AACRAO serves as one of the original members of the USQF Advisory Council. Established in May 2022, this council oversees the design and development of a proposed national qualifications framework to serve the interests of US learners, qualification holders,
educators, employers, licensing bodies, policymakers, and related stakeholders.
For a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to be useful, it must be accurate and well accepted. As the primary parties on college and university campuses who manage mobility domestically and internationally, AACRAO members are key stakeholders
in the conversation. Further, if such a framework becomes widely adopted in the US, it will impact a number of key AACRAO service areas, including AACRAO EDGE. As the framework develops, our involvement will ensure that the membership has ample opportunities to
understand and engage with the framework as it evolves.
Other stakeholders and founding members include:
AACRAO believes the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a key piece of infrastructure that supports global mobility and that having a leveled framework applied to the US credential landscape could help those outside the US better understand the
diversity of the US system and create more accessible pathways for a wider array of learners.
History and Examples of National Qualifications Framework
A National Qualifications Framework (NQF) provides a commonly accepted structure for describing the relationship of educational qualifications to one another within a country, in terms of level, length, and learning outcomes. More than one hundred countries
and regions developed an NQF, and many others are currently in the process of doing so.
Utilizing an NQF ensures proper recognition of earned qualifications for further educational attainment, employment, and professional recognition. Further, an NQF provides portability of credentials within the country where it was earned and across borders
when necessary.
Take Action
Join the conversation and help the United States join the family of nations establishing an NQF. For more information on how to become involved with this project, and to stay up-to-date with news, resources, and more, email usqfproject@ece.org.