International mapping of national qualifications agencies: Identity, tasks and scope for cooperation

This report presents a global mapping of national qualifications agencies (NQAs), examining their roles, structures and scope, as well as their potential for international cooperation. It shows that while NQAs generally act as central bodies supporting and coordinating qualifications systems, their definitions, mandates and institutional arrangements vary widely across countries.

 

Despite this diversity, most agencies share core functions, including managing national qualifications frameworks, coordinating stakeholders, supporting system reforms and maintaining qualifications registers. The report highlights common challenges related to capacity, resources and system coordination, alongside the absence of a clear, shared definition of NQAs.

 

It concludes that there is strong interest in international cooperation and exchange, suggesting that flexible approaches to collaboration can support peer learning and strengthen qualifications systems globally.