Dimensions of Qualifications and

Competences

Introduction
The term ‘qualification’ can be found in various domains and for that fact there are many
definitions provided. After some research we acknowledge that the term ‘qualification’ can be
synonymous and somehow include very different terms like: capacity, knowledge, skill, precise
scope of activity and even competence.

Competences are proved capabilities of one person to perfom and coordonate skills and
knowledge. There are multiple types of competencies, cultural, professional where we can
enlarge the sphere, medicine, teaching, researching, artistry.

What is a ‘qualification’?
[1] Qualification is either the process of qualifying for an achievement, or a credential attesting
to that achievement.

[2] Capacity, knowledge, or skill that matches or suits an occasion, or makes someone eligible
for a duty, office, position, privilege, or status. Qualification denotes fitness for purpose
through fulfillment of necessary conditions such as attainment of a certain age, taking of an
oath, completion of required schooling or training, or acquisition of a degree or diploma.
Qualification does not necessarily imply competence.

[3] A quality or skill that fits a person (as for an office) the applicant with the best qualifications.
A condition or standard that must be complied with (as for the attainment of a privilege) a
qualification for membership.

[4] Qualifications include the education, experience, skills and personal qualities you bring to
the table.

[5] A pass of an examination or an official completion of a course, especially one conferring

status as a recognized practitioner of a profession or activity. A condition or standard that must
be complied with (as for the attainment of a privilege) a qualification for membership
What is a ‘competence’?
[6] In the dimensions of competences and qualifications there are two framework thats action
as reference systems, The European Qualifications Framework and The European e-
Competence Framework.

European e-Competence Framework (e-CF) provides a reference of 40 competences.The

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a common European reference system aimed to
linking together different national qualification systems. In practice, it acts as a translation
device by helping learners and workers to move or change job across Europe.

[7] Personal competencies comprise integrated performance-oriented capabilities, which

consist of clusters of knowledge structures and also cognitive, interactive, affective and where
necessary psychomotor capabilities, and attitudes and values, which are required for carrying
out tasks, solving problems and more generally, effectively functioning in a certain profession,
organization, position or role ([8] Mulder, 2001, cited in [9] Biemans, 2004, p. 529).

Other authors like [10] Parry (1998) defines the competence as a cluster of related knowledge,
attitudes and skills that fulfill several criteria: a) affects a major part of one’s job, b) correlates
with performance on the job, c) can be measured against accepted standards, and d) can be
improved via training development. On the other side, [11] Spencer and Spencer (1993) include
personality characteristics such as motives and traits and list five types of competency
characteristics, namely motives, traits, self-concept, knowledge, and skill.

Conclusion
Analyzing these definitions we can attest that ‘qualification’ implies education, experience,
skills and many others, it means recognition of skill, or a quality acquired by hard work and
studying and can be also categorized as an achievement that is the heart of a résumé.

Defining the competence has its origin in Vocational Education and Training (VET) which is very
concerned by preparing students to acquire the competencies needed in their professions, and
in the contemporary society.

Curriculum should sustain developing competencies and not to direct students towards
obtaining a diploma or an achievement.

References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualification

[2] http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/qualification.html
[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qualification

[4] http://work.chron.com

[5] https://www.google.com

[6] ICTE 2016, December 2016, Riga, Latvia, ‘Remote Evaluation of Software Engineering
Competences’, Boriss Misnevsa , Vacius Jusasb, José Luis Fernández Alemánc, Nadezhda
Kafadarovad

[7] The 6th International Conference Edu World 2014 “Education Facing Contemporary World
Issues”, 7th - 9th November 2014, ‘Perspectives on designing the competence based
curriculum’ , Emanuel Soare, University of Piteşti

[8] Mulder, M. (2001). Competentieontwikkeling in organisaties. Perspectieven en praktijk. ‘s-

Gravenhage: Elsevier Bedrijfsinformatie

[9] Biemans H., et all. (2004). Competence-based VET in the Netherlands: background and
pitfalls. in Journal of Vocational Education and Training,56 (4), pp. 523-538.

[10] Parry, S. B. (1998). Just what is a competency? (And why should you care?) in Training,
(June): 58-64

[11] Spencer M. L., Spencer M. S., (1993). Competence at Work. in Human Resource
Development Quarterly, New York: Wiley, 5 (4), pp.391–395.