Equivalence test instructions
Equivalence test instructions
On this page you will find instructions for checking the equivalence between competences acquired outside higher education and degree programmes in individual credit transfer procedures. The guide is based on the recommendations of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).
Decide for yourself whether you would like to be guided step by step through the equivalence check or whether you would like to be shown the structure and procedure at a glance. In both cases, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) forms the basis for the assessment.
European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
To verify equivalence, the competences acquired outside of higher education and the competence objectives of the study module are each assigned to one of the levels of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF).
Step by step
Start text
Check here whether there is an equivalence between competences acquired outside the university and the learning outcomes of a study module and whether recognition is recommended.
- []:Using the authentic evidence provided (A1, A2, etc.) and the relevant references and certificates (Z1, Z2, etc.), check whether it is plausible that the student actually possesses the skills and abilities stated.
- Based on the supporting documents, it is plausible that the student possesses the specified skills and abilities.
- Based on the supporting documents, it is largely unclear whether the student possesses the stated skills and abilities.
- Based on the evidence, it is largely not plausible to determine that the student possesses the stated abilities and skills.
- [1.1]:Check that the skills and abilities (left column of the crediting synopsis) match the learning outcomes of the module (top field of the crediting synopsis).
- The learning outcomes are fully covered by the skills and abilities described.
- In your opinion, the learning outcomes are sufficiently covered by the skills and abilities described.
- In your opinion, the learning outcomes are sufficiently covered by the skills and abilities described. However, the module has learning outcomes that are essential for the success of the degree programme or for professional practice, which the student does not have or which have not been sufficiently demonstrated.
- In your opinion, the coverage of the learning outcomes by the skills described is not sufficient for credit transfer.
- [2.2]:Classify the study module and the competences and skills of the student on a qualifications framework (EQF, HQF or DQR).
- The level of the student's competences and skills is at the same level as the study module or even exceeds the level of the study module.
- The level of the student's competences and skills is at a lower level than the study module.
End texts
- [1.2]:Result of the review: According to your information, it is recommended to propose a technical discussion to validate the portfolio and to reject or approve the crediting on this basis.
- [1.3]:Result of the review: According to your information, it is recommended to request supporting documents or to reject the crediting.
- [2.1]:Result of the review: According to your information, it is recommended to approve the credit transfer. As the learner already has all the learning outcomes aimed for within the module, no separate level check is necessary.
- [2.3]:Outcome of the review: According to your information, it is recommended to reject the credit transfer or to propose a specialised interview for validation.
- [2.4]:Result of the review: According to your information, it is recommended to reject the recognition.
- [3.1]:Result of the review: According to your information, it is recommended to approve the crediting.
- [3.2]:Result of the review: According to your information, it is recommended to reject the crediting or to propose an expert discussion for validation.
At a glance
The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK) has stipulated that an equivalence assessment consists of a content and a level comparison. How the two comparisons are actually implemented is left to the subject representatives conducting the equivalence assessment.
The equivalence assessment consists of the following three steps:
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PowerPoint presentation 72 KB
The instructions provided here in open file format (.pptx) for free further use and editing are a reduced form of the Learning Outcome Chart (LOC) and Module Level Indicator (MLI), which are also freely published on our website( can be foundhere in the download area under "Equivalency comparisons").
Verification of equivalence
Equivalence therefore includes both a match in the content of the learning outcomes and a comparable level. Recognition of a study module is recommended if both a certain degree of content equivalence of the learning outcomes and a sufficient level of equivalence have been established.
The equivalence is checked by the subject representatives from the department in which the student has applied for credit transfer. Once the proposal has been formally checked, the Examinations Office forwards it to the subject representatives. With the help of a systematic comparison, they check whether there is an equivalence between the learning outcomes of the degree programme and the competences acquired outside of the university. The result determines whether the credit transfer is approved or rejected.