Qualification:
1. The official result of assessment and recognition process, i.e., certified evaluation in the form of document, which is obtained when competent authority has established that the person has achieved the learning outcomes in accordance to previously set standards;

2. Experience and knowledge of a person in any field.

Source: Academic Information Centre. Terminoloģija Eiropas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras un Latvijas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras kontekstā. Research report (2016). P. 13: www.nki-latvija.lv/content/files/Terminologijas_zinojums_2016.pdf

In the context of the Latvian Qualifications Framework and the Latvian Qualifications Database, qualification is an education document that certifies knowledge, skills and competences acquired during learning or study process, and grants the right to its owner for further education and/or job.

Updated: 08/05/2020

An instrument for classifying qualifications in accordance to the set of criteria, which is included in the descriptions of learning outcome levels in succession of increasing difficulty. Qualifications Frameworks can be created for different scales – regional (e.g., European Qualifications Framework), national (e.g., Latvian Qualifications Framework) or on the scale of education sector (e.g., Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area).

Source: Academic Informations Centre. Terminoloģija Eiropas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras un Latvijas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras kontekstā. Research report (2016). P. 14: www.nki-latvija.lv/content/files/Terminologijas_zinojums_2016.pdf

Updated: 08/05/2020

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is an overarching eight-level European reference system, which is aimed at promoting lifelong learning and fostering the cross-border mobility. By providing common reference points for the national qualifications of the European countries, the EQF assists in ensuring better comparison and understanding of the various European national qualifications.

Thus, the EQF levels cover all education sectors (vocational, general and higher education), all education levels (basic, secondary and higher education, continuing education), as well as all education forms (formal, non-formal and informal learning).

Source: Academic Informations Centre. National Coordination Point. EQF: http://www.nki-latvija.lv/en/par-eki

Updated: 08/05/2020

National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a reference system of national scale, in which qualifications awarded in a certain national education system are arranged by levels. The NQF structure, composition and functions should be developed according to EQF, but the details and the actual meaning of the NQF in the qualifications system are discussed and agreed on by the national social partners, taking into account the national education traditions and context, as well as interests of the involved parties.

Source: Academic Informations Centre. National Coordination Point. EQF: http://www.nki-latvija.lv/en/par-eki

Added: 08/05/2020

The Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) is a state level referencing system where all qualifications awarded in the Latvian education system are arranged in levels. The structure and functions of LQF were developed on the basis of EQF and taking into account the context and traditions in Latvian education, as well as stakeholders’ interests.

The Latvian Qualifications Framework is a system of eight levels comprising all education levels (basic, secondary and higher education) and all types of education (general, vocational (professional), and academic education), as well as professional qualifications acquired outside of formal education. The Latvian Qualifications Framework is referenced to the European Qualifications Framework.

LQF levels are described by the learning outcomes to be attained on each level. Each level comprises the knowledge, skills and competences of the previous levels.

Source: Academic Informations Centre. National Coordination Point. LQF: http://www.nki-latvija.lv/en/par-lki

Updated: 08/05/2020

A completed stage of education, which includes organised and successively realised acquisition of education. // Source: Education Law. Section 1. Terms used in this law: https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/50759-education-law

Education system of Latvia is organised in four consecutive stages or education levels:
1) Preschool education;
2) Basic education;
3) Secondary education;
4) Higher education.

Basic education, secondary education and higher education level qualifications are referenced to the Latvian Qualifications Framework.

Updated: 08/05/2020

There are three education types in Latvia:
1) General education – acquired in preschool, basic education, and secondary education level;
2) Professional education – acquired in basic education, secondary education and higher education level;
3) Academic education – acquired in higher education level.

Source: Education Law. Section 6. Education types: https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/50759-education-law

Updated: 08/05/2020

Learning outcomes – the totality of knowledge, skills, comptences, that a person has acquired in the learning process and is able to demonstrate. // Source: Academic Informations Centre. Terminoloģija Eiropas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras un Latvijas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras kontekstā. Research report (2016). P. 17: www.nki-latvija.lv/content/files/Terminologijas_zinojums_2016.pdf

In terms of the EQF, learning outcomes are defined as statements of what a learner knows, understands and is able to do after a certain period of learning. Learning outcomes are expressed in three categories or dimensions: knowledge, skills and competence (responsibility and autonomy from 2017). // Source: Academic Informations Centre. National Coordination Point. EQF: http://www.nki-latvija.lv/en/par-eki

The LQF level descriptors are based on learning outcomes that are expressed in three dimensions:
1) knowledge (knowledge and comprehension);
2) skills (ability to apply knowledge, communication, general skills);
3) competence (analysis, synthesis and assessment).

Source: Academic Informations Centre. National Coordination Point. LQF: http://www.nki-latvija.lv/en/par-lki

Study results — a set of knowledge, skills and competence to be acquired upon completion of a study programme, study module or study course.

Source: Law on Higher Education Institutions. Section 1. Terms used in this law: https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/37967-law-on-higher-education-institutions

Updated: 08/05/2020

Knowledge – the totality of cognition that is acquired in learning, working and life experience.
Skills – ability to perform a particular activity, according to the necessary quality and amount.
Competence – a flexible and dynamic totality of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and emotions for performance of particular actions.

Source: Academic Informations Centre. Terminoloģija Eiropas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras un Latvijas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras kontekstā. Research report (2016). P. 17: www.nki-latvija.lv/content/files/Terminologijas_zinojums_2016.pdf

In general and professional education institutions planned and attainable learning outcomes (study outcomes) are formulated in accordance with respective state education standards and (if applicable) occupational standards.

In higher education institutions study results are formulated according to the goals and tasks of the study programme in correspondence with LQF/EQF level descriptors.

Added: 08/05/2020

Document in Latvia which in accordance with education level and type stipulates the main goals and tasks of learning programmes, and obligatory content of education.

Source: Academic Informations Centre. Terminoloģija Eiropas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras un Latvijas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras kontekstā. Research report (2016). P. 22: www.nki-latvija.lv/content/files/Terminologijas_zinojums_2016.pdf

Education institutions apply respective stated education standards while developing learning programmes at the conclusion of which one can obtain qualifications included in the Latvian Qualifications Database.

State education standards regulate preschool education, general basic education and general secondary education.

Updated: 08/05/2020

The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) was developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to facilitate comparisons of education statistics and indicators across countries on the basis of uniform and internationally agreed definitions. // Source: European Commission. Education and Training. The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED): https://ec.europa.eu/education/international-standard-classification-of-education-isced_en

In Latvia Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 322 “Regulations on the education classification of Latvia” (null and void on 01.06.2017.) regulated the conformity of education programmes to the ISCED 2011 classification. Now the conformity of education programmes to the ISCED 2013 classification are regulated by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 322 “Regulations on the education classification of Latvia”.

Additional information on ISCED in Latvia can be found on webpage of Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia: https://www.csb.gov.lv/en/classification/3

Updated: 08/05/2020

Sectoral Qualifications Frameworks are a general description of sectoral occupations, as well as a review of specialisations and related occupations inside the sectoral occupations. Sectoral Qualifications Frameworks contain professional qualifications levels of the occupations and specialisations.

Source: National Education Centre. Sectoral Qualifications Frameworks: https://visc.gov.lv/profizglitiba/nozkval.shtml

Sectoral Qualifications Frameworks can be found on the website of the National Education Centre: https://visc.gov.lv/profizglitiba/nozkval.shtml

Added: 08/05/2020

Occupational standard stipulates main tasks and duties of occupation that are relevant to the professional activity, professional qualification requirements, as well as necessary general and professional knowledge, skills, attitudes and competences for their (occupation) implementation. // Source: National Education Centre. Occupational standards and professional qualifications requirements: https://visc.gov.lv/profizglitiba/standarti.shtml

Knowledge, skills and competences defined in occupational standards makes up the content of the qualifications, where an occupation is acquired, are included in the Latvian Qualifications Database.

The list of compulsory applied occupational standards and professional qualifications requirements can be found on the website of the National Education Centre: https://visc.gov.lv/profizglitiba/stand_saraksts_mk_not_626.shtml

Updated: 08/05/2020

Stipulates knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional competencies that are necessary in performing work tasks in respective sectoral related occupations and specialisations.

Source: National Education Centre. Occupational standards and professional qualifications requirements: https://visc.gov.lv/profizglitiba/standarti.shtml

The list of compulsory applied occupational standards and professional qualifications requirements can be found on the website of the National Education Centre:: https://visc.gov.lv/profizglitiba/stand_saraksts_mk_not_626.shtml

Ievietošanas datums: 08/05/2020

Level of vocational qualification – theoretical and practical preparedness, which provides an opportunity to perform work corresponding to a certain level of complexity and responsibility. // Source: Vocational Education Law. Section 1. Terms used in this law: https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=20244

The Vocational Education Law (from 1999, with amendments of 23 April 2015 which came into force 16 July 2015) states how professional qualification levels used in the Latvian vocational education system are referred to the LQF levels:
1) Level 1 of professional qualification corresponds to the LQF level 2;
2) Level 2 of professional qualification corresponds to the LQF level 3;
3) Level 3 of professional qualification corresponds to the LQF level 4;
4) Level 4 of professional qualification corresponds to the LQF level 5;
5) Level 5 of professional qualification corresponds to the LQF level 6 and 7.

Source: Academic Informations Centre. National Coordination Point. LQF: http://www.nki-latvija.lv/en/par-lki

Updated: 08/05/2020

International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08), established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and is used to classify and group occupations. // Source: International Labour Organisation. ISCO: International Standard Classification of Occupations: https://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/index.htm

ISCO-08 classification ensures calculation and comparison of labour force in accordance to the international practice. Latvian classification of occupations is created by applying ISCO-08 principles.

More information on ISCO-08 in Latvian can be found on the website of  Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia: https://www.csb.gov.lv/en/classification_meta/14

Updated: 08/05/2020

Awarding body – competent authority, which has a right to award the education document.

Source: Academic Informations Centre. Terminoloģija Eiropas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras un Latvijas kvalifikāciju ietvarstruktūras kontekstā. Research report (2016). P. 22: www.nki-latvija.lv/content/files/Terminologijas_zinojums_2016.pdf

In Latvia it is a state accredited education institution or examination centre where the education documents are awarded. The right to award state recognised education documents of qualifications is granted to the state accredited education institutions and examination centres. Education institutions should implement state accredited education programmes.

Updated: 08/05/2020