National Qualifications Frameworks: what's the evidence of success?

The popularity of National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) has grown dramatically in the last five years. Over 100 countries are now implementing, developing, or considering NQFs, or involved in regional qualifications frameworks. Qualifications frameworks have been widely endorsed by influential international organizations and bilateral agencies, often supported by aid money and even loans. But what evidence is there about the impacts, strengths, and weaknesses of NQFs, particularly for developing countries? Have they solved the ‘mismatch’ between education and training systems and labour markets? This Briefing presents some highlights from the International Labour Organization’s comparison of qualifications frameworks in 16 countries.