Glossaire TVETipedia

Comparability of qualifications

The comparison of one qualification with another based on high-level criteria that enable the degree of similarity of the qualification to be established by a non-subject matter expert.

(Comment: Comparability is a more generic form of evaluation, i.e. at a level that does not require subject matter experts, typically performed by a national information centre)

Source:
UNESCO, Level-setting and recognition of learning outcomes: The use of level descriptors in the twenty-first century, 2015
UNESCO, Level-setting and recognition of learning outcomes: The use of level descriptors in the twenty-first century, 2015
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Description of the report:
"The aim of this research is to support a broader initiative that will explore the possibility of developing international guidelines on quality assurance for the recognition of qualifications based on learning outcomes, including a set of world reference levels to facilitate the international recognition of qualifications."
Description of the glossary (pp 189 ff):
"The definitions of this glossary are provided by the authors, drawing on a wide range of literature in the field, and in particular the cited references for this publication. They do not necessarily coincide with official positions of UNESCO."

Extent to which it is possible to determine the degree of similarity of qualifications (purpose, level, learning outcomes, quality assurance, etc.) issued at sectoral, regional, national or international levels.

Comment

Comparability of qualifications improves individuals’ employability and mobility, one of the objectives of the European qualifications framework;
this term is close to, but not synonymous with: equivalence of qualifications.

Source:
Cedefop, Glossary. Terminology of European education and training policy, (accessed 03/2023)
Cedefop, Glossary. Terminology of European education and training policy, (accessed 03/2023)
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This multilingual glossary (provided in a multitude of European languages) defines a selection of key terms used in European education and training policy. It is a revised and expanded version of the “Terminology of European education and training policy – A selection of 130 key terms” (2014). It considers new priorities of European Union policy, mainly concerning skills intelligence and employment. New definitions have been developed in collaboration with the experts of Cedefop’s departments VET and Skills and VET and Qualifications.

Determined for the purpose of pegging qualifications to a qualifications framework based on a wide range of criteria including purpose, specifications and characteristics of the qualification, high level learning outcomes in relation to level descriptors, credits, and quality assurance arrangements.

Source:
SADC, Glossary, 2011
SADC, Glossary, 2011
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(Glossary starting p. 26)
Concept Paper and Implementation Plan for the SADC Regional Qualifications Framework (Original document developed by the SADC Technical Committee on Certification and Accreditation in Maseru in 2005. This is an updated and amended version of the original document).