Education system - Latvijas kvalifikāciju datubāze

EDUCATION SYSTEM OF LATVIA

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The Latvian education system consists of pre-school education, basic education, secondary education and higher education. General education in Latvia in total lasts 12 years consisting of compulsory 9-years basic education and 3-years secondary education. Additionally pre-school education at age of 5-6 is compulsory in Latvia.

Basic education stage comprises general basic education (grades 1-9) and vocational basic education. Secondary education stage comprises general secondary education, vocational secondary education and vocational education. Higher education comprises both academic and professional study programmes.

Basic education stage (LQF levels 1-2)

In the basic education stage qualifications referenced to the LQF levels 1-2 may be obtained. Qualifications of respective levels are obtained through general basic education, vocational basic education un professional continuing education programmes. In Latvia basic education is compulsory.

LQF level 1

LQF level 1 includes special needs basic education programmes of general education intended for learners with severe mental development disorders or with several severe development disorders and with mental development disorders. Education programmes are provided by special education institutions, special boarding schools. The length of these basic education programmes is for 9-12 years. Studies are started in the year, when a child turns 7 full years old and a statement is issued by a state or municipal pedagogic – medical commission requiring studies in such special programmes. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of general basic education (for persons with severe mental disorders or for persons with mental disorders). The qualification obtained does not allow continuing studies in the secondary education programmes.

Descriptions of LQF and EQF level 1 (learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate elementary knowledge, which is manifested through recognition or memorising	Able to use elementary practical and cognitive skills, which are demonstrated under direct supervision, using simple instruments Able to perform simple tasks, which are repetitive and foreseeable by their content	Able to perform tasks in a structured environment, to operate in a limited context Able to perform elementary tasks following the example, to learn basic self-service skills
EQF
General basic knowledge	Basic skills which are necessary to perform simple tasks	Work or training performed under direct supervision in a structured context

LQF level 2

General basic education in special needs basic education programmes (length 9-11 years) are provided by special education institutions, for example, special boarding schools or special schools, as well as general education institutions (basic schools and secondary schools) in classes suited for special education or in integrated classes according to a special programme. Studies are started in the year, when a child turns 7 full years old and a statement is issued by a state or municipal pedagogic – medical commission requiring studies in such special programmes. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of general basic education. The qualification obtained does allow continuing studies in the secondary education programmes.

General education in basic education programmes (length 9 years) is provided by the general education institutions (basic schools, secondary schools, gymnasiums, evening (shift) secondary schools). Studies are started at the age of 6 or 7 years with advance preparation (knowledge, skills and competences) complying with expected outcomes of mandatory pre-school education (intended for children aged 5-7 years). Gymnasiums offer starting basic education from the grade 7 (in basic schools and secondary schools all 9 grades are integrated). In evening (shift) secondary schools basic education is traditionally completed by adults who have failed to attain basic education by age of 18 years. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of general basic education. The qualification obtained allows continuing studies in the secondary education programmes.

Vocational basic education programmes (length 2-3 years) are provided by vocational education institutions (vocational secondary schools). Studies begin at the age of 15 years with partially completed basic education with is attested by transcript of marks. Education programme provides for attaining of general basic education and a profession. Vocational basic education programmes (length 1 year) are provided also by special education institutions (special boarding schools). These programmes are intended for children and young persons who have obtained a certificate of general basic education in the special education programmes. Within framework of the programme a simple occupation is acquired. After completed both programmes qualification is obtained – certificate of vocational basic education (with professional qualification). Qualification is oriented at integration of persons in labour market, but it also allows continuing studies in the secondary education programmes.

Vocational continuing education programmes (length at least 480) are available to persons without restrictions regarding prior education. Education is obtained in adult vocational continuing education institutions. After completed the programme a qualification is obtained – certificate of professional qualification. The qualification attained does not allow continuing studies in the secondary education programmes.

Descriptions of level 2 of LQF and EQF (Learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate certain basic knowledge taught in study programmes of certain subjects	Able to use basic cognitive and practical skills required to perform certain tasks by using certain information and use simple rules and tools to solve daily problems Able to understand consequences of own actions to himself and others	Able to perform tasks individually or in a supervised group or partly independently Able to participate in setting objectives and action planning of certain study tasks
EQF
Knowledge of core facts of area of work or studies	Basic cognitive and practical skills necessary to use respective information, perform tasks and use simple tools to solve current problems	Work or studies performed under supervision, with certain autonomy

Secondary education (LQF level 3-4)

Secondary education covers qualifications at LQF level 3 and 4 acquired in various types of vocational education, vocational secondary education, general secondary education and vocational continuing education.

LQF level 3

Vocational education programmes (arodizglītība, length 1 year) after basic education allow acquiring occupations complying with level 2 of professional qualifications in a relatively short period of time. Programmes are provided by vocational education institutions (vocational secondary schools, colleges). Upon completion of programmes a qualification is awarded – Certificate of professional qualification.

Vocational education programmes (arodizglītība, length 3 years) after partially completed basic education allow obtaining of mandatory basic education and an occupation complying. Programmes are provided in vocational education institutions (vocational secondary schools, colleges). Upon completion of the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of basic education (with professional qualification). The qualification is aimed at integration in the labour market, but it also allows continuing studies in the secondary education programmes.

Vocational education programmes (arodizglītība, length 3 years) after basic education provide partial general secondary education programme and an occupation. Programmes are provided in vocational education institutions (vocational secondary schools, colleges). Upon completion of the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of vocational education (with professional qualification). The qualification does not allow immediately continuing studies in the higher education programmes. In order to continue in the higher education, a one-year long bridging programme of general secondary education may be completed.

Vocational continuing education programmes (length at least 480 or 640 hours) are available to persons starting from the age of 15 years with partially completed basic education or completed basic education. Education is obtained in adult vocational continuing education institutions, adult education department or structural units set up in vocational and higher education institutions. After completed the programme a qualification is obtained – certificate of professional qualification. The qualification attained does not allow continuing studies in the secondary education programmes.

Descriptions of level 3 of LQF and EQF (Learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts and use them for study or professional needs Able to understand various types of information about materials, equipment, technologies in respective area of studies or certain profession	Able to use various cognitive and practical skills required for performance of tasks and solution of simple problems by selecting and applying basic methods, tools, materials, information and technologies	Able to understand and take responsibility for performance of work or study task in constant and stable environment under supervision of specialist in the area In solving assignments is able to adjust his actions with the circumstances and to be held accountant for results of work
EQF
Knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts in the area of work or studies	Various cognitive and practical skills needed to perform assignments and solve problems by selecting and applying basic methods, tools, materials and information	Assume responsibility for performance of work or studies Within course of aolving of tasks to adjust actions with circumstances

LQF level 4

Vocational secondary education programmes (profesionālā izglītība, length 4 years) after basic education provide general secondary education and an occupation. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – diploma of vocational secondary education (with professional qualification), allows continuing studies in the higher education programmes.

Vocational secondary education programmes (profesionālā izglītība, length 1.5 years) after secondary education offer a profession. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – diploma of vocational secondary education (with professional qualification). Both types of vocational secondary education are provided by vocational education institutions (vocational secondary schools, colleges). Diploma of vocational secondary education allows enrolling higher education programmes.

Vocational continuing continuing education programmes after basic education or secondary education, if its length is at least 640 hours, provide an occupation of the LQF level 3 or, if the length is at least 960 hours – an occupation corresponding to the LQF level 4. The programmes are provided by adult vocational continuing education institutions, adult education department or structural units set up in vocational and higher education institutions. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – Certificate of professional qualification. Qualification is aimed at integration in the labour market and does not allow enrolling the higher education programmes.

General secondary education programmes (length 3 years) after basic education are provided in general education institutions (secondary schools, gymnasiums, evening (shift) secondary schools). In the evening (shift) secondary schools, general secondary education is acquired by adults who have not attained general secondary education in a due time. Although in Latvia general secondary education is not mandatory, state night shift secondary schools offer it free of charge also to adults. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of general secondary education. The obtained qualification allows continuing studies in the higher education programmes.

General secondary education is offered also in special general secondary education programmes (length 3 years), provided by special education institutions (special boarding secondary schools, special secondary schools) and general education institutions (secondary schools or evening (shift) secondary schools) in classes adjusted for special education or on the basis of special education programme in integrated classes. Studies can be started after the basic education, on the basis of statement issued by a state or municipal pedagogic – medical commission. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of general secondary education. The obtained qualification allows continuing studies in the higher education programmes.

General secondary education can be obtained also in bridging programmes of general secondary education (length 1 year), which are a continuation of vocational education programmes (arodizglītība, length 3 years after the basic education). Programmes are provided in vocational education institutions (vocational secondary schools) and general education institutions (evening (shift)) secondary schools). After completed the programme qualification is obtained – certificate of general secondary education. The obtained qualification allows continuing studies in the higher education programmes.

Descriptions of level 4 of LQF and EQF (Learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of facts, theory and interrelationships, which are necessary for personal growth and development civic involvement, social integration and continuation of education Able to comprehend and demonstrate in detail various specific facts, principles, processes and concepts in certain area of studies or work in standard and non-standard situations Is familiar with technologies and methods necessary for performance of study or work assignments in a profession	Able to plan and organise work by using various methods, technologies (including information and communication technologies), equipment, tools and materials in performance of assignments. Able to find, assesses and creatively use information in performance of study or work assignments and problem solving Able to communicate in at least two languages in writing and orally in a familiar and unfamiliar context Able to work independently in the profession, to learn and upgrade skills Able to cooperate	Is motivated for advancing further carrier, continuation of education, life-long learning in knowledge-oriented democratic multi-language and multi-cultural society in Europe and globally Able to plan and perform study or work assignments in the profession individually, within a team or by leading the team work Able to assume responsibility for quality and quantity outcomes of study or work process
EQF
Knowledge of facts and theory in a wider sense of area of work or studies	Various cognitive and practical skills necessary to find solution of special problems in the area of work or studies	Be able to direct own actions in compliance with guidelines in work or study related situations, which usually are predictable, but could also change To oversee day-to-day work of other people, to assume responsibility of assessment and improvement of work or studies

Higher education (LQF levels 5-8)

LQF level 5

LQF level 5 includes qualification from the short cycle professional higher education programs (college education).

Programmes (length in full time studies 2-3 years, 120-180 ECTS) are acquired after the secondary education.

Descriptions of level 5 of LQF and EQF (Learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate comprehensive and specialised knowledge and understanding of facts, theories, causalities and technologies of the concrete professional field	Able, on the basis of analytical approach, to perform practical tasks in the concrete profession, demonstrate skills, allowing to find creative solutions to professional problems, to discuss and provide arguments regarding practical issues and solutions in the concrete profession with colleagues, clients and management, able to, with an appropriate degree of independence, to engage in further learning, improving one’s competences Able to assess and improve one’s own actions and those of other people, to work in co-operation with others, to plan and to organise work to perform concrete tasks in one’s profession or to supervise such work activities, in which unpredictable changes are possible	Able to define, describe and analyse practical problems in one’s profession, select the necessary information and use it for solving clearly defined problems, to participate in the development of the concrete professional field, demonstrate understanding of the place of the concrete profession in a broader social context
EQF
Comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge	A comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems	Exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change Review and develop performance of self and others

LQF level 6

LQF level 6 includes bachelor’s programmes and three types of 2nd level professional higher education programmes (i.e. professional bachelor, professional higher education). Programmes are provided in higher education institutions (academies, universities). The higher education qualification is the highest qualification of a specialist in the area allowing planning work and do a scientific research work in the respective area.

Academic bachelor’s programmes (length in full time studies 3-4 years, 180-240 ECTS) are acquired after the secondary education. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – bachelor’s diploma, which allows continuing studies in the master’s, professional master’s or the second level highest professional education programmes or working in the area.

2nd level professional higher education programmes (length in full time studies at least 4 years, at least 240 ECTS) after the secondary education allow attaining a qualification – professional bachelor’s diploma and the higher professional qualification diploma or professional higher education diploma. Qualification allows continuing studies in the master’s programmes or working in the area.

2nd level professional higher education programmes (length in full time studies 1-2 years, at least 60-120 ECTS, total length of higher education studies at least 4 years) may be as continuation of college education, in order to obtain qualification – professional higher education diploma and higher professional qualification diploma.

2nd level professional higher education programmes (length in full time studies 1 year, at least 60 ECTS of total length of higher education studies at least 4 years) after acquisition of the LQF level 6 qualification lead to qualification – professional higher education diploma and higher professional qualification diploma. These higher education programmes allow obtaining an additional qualification of professional higher education, which allow continuing studies in the master’s programmes or working in the area.

Description of LQF and EQF level 6 (Learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate basic and specialised knowledge related to respective field of science and critical understanding of such knowledge, and part of knowledge conforms to the superior level of achievements in respective area of science or profession Able to demonstrate understanding of main concepts and interrelations of respective field of science or area of professional work	Able to perform professional, artistic, innovative or research activities, formulate and analytically describe information, problems and solutions in his field of science or profession, explain those and maintain well-founded discussion on these with both – specialists and lay-men using the acquired theoretical foundations and skills Able to independently structure own studies, to direct own further studies and professional improvement and that of subordinates as well, to demonstrate scientific approach to problem solving, to take responsibility and initiative by performing work individually, in a team or by managing work of other people, to pass decisions and find creative solutions in changing and unclear circumstances	Able to independently retrieve, select and analyse information and use it, to pass decisions and solve problems in respective field of science or profession, to demonstrate understanding of professional ethics, to assess environmental and public effects of own actions, and to be involved in development of respective professional area
EQF
Deep knowledge in the area of work or studied covering crytical understanding of theories and principles	High level skills prooving mastership and innovation, and which are necessary to solve complex and unforeseen problems in a specialised area of work or studies	To manage complex technical or professional actions or projects by assuming responsibility for decision-making in unforeseen work or study circumstances To assume responsibility for leading of professional development of individuals or groups

LQF level 7

LQF level 7 covers qualifications obtained in the academic master’s programmes and two types of 2nd level professional higher education programmes (i.e., professional master, professional higher education with total length of higher education studies at least 5 years).

Academic master’s programmes (length in full time studies 1-2 years, at least 60 ECTS; total length of higher education studies at least 5 years) are acquired after bachelor’s or professional higher education studies. After completed the programme the qualification is obtained – master’s diploma. Qualification allows continuing studies in the doctoral programmes or working in the area.

Professional master’s programmes (length in full time studies at least 1 year, at least 60 ECTS; total length of higher education studies at least 5 years) are acquired after bachelor’s or professional higher education studies, the length of which is at least 4 years. After completed the programme qualification is obtained – professional master’s diploma and higher professional qualification diploma, allowing continuing studies in the doctoral programmes or working in the area.

Descriptions of the LQF and EQF level 7 (Learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate in-depth or extended knowledge and understanding, from which some represent most recent dicsoveries in the respective field of science or professional area and which provide basis for creative thinking or research, including by working in interdisciplinary areas	Able to independently apply theory, methods and problem solution skills in research or artistic activities or highly qualified professional functions Able to provide well-founded arguments and discuss complex or systemic aspects of the respective field of science or professional area with both – specialists and lay-men Able to independently advance improvement of own competences and specialisation, to assume responsibility for results of work of personnel groups and to analyse them, to perform entrepreneurial activities, innovations in the respective field of science or profession, to perform work, research or further studies in complex and unforeseen circumstances and, if necessary, modify these by applying new approaches	Able to independently formulate and critically analyse complex scientific and Professional problems, to justify decisions and, if necessary, to conduct additional analysis Able to integrate knowledge of various areas, to contribute to creation of new knowledge, development of research or professional methods, to demonstrate understanding and ethical responsibility for potential environmental and public impact of results of science or professional activities
EQF
Very specific knowledge, which to some extent are in the avant-garde of expertise in the area of work or studies and which form basis for original thinking and/or research Critical understanding of issues related to knowledge problems in the particular field and interdisciplinary areas	Specific problem solving skills required for research and/or innovation to create new knowledge and procedures and to integrate knowledge from various areas	To lead and modify complex and unforeseen work or study conditions requiring new strategic approaches To assume responsibility for contribution to professional knowledge and practice and/or review of strategic group results

LQF level 8

LQF level 8 covers qualifications, which can be obtained from doctoral studies.

Doctoral programmes (length in full time studies 3-4 years) can be commenced after acquisition of LQF level 7 qualifications. Doctoral studies are continued in the same or compatible field of academic knowledge, with certain academic and professional experience which is determined by the higher education institution. After passing of final tests (state exams and doctoral thesis), a qualification is acquired – doctor’s diploma.

Description of the LQF and EQF level 8 (Learning outcomes)

Knowledge	Skills	Competences
LQF
Able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the advanced scientific theories and concepts, expertise of research methodology and contemporary research methods in the respective field of science or professional area and in interdisciplinary issues	Able to independently assess and select methos suited for scientific research, has contributed to expansion of knowledge limits or has given a new meaning to the existing knowledge and its practical application by conducting original research of material scale, which includes publications of internationally quote-worthy level Able to communicate orally and in writing on the area of scientific work (own specialisation) with both – wider scientific circles and general public Able to independently upgrade scientific qualification, to implement scientific projects resulting in achievements complying with international criteria of the field of science, to lead research and development assignments in companies, establishments and organisations where wide research knowledge and skills are required	Able to conduct independent, critical analysis, synthesis and assessment, to solve significant research and innovation tasks, independently define research idea, to plan, structure and lead large scale scientific projects, including in the international context
EQF
The upper limit of knowledge in the field of studies or work and interdisciplinary areas	The most advanced and specific skills and work techniques, including synthesis and assessment, which are required for solving critical research and/or innovation problems and to widen and gain new understanding of the existing knowledge and professional practice	To demonstrate considerable authority, innovation, authonomy, scientific and professional independence and ongoing devotion to development of new ideas and processes in the avantgarde of work and study areas, including in the research

ROLE OF QUALIFICATIONS IN THE FRAMEWORKS

Education levels in Latvian Qualification Framework

According to the Cabinet Regulations No 322. “Regulations of Classification of Latvian Education” (13.06.2017.) and Vocational Education Law (10.06.1999., amended on 06.01.2017.)

BASIC EDUCATION
Education programme	Qualification	LQF level
General basic education (special needs)	Certificate of general basic education (special education programme for learners with severe mental development disorders or with several severe development disorders) Certificate of general basic education (special education programme for learners with mental development disorders)	1 1
General basic education	Certificate of general basic education	2 2 2
Vocational basic education	Certificate of vocational basic education
Vocational continuing education	Certificate of professional qualification

SECONDARY EDUCATION
Education programme	Qualification	LQF level
Vocational education	Certificate of vocational education	3 3
Vocational continuing education	Certificate of professional qualification
General secondary education	Certificate of general secondary education	4 4 4
Vocational secondary education	Diploma of vocational secondary education
Vocational continuing education	Certificate of professional qualification

HIGHER EDUCATION
Education programme	Qualification	LQF level
1^stlevel of professional higher education (college)	First level professional higher education diploma	5
Bachelor’s studies	Bachelor’s diploma	6 6 6
2nd level professional higher education (professional Bachelor, professional higher education)	Professional Bachelor’s diploma Professional higher education diploma	6 6 6
Master’s studies	Master’s diploma	7 7 7
2nd level professional higher education (professional Master, professional higher education)	Professional Master’s diploma Professional higher education diploma	7 7 7
Doctoral studies	Doctor’s diploma	8

LQF/EQF and Professional Qualifications Levels

For the qualifications included in the Latvian Qualifications Database, LQF and EQF levels, as well as PQL are assigned according to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 990 ”Regulations of Classification of Latvian Education” (end of validity 01.06.2017.) and from the June 13, 2017 according to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 322 “Regulations of Classification of Latvian Education” (13.06.2017.), where LQF/EQF levels are indicated for education programmes.

BASIC EDUCATION STAGE
LQF/EQF level	PQL level	Programme	Notes
1		General basic education (Grades 1-9)	For students with severe mental development disorders and mental development disorders Length of studies 9-12 years
2	–	General basic education (Grades 1-9)	Length of studies 9-11 years
2	1	Vocational basic education	Provided without restrictions of previous education Length of studies 1-3 years
2	1	Vocational continuing education	Provided after full of partial basic education programme Length of studies 480, 640 or more hours

SECONDARY EDUCATION STAGE
LQF/EQF level	PQL level	Programme	Notes
4	3	Vocational secondary education	Provided after completed basic education Length of studies 4 years
3	2	Vocational education (arodizglītība)	Provided after completed basic education Length of studies 3 years
3	2	Vocational education (arodizglītība)	Provided after completed basic education Length of studies 1 year
3	2	Vocational education	Provided after partial completion of basic education programme Length of studies 3 years
3	2	Vocational education	Provided after completed general or vocational secondary education Length of studies 1 year
4	3	Vocational secondary education	Provided after completed general secondary education Length of studies 1,5-3 years
4	–	General secondary education	Continuation of vocational education Length of studies 1 year
4	3	Vocational secondary education	Continuation of vocational education Length of studies 2 years
3 or 4	2 or 3	Vocational continuing education	Provided after completed general or vocational secondary education Length of studies 640, 960 or more hours

SECONDARY EDUCATION STAGE
LQF/EQF level	PQL level	Programme	Notes
4	3	Vocational secondary education	Provided after completed basic education Length of studies 4 years
3	2	Vocational education (arodizglītība)	Provided after completed basic education Length of studies 3 years
3	2	Vocational education (arodizglītība)	Provided after completed basic education Length of studies 1 year
3	2	Vocational education	Provided after partial completion of basic education programme Length of studies 3 years
3	2	Vocational education	Provided after completed general or vocational secondary education Length of studies 1 year
4	3	Vocational secondary education	Provided after completed general secondary education Length of studies 1,5-3 years
4	–	General secondary education	Continuation of vocational education Length of studies 1 year
4	3	Vocational secondary education	Continuation of vocational education Length of studies 2 years
3 or 4	2 or 3	Vocational continuing education	Provided after completed general or vocational secondary education Length of studies 640, 960 or more hours

HIGHER EDUCATION STAGE
LQF/EQF level	PQL level	Programme	Notes
5	4	1st level professional higher (college) education	Provided after completed general or vocational secondary education Length of full time studies 2-3 years
6	5	2nd level professional higher education (professional bachelor’s degree) or 2nd level professional higher education	Provided after completed general or vocational secondary education Length of full time studies 4 years
6	–	Academic education (bachelor’s degree)	Provided after completed general or vocational secondary education Length of full time studies 3-4 years
6	5	2nd level professional higher education	Continuation of college education Length of full time studies at least 1-2 years Total length of full time studies at least 4 years
6	5	2nd level professional higher education	Provided after obtaining of bachelor’s, professional bachelor’s degree or 5th PQL Length of full time studies at least 1 year Total length of full time studies at least 4 years
7	5	2nd level professional higher education (professional master’s degree and professional master’s degree)	Provided after obtaining of bachelor’s, professional bachelor’s degree or 5th PQL Length of full time studies at least 1 year Total length of full time studies 5 years
7	5	2nd level professional higher education	Provided after obtaining of general or vocational secondary education Length of full time studies at least 5 years
7	–	Academic education (master’s degree)	Provided after obtaining of bachelor’s or professional bachelor’s degree Length of full time studies 1-2 years Total length of full time studies at least 5 years
8	–	Doctoral studies (doctor’s degree)	Provided after obtaining of master’s or professional master’s degree, or as continuation of 2nd level professional higher education, which is provided after secondary education Length of full time studies 3-4 years