Overview of qualifications

Vocational qualifications within the Nordic region

The table below provides an overview of Nordic vocational qualifications in relation to EQF levels. The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) serves as a reference point for comparing the levels of these qualifications across the Nordic countries.

EQFSwedenDenmarkFinlandIcelandNorway
6Advanced Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Kvalificerad yrkeshögskoleexamen)n.a.n.a.n.a.n.a.
5Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Yrkeshögskoleexamen)Vocational Education and Training (Erhvervsuddannelse (EUD))Specialist Vocational Qualification (Erikoisammattitutkinto, Specialyrkesexamen)Master Craftsman Certificate (Meistarabréf, Iðnmeistarapróf)

Vocational Qualification (Starfsnámspróf, Starfsréttindapróf)		Professional Degree (Fagskolegrad) 
1 year/ 60 stp+

Higher Professional Degree (Høyere Fagskolegrad) 2 years/120 stp or more
4Upper Secondary Vocational Diploma (Yrkesexamen)Vocational Education and Training (Erhvervsuddannelse (EUD))

Vocational and General Upper Secondary Education (EUX)		Further Vocational Qualification (Ammattitutkinto, Yrkesexamen)

Vocational Upper Secondary Qualification (Ammatillinen perustutkinto, Yrkesinriktad Grundexamen)		Journeyman’s Certificate (Sveinsbréf)

Vocational Qualification (Starfsnámspróf, Starfsréttindapróf)		Diploma of Upper Secondary Education with completed vocational training (Vitnemål for videregående opplæring med bestått fagopplæring + supplementary Trade,- or Journeyman’s certificate (Fag-/Svennebrev)

Diploma of Upper Secondary Education with achieved professional competence (Vitnemål for videregående opplæring med oppnådd yrkeskompetanse)
3n.a.Vocational Education and Training (Erhvervsuddannelse (EUD))n.a.Vocational Qualification (Starfsnámspróf, Starfsréttindapróf)n.a