Digital tools for the portability of learning outcomes

• August 7, 2026
• admin

Many EU citizens continue to face difficulties accessing further education, changing careers and moving between labour markets because their skills and qualifications are not always easily understood or trusted. This publication explores how digital tools, including qualifications databases and digital credentials, can improve the transparency and portability of learning outcomes. Drawing on evidence from 27 countries and 28 systems, it assesses current developments, benefits, challenges and the role of European initiatives such as the European Qualifications Framework, Europass, ESCO and the European Digital Credentials for learning infrastructure.

The analysis finds that while countries recognise the importance of digital tools, progress remains uneven. Most systems have focused more on providing information about qualifications, programmes and accreditation than on developing comprehensive digital credential systems. Tools for issuing and storing credentials are generally more advanced than systems for sharing and verifying them, and many countries have only partially implemented digital credential infrastructures. Although awareness of EU-level tools is high, national systems often remain fragmented, creating risks of duplicated information and unequal access to digital recognition opportunities.

The publication argues that future progress requires a more connected, user-focused digital ecosystem linking qualifications information, learning opportunities, labour market data and credential verification. Greater investment is needed to ensure digital credentials support the recognition of formal, non-formal and informal learning, including the use of microcredentials and validation processes. Stronger EU cooperation, common approaches and improved governance will be essential to ensure that digital credentials become trusted tools for lifelong learning and labour mobility.