Germany

In Germany, the recognition of competences acquired outside HEI ensures better permeability between the academic and other educational sectors, such as vocational education and training. Therefore, it is important for academic continuing education and LLL, especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers and rapidly changing demands of the digital world of work.

RPL in Germany presupposes the equivalence of achievements in terms of content and level whereas recognition of academic achievements focuses on the concept of a substantial difference in the acquisition of competences. The aim of RPL is to avoid testing competences already acquired and, if possible, to shorten study periods in a quality-assured and useful way. Competences can be acquired in different educational contexts: formal, non-formal or informal. HEI are obliged to recognise competences acquired outside of higher education in accordance with the respective state higher education laws, as a rule RPL is possible up to 50 percent of the study credits.

At the level of the Länder, the respective Higher Education Acts regulate RPL. For implementation, the HEI must anchor the corresponding regulations in their study and examination regulations. Accreditation requirements also contain regulations on the recognition of competences. A distinction is made between individual and "flat-rate" procedures: In individual procedures, the competences of an individual person are assessed. In "flat-rate" procedures, certain qualifications are assessed once. Applicants who can provide evidence of these qualifications can then receive credit for the corresponding modules without an individual examination.

As one of the projects of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), MODUS aims at enhancing student mobility and permeability across educational boundaries through further improving recognition at German HEI. The project agenda consists of three key priorities:

• Coordination and dissemination of commonly used and quality-assured national standards for recognition at HEI.
• Encouraging the increased use of digital processes and infrastructures for better, more effective and easier recognition procedures.
• Informing and advising HEI on all questions of recognition.

The project has become the focal point of contact for transparent and reliable information concerning all questions of recognition. While providing targeted support to HEI it also enriches the debate of digitalisation of recognition processes, on the use of microcredentials and other recent topics. Developing recommendations and documenting good practice are central to these efforts.

Moreover, MODUS complements its portfolio with tailored offers aimed at specific target groups within HEI to better inform, advise and network via workshops, web-seminars and conferences. To involve academics and staff from HEI, a network of experts, an advisory board and four expert panels have been established. Finally, all effects of the project will be carefully measured with project-accompanying regular evaluations and surveys.

MODUS is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research from 2020 until 2025.

More information can be found here.

The German Rectors' Conference (HRK) is the association of public and government-recognised universities in Germany. The HRK currently has 269 member institutions, in which over 90 per cent of all students in Germany are enrolled. Due to this large membership, representing all types of HEI, the HRK functions as the voice of the universities in dialogue with politicians and the public and as the central forum for opinion-forming in the HE sector.

The HRK deals with all issues relating to the role and tasks of HEI in academia and society and has three main tasks:

1. Opinion-shaping and political representation
2. Development of principles and standards in the HE system
3. Services to HEI and the public

More information can be found here.