Competence-based qualifications Your competitive edge in the job market
Information about competence-based qualifications Instances offering information about competence-based qualifications include educational and training institutions arranging competence-based qualifications employment offices apprenticeship training offices libraries Qualification Committees the Internet: www.oph.fi (Finnish National Board of Education) www.mol.fi (Employment and Economic Development Office) 2
Contents Information about competence-based qualifications...2 Competence-based qualifications Your competitive edge in the job market...4 Three levels of competence based qualifications...4 Vocational skills requirements determine the level of competence...4 Qualification committees monitor the quality of competence-based qualifications...5 Competence-based qualifications are completed by taking competence tests...5 Competence tests are based on authentic work assignment...5 Educational institutions arrange competence tests...6 Competence-based qualifications are funded by...6 Financial aid for completing competence-based qualifications...6 Qualification certificates...7 Honours certificate...7 Certificate of vocational skills...7 3
Competence-based qualifications Your competitive edge in the job market Competence-based qualifications provide adults a flexible way to enhance and maintain their vocational skills. In addition to the 52 vocational qualifications offered, there are nearly 300 further and specialist qualifications in different fields available. Representatives of the world of work and business life play an important role in planning, implementing and assessing competence-based qualifications. Vocational skills are demonstrated in competence tests irrespective of whether the skills were acquired through work experience, study or other activities. What matters is possessing the skills and competencies required in the profession. Three levels of competence based qualifications Vocational qualifications indicate competence to enter employment in the field. Further vocational qualifications indicate the vocational skills required of skilled workers in the field. Specialist vocational qualifications indicate a command of the most demanding tasks in the field. Competence-based qualifications provide eligibility to further study at polytechnics or universities. Vocational skills requirements determine the level of competence In order to complete a competence-based qualification, candidates must demonstrate certain skills and competence required in the profession. These skills are outlined in the Requirements of Competence-based Qualifications defined by the Finnish National Board of Education. Vocational modules are defined in collaboration with representatives of business life and are directly based on real-life work tasks. 4
Qualification committees monitor the quality of competence-based qualifications The Finnish National Board of Education appoints a Qualification Committee for each competence-based qualification. Qualification Committees include representatives of employers, employees and teachers as well as entrepreneurs when necessary. The Committees oversee and develop the implementation of competencebased qualifications. They also ensure the consistent quality of qualifications and issue qualification certificates. Competence-based qualifications are completed by taking competence tests Competence-based qualifications are open to all, regardless of their age, work experience or educational background. Those with broad and all-round professional competencies can demonstrate their vocational skills in competence tests without taking part in preparatory training. Nevertheless, competence tests are mainly completed in connection with preparatory training. There is also an online tool available that can be used in assessing one s competencies. An individualisation plan is prepared for each student taking a competence-based qualification. The plan indicates the competence tests the candidate will take as part of the qualification or its modules. It also defines where, when and how they will be taken. The plan also indicates if and how existing vocational skills need to be supplemented in order for the competencebased qualification to be completed successfully. Means of supplementing existing skills may include for example on-the-job learning or participation in preparatory training. Competence tests are based on authentic work assignments Competence-based qualifications are completed by taking part in competence tests where required skills are demonstrated in authentic work assignments. Competence test are assessed by training experts and representatives of working life. Candidates also assess their own skills. 5
Educational institutions arrange competence tests Competence test and preparatory training for competencebased qualifications is offered primarily by organisations that specialise in adult education. Qualification Committees have signed contracts for arranging competence tests with these organisations. Competence-based qualifications are funded by Self-motivated training State, local authorities, students Adult employment training State Apprenticeship training State and employers In-service training Employers and state Financial aid for completing competence-based qualifications Educational institutions and KELA offices (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland) give advice on student financial aid. www.kela.fi www.koulutusrahasto.fi 6
Qualification certificates The qualification certificate is awarded when all required modules of the qualification have been completed successfully. If necessary, certificates can also be awarded for individual modules. Certificates issued by Qualification Committees are official documents. Honours certificate Holders of qualification certificates can also obtain an honours certificate through education providers. Certificate of vocational skills The certificate of vocational skills is in use in all sectors of employment. The certificate contains information on the holder s qualifications partial qualifications employment record other education and training 7
Finnish National Board of Education PO Box 380 00531 Helsinki, Finland +358 40 348 7555 www.oph.fi/english Information Materials 2011:3, VCA.fi / SP-Paino Oy, Pictures: Olli Häkämies