Insight into the current impact of the Dutch Qualifications Framework (NLQF)

Since January 1, 2025, the NLQF has been enshrined in legislation. Among other things, this law stipulates that the NLQF level must be stated on all formal diplomas and that non-formal training courses can be classified in one of the eight NLQF levels. This increases the visibility of the NLQF levels and makes more and more diplomas comparable in terms of level. In addition, in 2025, the government will launch a campaign to raise awareness of the NLQF among the general public.

In response to this, the NLQF National Coordination Point wants to know how effective its current communication message is and investigate the challenges that non-formal educators experience in scaling up. That is why we have conducted a needs assessment research and impact assessment. This research provides insight into how the NLQF National Coordination Point can better align itself with the market and how effective communication about the framework is.

Our approach

In order to gain strategic insights into the wishes and needs of the various target groups, qualitative research in the form of online interviews was first conducted. Non-users of the NLQF were surveyed to determine the extent to which they are familiar with the NLQF and what they need in order to start using it. These respondents were recruited from the network of the NLQF National Coordination Point. Quantitative research in the form of online questionnaires was then used. Three questionnaires were used to survey the three target groups: HR staff, employers, and employees. The data was collected via the Markteffect research panel.

By combining both methods, the NLQF National Coordination Point gained a broader and deeper insight into the wishes and needs of its target groups. Quantitative research provides hard data, while qualitative research provides context and background information. This enables you to understand not only what your target groups think, but also why they make certain choices.

Results

The needs assessment research impact measurement have provided valuable insights into the wishes and needs, awareness, and image of the NLQF. With the help of these research results, the NLQF National Coordination Point can better understand the choices and motivations of the market. Furthermore, based on these insights, the NLQF can make adjustments to its (communication) strategy and, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, set up an effective government campaign, which will be developed and launched this year.

Markteffect ’s research Markteffect us Markteffect objectively evaluate how our communication efforts are perceived and whether our message and added value are being received as intended. This provides information for refining our communication and a starting point for follow-up studies so that we can effectively monitor the growth of awareness of the NLQF.” - Tijs Pijls, Program Director NCP NLQF

Specialists who worked on this

Markteffect an independent research agency specializing in providing insights based on market research. This project was made possible by a team of expert professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the field of market research. If you have any questions about this research or are interested in how we can help with a similar project, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assist you!