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Lifelong Learning (Marco Español de Cualificaciones, MECU). However,
framework development is not concluded at the moment, and MECU is not yet
operational.

The future framework aims to include, in a first stage, all diplomas and
certificates from the education system, while remaining open for inclusion of
official qualifications issued by other administrative sectors. The Ministry of
Education, Culture and Sport is working on aligning qualifications in the
education system to the EQF levels, in according with the EQF
recommendation.
The validation process in Spain for non-formal and informal learning in view of
achieving a qualification typically will follow these phases:
• Identification of knowledge, skills and competences developed during
voluntary activities, in a family or work environment or during leisure.

• Documentation of these learning outcomes through the collection of
evidence such as descriptions of previous working activities, development of a
portfolio or assessment.
• Validation of these learning outcomes against standards, referential or list
of expected learning outcomes.
• Award of a qualification or part of a qualification (recognition of learning
outcomes).
• Final validation of an educational institution by the Signature of a

Memorandum of Understanding with the Course’s author (in this case
Environmental Change Consortium) for the validation of the course’s credits.

Slovenia
One option which bypasses the formal education qualifications is a special form
of non-formal education called National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ),

which is managed by the CPI under the National Professional Qualifications Act.
NVQ provide formal certification of non-formal skills acquired for the specific
profession. In the process, the candidate prepares a portfolio which, together
with an exam, demonstrates the candidate's knowledge and skills in a
particular field. This form of non-formal education is particularly suitable for
those older than 18 years who wish to have a publicly valid certificate for a
profession without formal education. Since 2000, almost 85,000 such certificates
have been awarded in Slovenia. However, programs for individual expert fields

are implemented at formal institutions, which need to apply for accreditation.
Examples include primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions,
adult education centers, third-life universities, employment services, training
centers at companies, private institutions and private non-profit institutions,

The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an
endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot
be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.