Qualifikation

Qualifikation (German for qualification) is a broad term used in German-speaking systems to denote the set of attributes, competencies, and credentials that authorize a person to perform a task or hold a role. The concept covers both the process of becoming qualified—education, training, and assessment—and the resulting credential, such as a diploma, certificate, license, or professional title.

Formal qualifications include academic degrees (bachelor, master, PhD), professional licenses (e.g., medical license, teacher certification), and vocational certificates. In many contexts, qualifications are complemented by competences and experience; employers increasingly value demonstrable skills and practical ability in addition to formal credentials.

Education and training pathways include formal higher education, vocational training and apprenticeships, and continuing education. Assessments may be written, practical, or portfolio-based, and recognition may require passing standard exams or completing a required number of training hours.

International recognition operates through qualification frameworks such as the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and national systems. Recognition of foreign qualifications is often handled by designated authorities or networks (for example ENIC-NARIC), which assess equivalence and level comparability.

Qualifications influence eligibility for jobs, promotions, and study opportunities, and may be subject to regulatory or professional standards. They are increasingly linked to lifelong learning, as workers update or expand qualifications to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.