NLQF

NLQF stands for the Netherlands Qualifications Framework. It is the Netherlands’ national reference framework for describing and comparing qualifications across education and training sectors and for aligning Dutch qualifications with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Qualifications in the NLQF are defined in terms of learning outcomes—what a learner knows, understands, and can do—and are mapped to NLQF levels. The framework covers the full spectrum of formal qualifications, including secondary education, vocational education and training, higher education, and professional credentials. Levels typically range from 1 to 8, with higher levels indicating greater complexity, autonomy, and responsibility; the NLQF level descriptors are aligned with the EQF to facilitate cross-border recognition.

The NLQF is used to support lifelong learning, facilitate recognition of qualifications for education and employment, and aid mobility for learners and workers. It provides a common language for describing qualifications and helps education providers, employers, and policymakers understand and compare different credentials.

Governance and maintenance of the NLQF are led by the Dutch government in cooperation with sector councils, educational institutions, and professional bodies. The framework is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the labor market, education, and training practices, ensuring that qualification descriptions remain relevant and transparent for learners and employers alike.