Quality assurance entities
External quality assurance covers all qualifications included in the Integrated Qualifications System (IQS). It involves an independent body checking how an awarding body awards qualifications.
The quality of qualifications in school education and higher education is monitored by designated institutions in accordance with the relevant legislation. All other qualifications included in the IQS are subject to external quality assurance under the rules set out in the IQS Act. The Act specifies which institutions may act as external quality assurance bodies (EQA bodies) and defines their responsibilities and how they operate.
How to become an EQA body
An institution may become an EQA body if it meets the conditions set out in the IQS Act, such as:
- having appropriately qualified staff,
- having at least 10 years of experience in education, training, the labour market or the economy,
- not being an awarding body for qualifications belonging to the qualification groups for which it wishes to perform the EQA function.
The role of an EQA body in relation to an awarding body is assigned by the relevant minister. The EQA body carries out its tasks under an agreement concluded with that minister.
What does an EQA body do?
An EQA body supports the awarding body. It analyses documents submitted by the awarding body, observes its activities and provides guidance on what can be improved and how.
At least once every 5 years, the EQA body prepares a report containing:
- information on whether the awarding body meets the staffing, organisational and technical requirements,
- conclusions from an analysis of validation carried out by the awarding body,
- an analysis of the awarding body’s internal quality assurance system,
- a description of any irregularities in the awarding body’s activities,
- proposals for changes aimed at improving the quality of validation and certification.
Every 3 years, the EQA body prepares a report on the course and outcomes of its work.