Main references and literature for the workshop:

• Document SNCATS, 2024. Forthcoming.
• ACQF Policy Document, 2023.
• ACQF Guideline 4: Validation and recognition of Learning. 2022 (RPL, CATS, Recognition of Qualifications)
• ACQF Training Module 4: Validation and recognition of Learning. 2022

The SNCATS was developed in partnership between SQA and ACQF-II, through a participative process started in March 2024 in Victoria. The final version of SNCATS was concluded in September 2024 by the experts’ team and entered the official approval process which is managed by SQA.

The SNCATS document is comprehensive and action oriented, as it includes both the Policy guiding the national vision and approach to CATS, and the Guidelines supporting practical implementation. SNCATS includes the Monitoring and Evaluation Matrix and the Roadmap for implementation. It is worth noting the holistic scope of the SNCATS document, which explicitly mentions the linkages and complementarities with the Seychelles NQF, with Recognition of Prior Learning and with micro-credentials.

Seychelles is among the countries that have a long-standing and valuable experience in implementing the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and related policies, notably Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). In order to ensure the full implementation of the NQF, the new Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA) Act 57 of 2021 broadened the mandate of the SQA. Article 4 (1) defines the object and functions of the Authority, and its point k) stipulates that SQA will “establish policy and criteria for credit accumulation and credit transfer”.

In living up to the foregoing mandate, and considering the importance of a credit accumulation and transfer system (CATS) in the context of internationalisation of education, mobility of learners, rise of micro-credentials, recognition of learning periods and qualifications, and lifelong flexible pathways for learning, SQA was committed and determined to developing a functional and coherent CATS, aligned with international good practice. This aspiration was conceived at the right time as it coincided with the review of the country’s National Qualifications Framework, which has also taken into consideration the need for promulgation of regulations pertaining to CATS.

The workshop will attract a broad range of participants from across the whole education and training spectrum namely: policy makers (ministries), education and training providers, professional bodies, industry and students’ bodies.

This workshop will precede the 4^th ACQF Forum, focused on the theme “Micro-credentials for better opportunities”, to be held in on 13 and 14 November 2024, at the Hotel Savoy, in Victoria.