Sectorial Qualification Framework (SQF)

The education and training provided to border and coast guards is aligned with the Bologna and Copenhagen principles and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF). As an overarching frame of reference for all border and coast guarding education and training, the Agency has developed the European Sectoral Qualifications Framework for Border Guarding (SQF). The SQF for Border Guarding is a framework that links all training products and contributes to the organisation of border and coast guard training programmes. Moreover, it facilitates the comparability of qualifications and creates a premise for the recognition of learning in the border and coast guard profession in all its forms – formal, informal, and non-formal – across all the EU Member States. The curricula and courses aligned with the SQF are competence-driven, focusing on a learning outcomes-based approach to learning and education, and incorporating the integration of fundamental rights across all learning, as the core principle.

The job competences required for border and coast guarding are described in the Sectoral Qualifications Framework for Border Guarding (SQF for Border Guarding) validated by the EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries and endorsed by the Frontex Management Board (Forty first meeting of the Management Board, Nicosia, Cyprus, 27-28 November 2012).  All training delivered by Frontex is designed to produce specific job competences relevant for Frontex operations and to ensure the integration of fundamental rights across all elements of professional practice.

Therefore, specific, assessable learning outcomes have been identified, building upon predefined minimum entry requirements to achieve job competences. The approach is learner-centred and ensures that training targets the attainment of professional competence. The learner can be employed either by an external organisation and then delegated to Frontex or can be employed by Frontex itself.

Aligning all learning outcomes with the SQF for Border Guarding enables a common reference point for comparability and recognition of the learning taking place within the vocational training and educational systems of EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries.

The Sectoral Qualifications Framework (SQF) is an education-centred framework of high-level learning outcomes that reflects all learning in all border guard activities across the European Union. As an overarching frame of reference, the SQF encompasses all levels of qualifications acquired in vocational and academic education and training in the border and coast guarding field in Europe.