Qualification levels

The eight levels of the European Qualifications Framework, described through learning outcomes — what a person knows, is able to do and is responsible for.

How to read the levels

Each of the eight levels is described through three things:

  • Knowledge — theoretical and/or factual.
  • Skills — cognitive (logical, intuitive and creative thinking) and practical (manual dexterity and the use of methods, materials, tools and instruments).
  • Responsibility and autonomy — the ability to apply knowledge and skills independently and responsibly.

A level does not depend on how long the education lasted or where it was obtained, but on what the person knows and is able to do at the end. That is what makes qualifications from very different systems comparable.

Level 1
Knowledge
Basic general knowledge
Skills
Basic skills required to carry out simple tasks
Responsibility and autonomy
Work or study under direct supervision in a structured context
Level 2
Knowledge
Basic factual knowledge of a field of work or study
Skills
Basic cognitive and practical skills required to use relevant information in order to carry out tasks and to solve routine problems using simple rules and tools
Responsibility and autonomy
Work or study under supervision with some autonomy
Level 3
Knowledge
Knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts, in a field of work or study
Skills
A range of cognitive and practical skills required to accomplish tasks and solve problems by selecting and applying basic methods, tools, materials and information
Responsibility and autonomy
Take responsibility for completion of tasks in work or study; adapt own behaviour to circumstances in solving problems
Level 4
Knowledge
Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work or study
Skills
A range of cognitive and practical skills required to generate solutions to specific problems in a field of work or study
Responsibility and autonomy
Exercise self-management within the guidelines of work or study contexts that are usually predictable, but are subject to change; supervise the routine work of others, taking some responsibility for the evaluation and improvement of work or study activities
Level 5
Knowledge
Comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge
Skills
A comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems
Responsibility and autonomy
Exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change; review and develop performance of self and others
Level 6
Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of a field of work or study, involving a critical understanding of theories and principles
Skills
Advanced skills, demonstrating mastery and innovation, required to solve complex and unpredictable problems in a specialised field of work or study
Responsibility and autonomy
Manage complex technical or professional activities or projects, taking responsibility for decision-making in unpredictable work or study contexts; take responsibility for managing professional development of individuals and groups
Level 7
Knowledge
Highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of knowledge in a field of work or study, as the basis for original thinking and/or research. Critical awareness of knowledge issues in a field and at the interface between different fields
Skills
Specialised problem-solving skills required in research and/or innovation in order to develop new knowledge and procedures and to integrate knowledge from different fields
Responsibility and autonomy
Manage and transform work or study contexts that are complex, unpredictable and require new strategic approaches; take responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice and/or for reviewing the strategic performance of teams
Level 8
Knowledge
Knowledge at the most advanced frontier of a field of work or study and at the interface between fields
Skills
The most advanced and specialised skills and techniques, including synthesis and evaluation, required to solve critical problems in research and/or innovation and to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice
Responsibility and autonomy
Demonstrate substantial authority, innovation, autonomy, scholarly and professional integrity and sustained commitment to the development of new ideas or processes at the forefront of work or study contexts including research