EQAVET - European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training
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 quality assurance cycle
EQAVET at VET system level
EQAVET at VET provider level
EQAVET Framework
EQAVET National Reference Points
Virtual library
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 2022/2023 includes the following meetings:
Activities in 2023:
EQAVET Peer Review ‘EQAVET Peer Review on VET teachers’ expertise for VET quality assurance: development, application and sharing’: Lithuania, 24-25 January 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘Quality assurance of VET curricula reform’: Bulgaria (online), 21 – 22 February 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘External view on the new Quality Management System for Austrian Schools (QMS), its design, the implementation and the transition from the previous QM system for VET schools (QIBB) to QMS’: Austria, 15-17 March 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘How to better respond to the training and skills needs of the labour market’: Belgium (FR), 23-24 March 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘The new EQAVET-based institutional VET quality management system (QMS)’: Hungary, 28-29 March 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘External quality assurance at provider level and at programme level: parameters and methodology’: Belgium (FL), 30-31 March 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘Improved self-evaluation on VET Provider level based on a critical attitude, involvement of and dialogue with stakeholders, transparency, use of data, occurring from a quality culture’: Netherlands, 17 – 19 April 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘QA of the mechanisms established for the quality assurance of the design, assessment and review of qualifications’: Romania, 25 – 26 April 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘Review and Assessment of a proposed QA Methodology concerning IVET Study Programs’: Greece, 4 – 5 May 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘Implementation of the new EQA Provider Manual of Procedures and provider’s self-assessment’: Malta, 16 – 17 May 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘Stakeholder involvement in the quality assurance on system level, especially the involvement of stakeholders into the evaluation process and monitoring on system level’: Slovenia, 31 May – 2 June 2023
EQAVET Annual Network Meeting: Sweden, 15 – 16 June 2023
EQAVET Peer Review ‘Evaluation of the EQAVET implementation process by the VET providers’: Portugal, 27 – 28 July 2023
Previous activities in 2022
View the list of the EQAVET Network events and activities in 2022.
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
30 March 2023
15 December 2022
15 September 2022
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.
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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.
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EQAVET indicative descriptors: provider level
Indicative descriptors at provider level touch upon setting aligned goals, involving stakeholders, implementing transparent quality assurance, promoting learner-centred approaches, conducting evaluations, and acting for improvement, as well as other aspects of quality management.
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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.
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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!
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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.