In Uzbekistan, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) was implemented in accordance with the Decree No. PQ-345 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated September 30, 2024, and the Resolution No. VMQ-369 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated June 17, 2025.

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a unified national mechanism in the Republic of Uzbekistan that ensures a close connection between the labor market and the education system. It serves to organize the processes of providing, assessing, and recognizing the professional qualifications and competencies of the economically active population in an open, transparent manner and in accordance with international standards.

The National Qualifications Framework serves as a key component of this system, establishing clear criteria for assessing and systematizing the knowledge and skills of the workforce. The framework consists of eight levels, with each level defining the corresponding scope of knowledge, practical skills, responsibility, and autonomy.

The National Qualifications System in the country is aimed at developing human capital, improving its quality, updating educational programs based on professional standards, and preparing a workforce that meets the actual demands of the labor market. As a result, the system creates a common framework of qualification standards and concepts for all stakeholders—educational institutions, employers, and individuals—and lays the foundation for the international recognition of national qualifications.

The Institute for the Development of the National Qualifications System provides organizational and methodological support for the system and functions as its regulator. Its main responsibilities include developing professional standards, preparing qualification frameworks and assessment tools, coordinating the recognition of prior learning (RPL) from non-formal and informal education, accrediting qualification assessment centers, digitalizing the system, and continuously improving its operations.

National Qualifications Framework

The National Qualifications Framework of the Republic of Uzbekistan serves as a bridge between the labor market and the education system, providing a generalized description of qualification levels and defining the main pathways for achieving them within the territory of Uzbekistan.

The National Qualifications Framework is an integral part of Uzbekistan’s National Qualifications System and serves as the foundation for developing a national system for assessing learning outcomes.

It also provides the basis for developing sectoral qualification frameworks, professional standards, educational programs, and mechanisms for achieving and recognizing qualifications at all levels of national and international education.

The implementation of the National Qualifications Framework enables the following:

• Development of professional standards and educational programs based on a unified methodological approach;
• Description of requirements for learning outcomes, qualifications, and competencies from a single, consistent perspective;
• Establishment of qualification requirements during recruitment, as well as for vertical and horizontal employee movement within and between organizations;
• Development of assessment tools and procedures for determining graduates’ qualifications at all levels of education;
• Formation of a comprehensive strategy for the development of the labor market and education system, including planning various educational pathways that lead to acquiring qualifications, upgrading qualification levels, and career advancement.

 Levels of the National Qualifications Framework

The National Qualifications Framework includes eight qualification levels in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework and the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Education.” It also defines the main pathways for achieving the corresponding qualification levels.

Description of Indicators in the National Qualifications Framework:

– “Knowledge” indicator defines the requirements for knowledge used in professional activities and is characterized by:

• The volume and complexity of the information applied;
• The innovativeness of the knowledge utilized;
• The ratio of theoretical to practical knowledge.

– “Skills (Proficiency)” indicator defines the requirements for skills and is characterized by:

• The variety (alternativeness) of methods for solving professional tasks;
• The necessity to select or develop methods for solving professional tasks.

– “Responsibility and Autonomy” indicator defines the overall competence of an employee and is characterized by:

• Work under supervision;
• Independent execution of duties;
• Leadership activities;
• Scope of activity—including the breadth of authority and responsibility, accountability, and potential consequences of errors in professional activity.

Pathways to Achieving Qualification Levels

• General secondary education;
• Vocational training;
• Recognition of prior learning (non-formal and informal skills and competencies);
• Professional education;
• Bachelor’s degree;
• Advanced postgraduate or specialized education (internship, residency, business management, public administration, and other internationally recognized programs);
• Master’s degree or postgraduate education aimed at obtaining an academic title;
• Doctoral studies (PhD, DSc), equivalent or higher scientific degrees from foreign countries.