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SUPPORTING LEARNING, WORK AND CROSS-BORDER MOBILITY
Knowledge Skills Responsibility and autonomy
In the context of the EQF, knowledge is
described as theoretical and/or factual.
In the context of EQF, skills are described as cognitive
(involving the use of logical, intuitive and creative
thinking) and practical (involving manual dexterity and
the use of methods, materials, tools and instruments).
In the context of the EQF, responsibility and autonomy is described as the ability of the
learner to apply knowledge and skills autonomously and with responsibility.
Level 1 Basic general knowledge. Basic skills required to carry out simple tasks. Work or study under direct supervision in a structured context. Level 1
Level 2
Basic factual knowledge of a field of work
or study.
Basic cognitive and practical skills required to use
relevant information in order to carry out tasks and
solve routine problems using simple rules and tools.
Work or study under supervision with some autonomy. Level 2
Level 3
Knowledge of facts, principles, processes and
general concepts in a field of work or study.
A range of cognitive and practical skills required to
accomplish tasks and solve problems by selecting and
applying basic methods, tools, materials and information.
Take responsibility for completion of tasks in work or study.
Adapt own behaviour to circumstances in solving problems.
Level 3
Level 4
Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad
contexts within a field of work or study.
A range of cognitive and practical skills required to
generate solutions to specific problems in a field of
work or study.
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 4
Level 5
Comprehensive, specialised, factual and
theoretical knowledge within a field of
work or study, and an awareness of the
boundaries of that knowledge.
A comprehensive range of cognitive and practical
skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract
problems.
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 5
Level 6
Advanced knowledge of a field of work or
study, involving a critical understanding of
theories and principles.
Advanced skills, demonstrating mastery and innovation,
required to solve complex and unpredictable problems
in a specialised field of work or study.
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 6
Level 7
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.
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.
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 7
Level 8
Knowledge at the most advanced frontier of
a field of work or study, and at the interface
between fields.
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.
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.
Level 8