European Qualifications Framework
Understanding EQF levels and how your qualifications compare across Europe. The EQF makes qualifications from different countries and systems comparable.
What is EQF?
European Qualifications Framework
The EQF is a translation tool that helps understand and compare qualifications awarded in different European countries and systems.
The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a system used across Europe to classify and compare qualifications — including school, vocational training, and university degrees. It has 8 levels, each describing what a person knows, understands, and can do.
The framework is based on learning outcomes, focusing on three key dimensions: Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibility & Autonomy. This makes qualifications from different countries comparable and easier for employers and universities to understand.
At AHIA, our qualifications span across EQF levels 3 to 8, from basic certificates to doctoral-level programmes.
EQF at a Glance
Level 1-2: Basic knowledge, simple tasks under supervision
Level 3-4: Factual knowledge, problem-solving, self-management
Level 5: Specialized knowledge, creative problem-solving, supervision
Level 6: Advanced knowledge, innovation, managing complex activities (Bachelor)
Level 7: Highly specialized knowledge, research, strategic leadership (Master)
Level 8: Frontier knowledge, creating new research, highest autonomy (Doctorate)
EQF Level Descriptors
Detailed Breakdown of EQF Levels
Each EQF level is defined by what a learner knows, understands, and can do.
Level 1 — Basic
Basic general knowledge. Simple skills for routine tasks. Works under direct supervision.
Level 2 — Elementary
Basic factual knowledge. Simple problem-solving using rules/tools. Some autonomy, still supervised.
Level 3 — Intermediate
Knowledge of facts, principles, and processes. Can solve problems using basic methods. Takes responsibility for tasks.
Level 4 — Upper Secondary
Broad factual and theoretical knowledge. Can generate solutions. Some supervision of others and self-management.
Level 5 — Post-Secondary
Specialized knowledge within a field. Creative problem-solving. Supervises and manages activities.
Level 6 — Bachelor
Advanced knowledge of a field. High-level skills and innovation. Manages complex activities and decisions.
Level 7 — Master
Highly specialized knowledge. Critical thinking and research skills. Leadership and strategic responsibility.
Level 8 — Doctorate
Frontier knowledge. Ability to create new knowledge/research. Highest level of autonomy and innovation.
EQF Mapping
Qualifications & EQF Level Mapping
How various HSE qualifications map to the European Qualifications Framework.
| Qualification / Certificate | Typical EQF Level | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
SCC (Safety Certificate Contractors) |
EQF 2-3 |
Basic operational safety knowledge for workers and contractors |
|
VCA BASIS (B-VCA) |
EQF 2-3 |
Entry-level safety awareness, rules, and procedures |
|
VCA VOLL (VOL-VCA) |
EQF 3-4 |
Supervisory level — more responsibility and decision-making |
|
MVK (Middelbare Veiligheidskunde) |
EQF 5 |
Post-secondary vocational safety specialist level |
|
HVK (Hogere Veiligheidskunde) |
EQF 6-7 |
Advanced safety expert / strategic advisor (bachelor-master range) |
|
Preventieadviseur niveau 2 (Belgium) |
EQF 5-6 |
Operational safety advisor with independent responsibilities |
|
Preventieadviseur niveau 1 (Belgium) |
EQF 6-7 |
High-level advisor, strategic risk management and policy |
|
SiGeKo (Germany) |
EQF 5-6 |
Construction safety coordination, applied technical competence |
|
OTHM Level 3 |
EQF 3 |
Direct mapping — regulated qualification level |
|
EOSH Level 3 Diploma |
EQF 3 |
Comprehensive OHS diploma aligned with EQF descriptors |
|
OTHM Level 6 Diploma |
EQF 6 |
Equivalent to bachelor level — Ofqual regulated |
|
OTHM Level 7 Diploma |
EQF 7 |
Equivalent to master level — Ofqual regulated |
|
MBA in Health & Safety |
EQF 7 |
Postgraduate master’s level qualification |
|
OTHM Level 8 Diploma |
EQF 8 |
Equivalent to doctoral-level learning complexity |
|
DBA in Health & Safety |
EQF 8 |
Doctoral level — advanced research and strategic leadership |
Career Progression
Your Career Pathway Across EQF Levels
AHIA offers qualifications spanning the full EQF spectrum — from worker to strategic leader.
EQF 2-3 — Operational
Worker / Basic Level
SCC, VCA BASIS. Focus on rules, hazards, and safe behaviour. Entry-level safety awareness for workers and contractors.
EQF 3-5 — Supervisory
Supervisor / Technician
VCA VOLL, MVK, SiGeKo. Focus on applying safety systems, supervising work, and operational risk management.
EQF 5-7 — Professional
Specialist / Expert
Preventieadviseur niv. 1 & 2, HVK, OTHM Level 6 & 7. Focus on risk analysis, compliance, policy, and strategic HSE management.
EQF 6 — Bachelor Level
OTHM Level 6 Diploma
Ofqual-regulated diploma. 60 credits. Equivalent to UK bachelor's degree. IOSH CertIOSH eligible. Advanced HSE management.
EQF 7 — Master Level
OTHM Level 7 / MBA
OTHM Level 7 Diploma (120 credits, IOSH CertIOSH eligible) or MBA in H&S. Master's level strategic leadership.
EQF 8 — Doctoral Level
OTHM Level 8 / DBA
OTHM Level 8 Diploma (180 credits) or DBA in H&S. Doctoral-level research capability and strategic innovation.
- Important Note on EQF Referencing
Certifications like VCA, SCC, SiGeKo, MVK, and HVK are often not officially EQF-referenced in all countries, but they are designed to align with EQF competence descriptors. The table above reflects real-world professional equivalence, not always a legally assigned EQF label. OTHM qualifications, being Ofqual-regulated, have formal EQF alignment.
AHIA covers almost the full EQF spectrum (Levels 2 to 8), supporting progression from Worker → Supervisor → Specialist → Strategic Expert → Academic Leader.
Find Your Level
Not sure which qualification is right for you? Contact us for guidance on choosing the right EQF level for your career goals.
