The purpose of this level descriptors guideline is to clarify and deepen the concept of level descriptors of the ACQF. It also provides technical orientation for national implementing bodies and stakeholders, especially the lead institutions managing the NQF and interacting with the (future) ACQF implementation/ steering unit. This guideline proposes a set of level descriptors for the ACQF, one that makes it possible to compare qualifications levels in terms of learning outcomes, embraces a future-oriented lifelong learning objective, recognises all forms of learning (formal, non-formal and informal) and covers the whole spectrum of qualifications including general education, TVET and HE.
ACQF Guideline 2: Levels and level descriptors in the context of ACQF
Each ACQF level represents learning outcomes related to formal, non-formal and informal learning at that level. The ACQF level descriptors capture how the three domains of knowledge, skills and autonomy and responsibility (A&R) increase in breadth, depth and complexity when moving from lower to higher levels. Level descriptors of the ACQF serve complementary purposes: i) basis for referencing of levels of national qualifications frameworks or systems to the ACQF; ii) orientation towards common minimum benchmarks for outcomes of learning on the continent; iii) orientation for countries / regions in developing their qualifications frameworks or systems.