Transnational Qualifications Framework for the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth

This document explains the procedures and guidelines for the Transnational Qualification Framework (TQF) developed for the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC). The document has been prepared to promote the credibility and reliability of qualifications developed by any of the national quality assurance agencies in the small states, as well as accredited education and training providers involved in the VUSSC. These guidelines are meant to be used as working tools by the various stakeholders.

The TQF is conceived as a reference system which will link national qualifications systems and frameworks in different small states together. In practice, the TQF will function as a translation device making qualifications more readable, which in turn, will help learners and workers that move between countries or change jobs. It is a key aim of the TQF to contribute to creating a workforce in small states that is mobile and flexible. For employers, the TQF will make it easier to interpret the qualifications of applicants from other countries. The TQF will support labour market mobility in small states both between and within countries and sectors by simplifying comparisons between qualifications and enabling a better match between supply and demand for knowledge, skills and competences. For individuals, the TQF will make it easier to describe their broad level of competence to recruiters in other countries and make it simpler to read across from one qualification system to another, such as when looking for further education and training opportunities.

As an instrument for the promotion of lifelong learning, the TQF encompasses adult basic education and training, vocational education and training, as well as higher education. The ten levels of the TQF spans over 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 is in principle attainable by way of a variety of education and career paths. The TQF includes qualifications from Certificates to Doctoral Degrees. Learning outcomes and competencies are used to define and describe the qualifications. The qualification titles on the TQF are illustrative examples which encourage flexibility of assignment of qualifications to levels on the framework. To ensure easy access to the relevant and adequate information on the TQF a VUSSC TQF portal is being developed, consisting of a searchable database of qualifications and training providers involved in the VUSSC initiative.