What levels and what types of education does the EQF cover?
As an instrument for the promotion of lifelong learning, the EQF encompasses general and adult education, vocational education and training as well as higher education. The eight levels cover the entire span of qualifications from those achieved at the end of compulsory education to those awarded at the highest level of academic and professional or vocational education and training. Each level should in principle be attainable by way of a variety of education and career paths. 8. What do countries have to do? What are the deadlines for implementation? It’s a voluntary framework, so there are no formal legal obligations on the countries. But the Commission is naturally pleased that most countries are already developing a national qualifications framework (NQF). Some countries – Ireland, the UK, France, and Malta – already have NQFs. But countries can also relate their systems to the EQF where they don’t intend to establish a framework per se. 2010 is the recommended target date for coun
