European inventory of NQFs 2024 : Estonia

Cedefop's work on qualifications frameworks dates back to 2003. The Centre has contributed to the conceptual development of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and has supported its further implementation, working alongside with the of national authorities and stakeholders to introduce and develop national qualifications frameworks (NQFs). This report is part of the European inventory of NQFs, which systematically maps and analyses NQF developments in countries participating in the EQF process. The inventory is updated biennially in close cooperation with the EQF Advisory Group, the European Commission and the European Training Foundation. The report provides a detailed description of the structure of the NQF of the Estonian qualifications framework (EstQF) (Eesti Kvalifikatsiooniraamistik EKR) and its institutional arrangements. It also examines the framework's implementation and its impact on broader policy areas, focusing on key developments since 2022. The EstQF was introduced in 2008 with an eight-level framework, covering all national qualifications awarded both within and outside formal education and training. It is operational and integrates four sub-frameworks on higher education, vocational education and training (VET), general education and professional qualifications (1). The referencing of the EstQF to the EQF and self-certification against the qualifications framework of the European higher education area (QFEHEA) were endorsed in a joint report by the EQF Advisory Group in 2011. The referencing report was updated in 2016.