The ACQF Qualifications and Credentials Platform (QCP)

The ACQF Policy Document was validated by the African Union (AU) Member States at the ACQF Addis-Ababa Conference in July 2023. The ACQF-II project (2023-2026) was launched in partnership between the African Union and the European Union, to support implementation of the new policy instrument. ACQF-II is implemented by the European Union Agency European Training Foundation (ETF), working in collaboration with the African Union, the regions, and countries.

The ACQF-II implementation plan contributes to the seven areas of activity defined in the ACQF Policy Document. The ACQF-II project aims to enhance mobility and lifelong learning opportunities for African learners by improving comparability and transparency of qualifications, fostering mutual trust and information-sharing among qualifications frameworks and systems on the continent. ACQF-II contributes to development of national qualifications frameworks working in partnership with the national authorities and stakeholders, supports establishment of a sustainable governance setting, develops the Qualifications and Credential Platform (QCP), strengthens capacity on Recognition of Prior Learning, introduces referencing of NQFs to ACQF and develops common profiles of qualifications relevant for African integration and for the adaptation to the green and digital transformation.

A major component of the ACQF-II is development, testing and operationalisation of the ACQF Qualifications and Certifications Platform (QCP). This comprehensive system of databases aligns with the objectives of the African Union and its member states, contributing to modernize and digitalise management of qualifications at national level, and share information at continental level.

Designation: The ACQF QCP is designed to process, classify, compare, and visualise information on various qualifications across education and training sectors. It consists of interconnected databases, offering at minimum tools for analysis, classification, and visualisation.

The ACQF QCP is made up of two main layers:

1. National databases: accessible to relevant national institutions for managing and registering qualifications, maintaining national ownership of the qualifications.
2. Continental database: A network connecting national databases and other qualification repositories, facilitating information-sharing.

Services

The ACQF QCP offers functionalities of a modern qualifications database including registration, classification, comparison and discovery of qualifications and functions as a visualisation instrument for its users.

Data Model

To achieve such functionalities some key elements of the data included in the QCP are: qualification title, education field, country code, awarding body, provider, description, credit points, and links to recognition of prior learning. Optional elements such as external quality assurance bodies and links to occupations will also be considered.

Technical Aspects

The data system is based on Linked Open Data and Open-Source software, ensuring compatibility with general internet security protocols and data protection legislation. It incorporates lessons learned from international practices and existing taxonomies such as the international standard ISCED-2011 and classifications such as ESCO.

Governance

During the project implementation period the QCP Steering Group advices the technical implementation team and contributes to decision making. The African qualifications network working in partnership with the African Union Commission will oversee the platform's integrity and maintenance post-ACQF-II project. Ownership rights and responsibilities will be transferred to the designated governance entities.

Collaboration and Coordination

The ETF and the project consortium cooperate closely, involving the QCP Steering Group to ensure alignment with project objectives and milestones. Communication and advocacy efforts will be coordinated, and regular progress meetings will be conducted in this regard. The technical implementation consortium is composed of Cognizone, Knowledge Innovation Centre and PPMI.

Development and operationalisation of the ACQF QCP

The implementation plan for establishment of the ACQF QCP is structured in three phases.

• Phase 1 focuses on developing a proof of concept, including defining its strategic, conceptual, technological, and methodological aspects. This involves proposing options for the architecture of the database system, hosting arrangements, and creating a high-level implementation schedule for subsequent activities.
• Phase 2 involves conducting a baseline analysis and stakeholder consultation to gather relevant information for refining the proposed concept and architecture of the QCP. This includes assessing existing qualifications databases in African countries, engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and readiness for implementing the national qualifications database, and conducting webinars and surveys to gather feedback.
• The findings from Phase 2 will inform the development of the proof of concept in real time. Both activities require close coordination and communication between the project team, the contractor, and stakeholders. Reports summarising the findings and conclusions of each activity will inform further development and implementation phases of the project.
• Phase 3 outlines the subsequent development phases to fully operationalise the QCP. A multi-phase approach aims to address the platform's technological and operational elements. These will take into consideration the unique needs of ACQF's diverse demographic and will conclude with the handover of the platform and all relevant documentation.

Get acquainted with the ACQF Policy Document

Contact: ecb@etf.europa.eu