Recognition and Transparency of Vocational Qualifications; The Way Forward. Discussion Paper = Anerkennung und Transparenz von beruflichen Befahigungsnachweisen; Neue Wege. Diskussionspapier = Reconnaissance et transparence des qualifications professionelles; La voie a suivre. Document de discussion. CEDEFOP Panorama.

The European Union's most important challenge is to establish permanent, reliable methodologies and systems that support transparency and recognition of vocational qualifications. The concept of "transparency of qualifications" has replaced "recognition" and "comparability.""Transparency" points to the need to make national qualifications more visible and understandable to outsiders; the introduction of common standards is an unnecessary implication. In the 4 decades since the establishment of the European Community, the problems of recognition and transparency of vocational qualifications have been addressed in various ways. Three distinct stages have been identified: harmonization of vocational education and training (1957-73); approximation of vocational training levels (1974-92); and convergence of vocational training (1992-present). A number of projects with partners from several countries have been set up through the Leonardo da Vinci program to address core elements of the transparency problem. Other initiatives have addressed the problem of recognition and comparison of nonformal skills. Unfortunately, the exchange of information is too weak, interpretation too poor, and mechanisms supporting exchange of information and interpretation insufficiently developed. Two complementary strategies to increase transparency and mutual trust have been suggested: a European Qualifications' Transparency Network and a general system of binding agreements among the European countries. (Page format using three columns offer German, English, and French language versions.) (YLB)