This term has two dimensions:
Formal recognition: process of granting official status, by an accredited body, to knowledge, know-how, information, values, skills and competences of an individual through:
- award of qualifications (certificates, diploma or titles);
- validation of non-formal and informal learning;
- grant of equivalence, credit units or waivers.
Social recognition: acknowledgement of value of knowledge, know-how, skills and competences of an individual by economic and social stakeholders.
Source
Cedefop; Council of the European Union, 2017.
This term is close to, but not synonymous with: mutual recognition of qualifications.