A critique of the concept of a national qualifications framework

Abstract

Several countries employ a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as one means by which information on qualifications is made available to labour markets. Although the term ‘National Qualifications Framework’ is not used consistently across national borders, a qualifications classification system is an important element in all NQF models. An NQF classification system is a hierarchy. It consists of several levels. The number of levels is determined on a more or less arbitrary basis, although qualifications are supposed to be sorted and assigned to levels in terms of some principle(s) of discrimination. The information provided by an NQF is meant to serve economising and equity purposes. This paper argues that the conceptual and operational dimensions of an NQF classification system are such that it cannot serve the purposes for which it was designed. Far from informing governments and markets efficiently, a structured, levelled NQF distorts information about qualifications to such an extent that serious consideration needs to be given to abandoning the NQF classification system as a viable instrument of public policy. This conclusion is of special relevance to the Bologna process and associated moves towards the development of a European Qualifications Framework. The paper considers briefly if creative alternatives are available. It sketches the outlines of a ‘networked’ register of qualifications, which may add value to the processes of describing the attributes of qualifications.