The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) emerged from the 2009 recommendation of the European Parliament and Council, as a European wide framework to support quality assurance in vocational education and training (VET) across Europe. EQAVET is based on a quality assurance and improvement cycle (planning, implementation, evaluation/ assessment, and review/revision) and a selection of descriptors and indicators applicable to quality management at both VET system and VET provider levels. EQAVET does not prescribe a particular quality assurance system or approach but provides a framework of common principles, indicative descriptors and indicators that may help in assessing and improving the quality of VET systems and VET provision. EQAVET can therefore be regarded as a ‘toolbox,’ from which the various users may choose those descriptors and indicators that they consider most relevant to the requirements of their quality assurance system. EQAVET supports the implementation of the 2020 recommendation on vocational education and training for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience. The VET Recommendation describes how EQAVET can be used to strengthen the quality of initial and continuing VET and presents the complete EQAVET Framework. The EQAVET Framework can be used by VET providers and in VET systems to support the quality assurance of: Learning environments (e.g., school-based provision, work-based learning, apprenticeships, formal, informal and non-formal provision) All types of learning contexts (e.g., digital, face-to-face and blended) Public and private sector VET providers VET awards and qualifications at all levels of the European Qualifications Framework Click on the links below to find out more. EQAVET governance and work programme EQAVET aims to enhance the quality of vocational education and training programmes. Learn more about its’ governance arrangements, work programme and the work of the EQAVET Network. EQAVET quality assurance cycle The EQAVET Framework utilises the Deming Cycle, a four-stage process that helps VET systems and providers to improve their quality standards. EQAVET at VET system level The EQAVET Framework guides Member States to develop and improve their VET systems. Read more about the indicative descriptors and indicators at system level. EQAVET at VET provider level The EQAVET Framework can be used at VET provider level, depending different factors. Learn more about the indicative descriptors and indicators for VET providers. EQAVET Framework Are you interested in improving the quality of vocational education and training? Discover how the EQAVET Framework’s 10 indicators can help to enhance the quality of VET. EQAVET National Reference Points Visit the EQAVET National Reference Points page to find out more about EQAVET in Europe. Virtual library Access the EQAVET virtual library to find a range of studies, reports, policy briefs, and previous issues of the EQAVET newsletter. National implementation The implementation of the 2020 Council Recommendation is supported by National Quality Assurance Reference Points (NRPs), that bring together relevant stakeholders at the national and regional level to: Implement and further develop the EQAVET Framework Inform and mobilise a wide range of stakeholders, including Centres of Vocational Excellence, to contribute to the implementation of the EQAVET Framework Support self-evaluation as one way to measure success and identify areas for improvement, including the digital readiness of VET systems and institutions Participate actively in the EQAVET Network Provide updated descriptions of the national quality assurance arrangements based on EQAVET Engage in EU level peer review to enhance the transparency and consistency of quality assurance arrangements, and to reinforce trust between Member States Together with national representatives from ministries and other responsible bodies, the NRPs are at the core of the European EQAVET Network. By working collaboratively, the EQAVET Network produces case studies and guidance on diverse ways to develop and improve the quality assurance of VET. Each year, the EQAVET Network organises a range of support activities, including an annual meeting, for those with an interest in the quality assurance of VET at the European level. EQAVET meetings The EQAVET work programme 2024/2026 includes the following meetings: Activities in 2024: EQAVET Peer Learning Activity ‘EQAVET PLA on Quality Assuring Education for Democratic Citizenship in VET’: Online, 24-25 April 2024 EQAVET Peer Review ‘EQAVET Peer Review on Regional Governance of VET and Quality Assurance’: Slovakia, 23-24 May 2024 EQAVET Annual Network Meeting ‘Latest Developments in Vocational Education and Training’: Belgium, 13-14 June 2024 EQAVET Peer Review ‘EQAVET Peer Review on Quality Assurance and Qualification of In-Company Trainers in IVET (Dual System) and CVET’: Germany, 25-26 June 2024 Previous activities in 2023 View the list of the EQAVET Network events and activities in 2023. EQAVET Newsletter To stay informed with the latest news, information, and resources relevant to the EQAVET Network, subscribe to the EQAVET newsletter. Explore the past editions of the EQAVET newsletter by clicking on the links below: 28 September 2023 In September 2023, EQAVET concluded its first cycle of system-level Peer Reviews from 2022-2023, thanking the NRPs for their participation. They are preparing for the 2024-2026 cycle. The EQAVET Network held its Annual Network Meeting in June 2023, discussing Quality Assurance, digitalization, and EU policy updates. The 2022 Annual Network Survey showed EQAVET's wide adoption. Upcoming events include a webinar on Quality Assurance trends and EU-level events. 30 March 2023 The EQAVET Network has organized peer reviews on vocational education and training systems, and the European Commission has released a manual on conducting peer reviews, while launching the European Year of Skills website and a public consultation on the future of learning mobility. 15 December 2022 The EQAVET Network evaluated VET systems and published case studies, the European Commission declared 2023 the European Year of Skills, and Cedefop analysed the role of micro-credentials in the European labour market. 15 September 2022 The EQAVET Network discussed updates on the EQAVET Framework and EU policy, including micro-credentials and the green transition, while several activities such as peer reviews and initiatives to support young people in the labour market were scheduled. Previous editions are available to view. Most Downloaded Resources from the EQAVET Virtual Library Discover the top 5 most downloaded resources from the EQAVET virtual library. Click to download or visit the virtual library for more content. TOP 5 EQAVET indicative descriptors: system level Indicative descriptors at system level are used for planning, implementation, evaluation, and review. Stakeholder involvement, goal alignment, and transparent reporting ensures effective monitoring and improvement of VET programmes. EQAVET indicative descriptors: provider level Indicative descriptors at provider level touch upon setting aligned goals, involving stakeholders, implementing transparent qualifty assurance, promoting learner-centred approaches, conducting evaluations, and acting for improvement, as well as other aspects of quality management. Supporting the implementation of the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework This report, compiled in July 2018, highlights the efforts of EU-28 countries, along with Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia, FYROM, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to implement the EQAVET Recommendation. It assesses progress and identifies areas for improvement in the implementation of the EQAVET Framework. EQAVET Annual Network Meeting 2023 - Full Summary Report The EQAVET Annual Network Meeting took place on June 15-16, 2023, in Stockholm. Discussions revolved around Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (VET) with a focus on current challenges and innovative measures, including those related to the digitalisation of VET provision. Workshops covered topics such as quality assurance in CVET/professional further education, improving the monitoring of VET through a graduate tracking mechanism, as well as Quality Assurance of the system of validation of non-formal and informal learning. Read the comprehensive report summarising the event! EQAVET Visual Identity (2021-2024) The visual identity for EQAVET, consisting of a logo and application guidelines, aims to enhance the visibility and positioning of EQAVET among stakeholders involved in quality assurance at European and national levels.