Definition

Unit(s) of learning outcomes (knowledge, know-how, information, values, skills and competences) acquired by an individual, and which have been assessed and certified by a competent body against a predefined standard, but which does not lead to a full qualification.

Comment:

• There are different types of partial qualifications:
• module which can be combined as building block of a full qualification;
• complementary qualification building on an existing full qualification and signalling that successful specialisation and/or renewal has taken place;
• stand-alone element of qualification linked to a particular task, technology or occupation, with no relation to any initial education or training sequence or full qualification;
• a partial qualification usually does not confer any right or access to the labour market and/or to further education or training as may be the case for full qualifications.

Source: Cedefop (2023) "Terminology of European education and training policy: A selection of key terms"