On 3rd May 2020, the Government of Nepal approved the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The integrated qualifications framework that also integrates National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) has the potential to enable the learners to pursue their education and career through multiple pathways in general education and Technical and Vocational

Education and Training (TVET). In addition to NQF ensuring permeability between these education pathways, it also warrants comparability of qualifications within the country and between the countries and regions. Implementation of NQF and NVQF in the country benefits:

• An individual for recognition of their qualification, for lifelong learning opportunities through multiple entry and exit options, 
• Businesses and industries as they get qualified and productive human resources who have a better learning attitude and are flexible to work in changing environment and, 
• The country as the human resources of the country will be productive and better employable ultimately to contribute to nation building.

In order to ensure the reform of the TVET landscape based on the approved NQ and NVQ frameworks, the implementation of National Vocational Qualifications System (NVQS) in Nepal is imperative. The NVQF serves as a pivotal component of the broader NVQS. This system enables individuals to access higher-level skills in the institutions or participate in the national and international labor markets, thereby enhancing earning prospects. It is anticipated that these measures will contribute to poverty reduction, foster inclusive growth, and consequently bolster the overall economic development of the country.

For Nepal, the NVQS includes all activities that result in the recognition of learning, such as institutional arrangements, quality assurance processes,  assessment and awarding processes, etc. The NVQS is a national system of technical vocational qualifications aimed at validating competencies   (knowledge,  skills and attitudes) of trained, and experienced people that meet the needs of the job market and are nationally recognized in private and  public  sectors.

The value of a qualifications ‘system’ and qualifications ‘framework’ lie in their potential to contribute to education policy goals such as lifelong learning,  recognition of skills, or improving the quality of education and training. Therefore, their design should relate to the goals they are intended to support  and to  the context in which they will operate.

From a macro perspective, the NVQS will benefit the TVET eco-system mainly in the following four domains:

• Qualification systems’ development and robust provision of education and training (supply side)
• Career development, guidance and employment placement, information, and orientation, including occupational mobility (demand side)
• Regulation, legislation, and institutional arrangements, as well as a definition of responsibilities of stakeholders or bodies
• Support for quality assurance and the development of standards, for systems of credit accumulation and transfer, and to enhance transferability,  comparability, and compatibility of qualifications.

The emphasis placed by the NVQS on lifelong learning (LLL) and its intersection with employment stands as a crucial and pertinent endeavor. The envisioned benefits of instituting an NVQS for LLL encompass several key facets. Firstly, it aims to seamlessly integrate LLL and employment provisions into a cohesive qualifications system, streamlining the process of transferring skills and competencies across various domains. Secondly, it seeks to broaden access by recognizing and accrediting prior learning experiences, both formal and informal, thereby fostering inclusivity and equity within educational pathways. Lastly, the NVQS endeavors to establish common reference points for comparing qualifications, facilitating the development and dissemination of guidance materials that align with widely accepted frameworks, thus promoting clarity and coherence in educational and professional spheres.

The Nepal Vocational Qualifications System Project-Phase II (NVQS P-II) is a bilateral initiative between the Government of Nepal (GoN) and the Government of Switzerland. It supports CTEVT, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), to implement the approved National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) in Nepal.

The NVQF serves as a pivotal component of the broader National Vocational Qualifications System (NVQS), a comprehensive national framework for certifying individuals' skills and competencies acquired through training or practical experiences. This system enables individuals to access higher-level skills in the institutions or participate in the national and international labour markets, thereby enhancing earning prospects. It is anticipated that these measures will contribute to poverty reduction, foster inclusive growth, and consequently bolster the overall economic development of the country.

The implementation of the project at the federal level is by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and the National Skill Testing Board (NSTB), acting on behalf of MoEST. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Development or education related ministries (MoSD/Es) are responsible for the implementation of NVQS at the provincial level. Swisscontact, Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation, provides technical assistance to the project on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The NVQS project operates as a long-term endeavour, structured across three phases, with the current phase spanning from 2020 to 2024. Its primary objective is to drive systemic improvements within Nepal's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. This mission is especially pertinent as it aligns with the federalization of the TVET sector. The National Vocational Qualifications System (NVQS) carries federal significance, as enshrined in Nepal's constitution. Key responsibilities, such as developing and endorsing frameworks, competency standards, and guidelines, fall under the federal purview. In contrast, provincial governments are tasked with the implementation of the NVQF, ensuring that programs within their respective provinces align with the NVQ framework and maintaining the quality of skill assessments conducted therein. Additionally, local governments play a role in improving access to skill assessments for underserved populations in coordination with provincial authorities. 

At the macro level, the project will support the government to establish a relevant institution (transformation of NSTB to a functional authority, i.e. NVQA or similar agency) to govern the NVQ system. This institute will take up the mandate of finalizing frameworks, developing qualification standards, relevant processes, sub process and guidelines. This will also facilitate constant policy dialogue with various ministries, the CTEVT and leading training providers and prominent organizations of the business community to explore and develop VQFs in various sectors; coordinate/consult with other countries for aligning, sharing and exchange of the VQFs to ensure recognition of NVQF by other countries. 

At the meso level, the project will focus on the province ministry (MoSD) and support the establishment of a unit to implement the NVQ system and ensure quality-of-service delivery.

At the micro level, the project will focus on supporting municipalities to inform and raise public awareness about the benefits of NVQS. The provincial project office  will collaborate with the respective municipalities to implement these services.

On all levels the project will prioritize working with the private sector (employers).