How does the validation of skills enter into the European framework ?

The subject of validation of non-formal and informal learning is today a political priority in almost all EU Member States and is an integral part of lifelong learning. In general, validation of skills forms part of the “Education and Training 2010” programme outlined within the framework of the Lisbon Strategy: this is the wider European Union programme which places emphasis on growth and employment. The ultimate aim of this strategy is inclusion for all within a knowledge society, access to or continuation in employment and the economic and social well-being of people.  

The “Maastricht Communiqué” dated 14th December 2004 updates the “Copenhagen Declaration” and places at the forefront of national priorities “the use of joint instruments, references and principles already agreed at European level to support the reform and development of systems and national practices in VET (vocational education and training), concerning for example transparency, lifelong learning, quality assurance and the identification and validation of non-formal learning”.

More concretely, the concept of competence at the basis of the validation mechanism developed in French-speaking Belgium, the definition by the Commissions for Skill Unit Indicators pertaining to a profession, the integration of Consortium processes within a quality approach all make the Validation mechanism compatible with the European measures underway; the framework of European Credit for Vocational and Educational Training (ECVET), a complement of the Europass certificate.

Finally, it is important to highlight that the Validation of Skills mechanism such as it is developed at present in French-speaking Belgium, meets European validation principles (9600/04 Educ 118 Soc253, May 2004).