Making integration work: assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications

The possibility to have foreign qualifications recognised now exists almost everywhere in the OECD although in many member countries the process can be a long one and off-putting in its lack of transparency. Recent policy development in the field of qualification recognition has therefore focused on speeding up the process, streamlining the recognition system and raising awareness of recognition procedures. Nevertheless, a range of barriers to existing recognition mechanisms remain, explaining why still only relatively few immigrants use assessment offers. This publication identifies...  [+] Show more

The possibility to have foreign qualifications recognised now exists almost everywhere in the OECD although in many member countries the process can be a long one and off-putting in its lack of transparency. Recent policy development in the field of qualification recognition has therefore focused on speeding up the process, streamlining the recognition system and raising awareness of recognition procedures. Nevertheless, a range of barriers to existing recognition mechanisms remain, explaining why still only relatively few immigrants use assessment offers. This publication identifies these barriers and presents 10 main policy lessons about effective tools with supporting examples of good practice. It also provides a comprehensive comparison of the policy frameworks that govern policy strategies for the assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications in OECD countries. Information about the different policy frameworks was gathered through a questionnaire sent to all the countries.

Edited excerpts from publication.