The central idea behind the concept of the EQF and the ECVET is the desire to improve the mobility of learners. It should be possible to transfer units of learning outcomes which have been achieved and assessed in one learning environment to another learning environment. They should be comparable and transferable between countries, and capable of being “translated” into existing national training systems.

Improved mobility means that, following a placement abroad, learners come back with a certificate which is recognised in their own training system or learning context.

The mobility practice has since long been introduced at university level, according to the ECTS – European Credit Accumulation and Transfer System. The purpose of the ECVET is to promote it within the vocational learning pathways.