Detailed roadmap for the eqf referencing of the nqf in fyrom

4.5. Structure of the MQF

The Macedonian Qualifications Framework comprises of:

- Levels/sub-levels of qualifications,

- Descriptions of the levels and the learning outcomes for each level of qualification,

- Types of qualifications and documents serving as evidence for the acquired qualification and

- Volume of the qualification.
The Framework consists of 8 levels and additional sub-levels at levels V, VI and VII, introducing learning outcomes as the core concept described by level descriptors within three domains (knowledge and understanding, skills and competence). They are presented in the Table 33.

Table 33: MQF level descriptors and learning outcomes according to levels

MQF Level	Sub- level	Knowledge and understanding	Skills	Competence	Credits	EQF level
VIII		Demonstrates a systematic understanding of the field of research and perfect knowledge of research methods and skills within the respective field in accordance with the highest international standards; Possesses knowledge gained with own research or work, thus significantly contributing to the professional and scientific field of research, but also in the related fields.	Demonstrates ability to interpret, design, apply and adapt the essential subject of the research with scientific integrity; Uses the knowledge as a basis for original ideas and research that exceed the current boundaries of knowledge, developing new knowledge, valued on the level of national and international peer-reviewed publications; Ability for critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas, necessary for solving complex problems in the field of research; Ability for independent initiation and participation in national and international research networks and events with scientific integrity; Ability for independent initiation of research and development projects, through which new knowledge will be generated, as well as skills for development in the field of research; Expected to be capable of self-promotion in academic and professional context and in the technological, social or cultural development in a knowledge-based society; Capable for communication with the colleagues, the wider academic community and with the society as a whole within the field of expertise.	Takes maximum responsibility for the results of the own work, but also for the work of the others in the group; Takes responsibility for managing complex processes, while, in the same time, ensuring the professional development of the individuals and the group as a whole.	at least 180 ECTS credits	8
VII	VII A	Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the scientific field of study that builds upon the first cycle, by applying methodologies appropriate for resolving complex problems, both in a systematic and in creative manner, which provides the basis or the possibility for originality in the development and/or application of autonomous ideas in the context of the research; Presents a high level of professional competence in one or in several specific scientific fields; Possesses knowledge from one or more subject areas, which in the given scientific fields are based on the most renowned international research in that scientific field, as well as capability to connect wider and deeper knowledge in related professions or fields of science.	Capability for critical, independent and creative problem-solving with a certain degree of originality in new or unknown environments and in multi-disciplinary contexts, related to the field of study; Capability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and to handle complex issues, in a systematic and creative manner; Capability to evaluate and select scientific theories, methodologies, tools and general skills from the subject areas, and to put forward new analyses and solutions on scientific basis; Capability to recognize the personal need for further knowledge and capability for independent and autonomous actions when acquiring new knowledge and skills in the social framework; Capability to exchange conclusions and proposals by clearly and unambiguously arguing and rationally underpinning the stance, both with experts and non-experts.	Demonstrates significant responsibility for the own and the joint results, for leading and initiating activities; Capability for solid evaluation, even in the case of incomplete and limited information, which includes the personal, social and ethical responsibilities in the application of the acquired knowledge and evaluation thereof; Capability for taking responsibility for further professional development and education, both for personal and for the group with which cooperates.	60 to 120 ECTS credits	7
	VII B	Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the scientific field of study that builds upon the first cycle, by applying methodologies appropriate for resolving complex problems, both in a systematic and in creative manner, which provides the basis or the possibility for originality in the development and/or application of autonomous ideas in the context of the research; Presents a high level of professional competence in one or in several specific scientific fields; Possesses knowledge from one or more subject areas, which in the given scientific fields are based on the most renowned international research in that scientific field, as well as capability to connect wider and deeper knowledge in related professions or fields of science.	Capability for critical, independent and creative problem-solving with a certain degree of originality in new or unknown environments and in multi-disciplinary contexts, related to the field of study; Capability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and to handle complex issues, in a systematic and creative manner; Capability to evaluate and select scientific theories, methodologies, tools and general skills from the subject areas, and to put forward new analyses and solutions on scientific basis; Capability to recognize the personal need for further knowledge and capability for independent and autonomous actions when acquiring new knowledge and skills in the social framework; Capability to exchange conclusions and proposals by clearly and unambiguously arguing and rationally underpinning the stance, both with experts and non-experts.	Demonstrates significant responsibility for the own and the joint results, for leading and initiating activities; Capability for solid evaluation, even in the case of incomplete and limited information, which includes the personal, social and ethical responsibilities in the application of the acquired knowledge and evaluation thereof; Capability for taking responsibility for further professional development and education, both for personal and for the group with which cooperates.	60 ECTS credits
VI	VI A	Demonstrates knowledge and understanding in the scientific field of study that builds upon previous education and training, including knowledge in the domain of theoretical, practical, conceptual, comparative and critical perspectives in the scientific field according to the relevant methodology; Understanding of a certain area and knowledge of current issues in relation to scientific research and new sources of knowledge. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of different theories and methodologies necessary for the wider area of research.	Is able to apply knowledge and understanding in a manner that shows a professional approach to the work or the profession; Demonstrates ability to identify, analyse and solve problems; Capability to find and support arguments within the profession or the field of study; Capability to collect, analyse, evaluate and present information, ideas and concepts from relevant data; Capability to assess theoretical and practical issues, provide explanations for the reasons and to select an appropriate solution; Takes initiative to identify the requirements for acquiring further knowledge and study with a high degree of independence; Capability to communicate and discuss information, ideas, problems and solutions, when the decision criteria and the scope of the task have been clearly defined, both with (professional?) and the non-expert public.	Takes responsibility for the own results and shared responsibility for the collective results; Capability for independent participation, with a professional approach, in specific scientific and interdisciplinary discussions. Makes relevant judgement by taking into consideration the personal, social, scientific and ethical aspects.	240 ECTS credits	6
	VI B	Demonstrates knowledge and understanding in the scientific field of study that builds upon previous education and training, including knowledge in the domain of theoretical, practical, conceptual, comparative and critical perspectives in the scientific field according to the relevant methodology; Understanding of a certain area and knowledge of current issues in relation to scientific research and new sources of knowledge. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of different theories and methodologies necessary for the wider area of research.	Is able to apply knowledge and understanding in a manner that shows a professional approach to the work or the profession; Demonstrates ability to identify, analyse and solve problems; Capability to find and support arguments within the profession or the field of study; Capability to collect, analyse, evaluate and present information, ideas and concepts from relevant data; Capability to assess theoretical and practical issues, provide explanations for the reasons and to select an appropriate solution; Takes initiative to identify the requirements for acquiring further knowledge and study with a high degree of independence; Capability to communicate and discuss information, ideas, problems and solutions, when the decision criteria and the scope of the task have been clearly defined, both with professionals and the non-expert public.	Takes responsibility for the own results and shared responsibility for the collective results; Capability for independent participation, with a professional approach, in specific scientific and interdisciplinary discussions. Makes relevant judgement by taking into consideration the personal, social, scientific and ethical aspects.	180 ECTS credits
V	V A	Demonstrates knowledge and understanding in the field of study or work that is built upon general secondary school education supported with professional literature; Possesses specialist theoretical and professional knowledge and understanding of individual basic theories from the narrow scientific and expertise area; Possesses limited knowledge of contemporary developments in the area of work or study which provides support to the field of work or profession, potential for personal development and basis for further studies to complete the first cycle.	Applies skills that are based on understanding of theoretical principles and their application in solving problems and in the execution of complex and specific tasks in the field of work and study, with the selection and use of relevant data, methods, procedures, techniques, instruments, devices, tools and materials; Possesses the skills to study in order to become able to take over further researches with a certain degree of independence; Possesses the ability to communicate and discuss with target groups from the narrow profession or area of study, with colleagues, superiors and clients.	Has a high degree of personal and business responsibility, and ability to evaluate their own work and the work of the group based on criteria in the field of work; Capability to transfer knowledge to others, organize, communicate and control own work and the work of others; Takes responsibility for own results, but also shares responsibility for the activities, results and work of others in the group.	60 to 120 ECTS credits	5
	V B	Demonstrates knowledge and understanding in the field of study or work that is built upon general secondary education supported with professional literature. Possesses specialist theoretical and professional knowledge and understanding of certain basic theories from the narrow scientific and professional area. Possesses limited knowledge of contemporary developments in the area of work or study which provides support to the field of work or profession, possibility for personal development and a basis for further studies for completion of the first cycle of higher education.	Applies skills that are based on understanding of theoretical principles and their application in solving problems and in the execution of complex and specific tasks in the field of work and study, with selection and use of relevant data, methods, procedures, techniques, instruments, devices, tools and materials. Possesses skills to study in order to be able to undertake further studies with a certain degree of independence. Possesses ability to communicate and discuss with target groups from the narrow profession or the area of study, with colleagues, superiors and clients.	Has a higher level of personal and professional responsibility, and ability to evaluate the own work and the work of the group based upon criteria in the field of work. Capability to transfer knowledge to others, to organize, communicate and to control the own work and the work of others. Takes responsibility for the own results, but also shares responsibility for the activities, results and the work of others in the group.	60 to 120 ECVET credits
IV		Knows concepts, principles and processes from the subjects and areas of study; Possesses systematic theoretical and professional knowledge within the determined area of work or study that includes analysing and connecting facts and theoretical principles when performing the work, while at the same time enabling further studying.	Possesses various cognitive, practical and creative skills, based on theoretical knowledge and principles, necessary for study and work and for solving problems in changeable conditions in a certain field of work or study; Qualified to collect, analyse, select and to use relevant information from various sources, tools, methodologies, techniques and materials in the area of study; Qualified to perform complex procedures and to use methods, instruments, tools, installations and materials in the working process; Communicates and cooperates with the group in changeable conditions.	Independently plans, organizes and runs the own work and conducts supervision of the joint work; Independently performs complex tasks and solves problems, adjusting the behavior in accordance with the provided instructions, in changeable conditions; Responsible for the own work and for the work of the group, for the purpose of evaluating the results of the work and improving the quality, in accordance with predefined standards and criteria.	240 ECVET or MCSGE^15credits	4
III		Possesses theoretical and systematic acquired professional knowledge, facts, principles, processes and general concepts for a certain area of work or study, while at the same time enabling further studying.	Possesses practical and creative skills that enable the solving of known (predictable) and less known (unpredictable) situations; Performs work and tasks of medium complexity, less standardized and relatively transparent; Uses various devices, tools, equipment and materials in the process of production and in the services; Communicates and cooperates with the group.	Plans, prepares, organizes and evaluates the own work, based upon predetermined authorization, within the scope of the own work; Performs tasks that are not always defined in advance, with a certain degree of independence and responsibility.	180 ECVET credits	3
II		Possesses basic theoretical and professional knowledge, needed for knowing the area of work, which can be applied when performing simple working tasks, while at the same time enabling further studying.	Possesses practical and creative skills for executing simple or less complex and predefined work in known conditions and predictable situations. Uses simple methods, tools, instruments, devices and materials on the basis of detailed instructions; Communicates and cooperates with individuals.	Works independently under known conditions and under periodic supervision and with limited responsibility for performing working tasks; Performs simple communication and cooperation with some employees in known situations.	60 to 120 ECVET credits	2
I		Possesses basic knowledge of the function of certain objects and occurrences with the possibility to apply them in practice and other disciplines, while at the same time enabling further studying.	Possesses basic skills for performing simple operations; Uses simple methods, tools and instruments with instructions and under supervision; Possesses general rules of communication.	Performs simple tasks under direct supervision; Takes responsibility for performing simple tasks.		1

Levels and sub-levels of qualifications and their volume

The Macedonian Qualifications Framework has eight levels. Levels V, VI and VII have two sub-levels each. The sub-levels are related to the specificities of the education system, meet the requirements of the employers and differ in the number of credits. Sub-levels are justified in a phase of transition and implementation of a new structure of cycles.

• 
  Level I applies to completed primary education. Upon completion, the participants receive a certificate (svidetelstvo).
  
• 
  Level II applies to vocational training lasting up to two years. Upon completion the participants receive certificate of vocational training (uverenie za struchno osposobuvanje). The NQF Law envisages the participants to receive between 60 and 120 ECVET credits.
  
• 
  Level III applies to vocational education for occupations lasting up to three years. Upon completion, the participants receive a diploma (diploma). The NQF Law envisages the participants to receive 180 ECVET credits.
  
• 
  Level IV applies to general secondary education (gimnazija), technical education or art education with duration of four years. Upon completion, the participants receive a diploma (diploma). The NQF Law envisages the participants to receive 240 ECVET or MCSGE (Macedonian Credit System for General Education) credits.
  
• 
  Level V
  
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  Level V, sub-level VB applies to post-secondary education (specialist education and craftsman exam) and the participants receive a diploma for specialist education (diploma za specijalistichko obrazovanie) and a diploma for craftsman exam (diploma za majstorski ispit). Total of 60 to 120 credits are to be acquired for this sub-level.
  
• 
  Level V, sub-level VA applies to short vocational study programmes in higher education and the participants receive a credential (uverenie). Total of 60 to 120 ECTS credits are to be acquired for this sub-level.
  
• 
  Level VI
  
• 
  Sub-level VIB applies to short vocational study programmes in higher education and the participants receive a diploma (diploma).Total of 180 ECTS credits are acquired at this sub-level.
  
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  Sub-level VIA applies to 3-year and 4-year undergraduate studies and the participants receive a diploma (diploma). Total of 240 ECTS credits are acquired at this sub-level.
  
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  Level VII
  
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  Sub-level VIIA applies to higher education Master of Science studies and the participants receive a diploma (diploma). Total of 60-120 ECTS credits are acquired at this sub-level.
  
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  Sub-level VIIB applies to higher education specialist studies and the participants receive a diploma (diploma). Total of 60 ECTS credits are acquired at this sub-level.
  
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  Level VIII applies to doctorate studies and the participants receive a diploma (diploma).
  

Non-formal learning applies to training to acquire qualifications or part of qualifications with level that can be levelled from levels I to VB accordingly to the level of complexity in line with the occupational standards. Upon completion, the participants receive a certificate (sertifikat). ECVET credits do not apply yet to these qualifications according to the Law of NQF.

Integrated studies of first and second cycle of studies refer to qualifications leading to titles for performing regulated professions. Currently they are not part of the Macedonian Qualifications Framework. Discussions for their inclusion in MQF are on-going.

Credit system in the Macedonian Qualifications Framework

The NQF Law defines three types of credit systems:

• 
  ECTS¹⁶ credits in higher education (one ECTS credit is defined as 30 working hours with duration of 60 minutes each)
  
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  ECVET¹⁷ credits in vocational education and training (one ECVET credit is defined as 25 working hours of duration of 45 minutes each). This definition may be revised – it currently undergoes discussion triggered by international experience and the country ECVET project.
  
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  MCSGE¹⁸ for credits in primary education and general secondary education (one MKSOO credit is defined as 25 working hours of the duration of 45 minutes each).
  

Table 34: Number of credits acquired from levels and sub-levels in the Macedonian Qualifications Framework and comparability
with the levels of the European Qualifications Framework

MQF level	Sub-level	General education	Formal vocational education and training	Non-formal learning	Higher education	EQF level
VIII					Third cycle Doctorate studies (at least 180 ECTS credits)	8
VII	VII A				Second cycle Master of Science academic studies (from 60 to 120 ECTS credits)	7
	VII B				Second cycle Specialist studies (60 ECTS credits)
VI	VI A				First cycle University studies (240 ECTS credits) Vocational studies (240 ECTS credits)	6
	VI B				First cycle University studies (180 ECTS credits) Vocational studies (180 ECTS credits)
V	V A				Vocational studies (from 60 to 120 ECTS credits) Short vocational study programmes within the first cycle	5
	V B		Post-secondary education (from 60 to 120 ECVET credits)	Post-secondary education
IV		Secondary school education	Technical education (240 ECVET credits or 240 MCSGE credits)	Qualification or part of qualification (level of complexity - IV, in accordance with the occupational standards)		4
III			Vocational education for occupations (180 ECVET credits)	Qualification or part of qualification (level of complexity - III, in accordance with the occupational standards)		3
II			Vocational training (60 to 120 ECVET credits)	Qualification or part of qualification (level of complexity – I and II, in accordance with the occupational standards)		2
I		Primary education		Functional literacy and numeric skills		1