TVETipedia Glossary

Module

A course or part of a course in the context of a modular programme. A module may be taken singularly or combined with other modules offered.

Source:
UIS, ISCED 2011 (International Standard Classification of Education), 2012
UIS, ISCED 2011 (International Standard Classification of Education), 2012
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As national education systems vary in terms of structure and curricular content, it can be difficult to benchmark performance across countries over time or monitor progress towards national and international goals. In order to understand and properly interpret the inputs, processes and outcomes of education systems from a global perspective, it is vital to ensure that data are comparable. This can be done by applying the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), the standard framework used to categorise and report cross-nationally comparable education statistics.

A component of a larger qualification, which is certificated independently.

(Sometimes, it means a component of learning and teaching within a programme, not independently certificated)

Source:
ILO, An Introductory Guide to National Qualifications Frameworks, 2007
ILO, An Introductory Guide to National Qualifications Frameworks, 2007
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(Glossary starting p. 63)
"There are surprisingly few documents which spell out, in a practical way, what an NQF can achieve realistically, what are the preconditions and potential pitfalls and how it can be developed. NQFs have been much discussed and with much enthusiasm, but it may be questioned whether their technical and institutional complexity are well understood.
This Guide attempts to respond to these concerns, and by doing so, to assist policy makers in making informed judgments as to whether and how they can pursue the development of an NQF in meeting the specific needs of their training systems."

(also called Subject)

A unit of education or training which can be completed on its own or as part of a course and which is considered as a component that makes up a Competency Development Framework for a given discipline or profession. Module is an aggregation of the awareness, knowledge, skills and attitude competencies which reflect what a competent person in a particular role should be able to perform. Modules may also result in the attainment of one or more units of competency. The modules should include guidance for assessors pertinent to the related standards. A module should describe:

Distinct work activity
Work outputs expected, not what is put into the work
Outputs that can be demonstrated and assessed at work
Precise criteria
Scope of the standard
Guidelines for assessors on how to assess against the standard (level)

(Similar definition used by Queensland government)

Source:
M. Wahba (TVET consultant), Glossary of Terms for TVET, Assessment and Verification, 2013
M. Wahba (TVET consultant), Glossary of Terms for TVET, Assessment and Verification, 2013
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The Egyptian TVET expert Moustafa Wahba developed a glossary based on his own experience as a consultant in TVET.

A self-contained block of learning which can be completed on its own or as part of a course and which may also result in the attainment of one or more units of competency.

Source:
NCVER (Australia), VOCEDplus: Glossary of VET, (accessed 05/2026)
NCVER (Australia), VOCEDplus: Glossary of VET, (accessed 05/2026)
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This glossary is a compilation of Australian vocational education and training (VET) terms and acronyms. It includes both current and historical terms, concepts, acronyms and other abbreviations found in Australian VET research, policy and data.