Qualifications are commonly seen as one of the core instruments for governing and regulating the labour market. Linked to access to occupations and professions, qualifications define what a person needs to know and be able to do to carry out a certain activity on the labour market. Various factors, from health and safety to consumer protection and quality assurance, are quoted in justifying the use of qualifications in the governance of occupations and professions. In addition to such public interest motivations, they might also be used to defend the private interests of professional groups and bodies. This report analyses current developments and emerging trends in 10 European countries and five sectors, and contributes to increased understanding of how the relationship between qualifications and the labour market is changing and, more specifically, the role of qualifications in governing access to, and practice within, occupations and professions. The report includes a glossary and bibliography. [This publication is the result of a team effort and reflects contributions of all those who have worked on it. In Cedefop, the project was coordinated by senior expert Loukas Zahilas supported by Jens Bjornavold (senior expert) under the supervision of Mara Brugia, acting Deputy Director. Antonio Ranieri, senior expert, has contributed actively to this publication and (peer) reviewed the report. A research consortium led by Panteia/Research voor Beleid and Maastricht University and in particular Gregor Walz, Bert-Jan Buiskool and Sarah Schoenmaekers has conducted the research and drafted the report. This research paper takes account of discussions held with policy-makers, researchers, sectoral organisations and social partner representatives from across Europe at Cedefop's workshop on "The role of qualifications in governing the labour market" held in September 2012. Cedefop colleagues Joanne Basiakou (administrative assistance) and Evangelia Bara (technical support) also contributed to this publication. Work was carried out under Cedefop's service contract No 2011-0108/AO/ECVL/LZAH-JB/GoverningOccupationsProfessions/002/11.]