European inventory of NQFs 2024 : Finland

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 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 Finnish NQF 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 Finnish national framework for qualifications and other competence modules (FiNQF) covers state-recognised qualifications, that is, formal qualifications awarded by the education and other ministries, and competence modules, which may be shorter than a qualification and can be awarded outside formal education and training. It is at the operational stage. A qualifications framework for higher education, in line with the Bologna process, was developed in 2005 and forms an integrated part of the FiNQF.