The qualification term in the context of LQF and EQF
According the Council recommendation of 22 May 2017 on the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning and repealing the recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning "Qualifications are the formal outcome of an assessment and validation process by a competent authority and typically take the form of documents such as certificates or diplomas. They determine that an individual has achieved learning outcomes to given standards. Those learning outcomes may be achieved through a variety of paths in formal, non-formal or informal settings, whether in national or international contexts. Information on learning outcomes should be easily accessible and transparent".
And "learning outcomes means statements of what a learner knows, understands and is able to do on completion of a learning process, which are defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence" (Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning 2008).
Thus, the term "qualification" covers all education sectors (vocational, general and higher education), all educational levels (basic, secondary and higher education, continuing education), as well as all education forms (formal, non-formal and informal learning).
Hence the Latvian qualifications framework includes not only professional qualifications (from basic to higher education level) but also general education and academic higher education qualifications.
