European Qualifications Framework

The European Qualifications Framework, in English ‘European Qualifications Framework’ (commonly abbreviated as EQF), is a system that allows for the comparison of professional qualifications of citizens from European countries. A ‘qualification’ refers to a formal certification issued by a competent authority upon completion of a training program, serving as evidence of having acquired skills that meet the standards established by the national education system.

HOW THE EUROPEAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK WORKS
Starting from February 14, 2008, each qualification awarded in Europe can be identified by its corresponding EQF level, allowing for the comparison of qualifications obtained in different countries.

The EQF adopts a system based on the learning outcomes achieved at the end of the training process.

The learning outcomes are defined in terms of Knowledge, Skills, and Competences. The overall result is an index, ranging from 1 to 8, called the EQF level (QEQ), which aims to quickly and clearly identify the level of depth achieved in a particular field.

EU Member States were required to link their national qualifications to the EQF system by 2010, and must indicate the corresponding EQF qualification level in their courses by 2012.

In simpler terms, the European Qualifications Framework divides European education levels from Level 1 (compulsory schooling) to Level 8 (Ph.D.): https://ec.europa.eu/ploteus/sites/eac-eqf/files/broch_it.pdf