in certificates
The Cabinet of Ministers’ regulations No 202 “Procedures by which state recognised education documents certifying higher education are issued” (16.04.2013, came into force on 19.04.2013) update the content of Diploma supplement content in accordance with the referencing of Latvian education system to the European Qualifications Framework. In Diploma Supplement, the respective level of European/Latvian Qualifications Framework level or EHEA qualifications framework cycle has to be indicated (provider may choose one of the mentioned frameworks).
The Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 451 “Procedures by which state recognised documents certifying vocational education and professional qualification and documents certifying acquisition of a part of an accredited vocational education programme are issued” (2005, with the amendments of 5 April 2016. The parts regarding LQF came into force on 1.01. 2017) state that education documents certifying vocational education and professional qualification should indicate a LQF level.
