Lesson 3.2: African Learning Model (ALM) and Data Standardisation

Description: Introduces the African Learning Model (ALM), explaining its adaptation from existing learning models and how it serves as the foundation for the QCP’s data model.

By the end of this Lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand the purpose and structure of the African Learning Model (ALM) as the harmonised data standard underpinning the QCP.
• Explain how the ALM ensures interoperability and data consistency through Linked Open Data principles and controlled vocabularies.
• Understand how to utilise the ACQF QCP User Documentation page to inform yourself about all relevant information connected to the QCP and the ALM

The African Learning Model (ALM) is a standard developed in conjunction with the development of the ACQF Qualifications and Credentials Platform with the aim to harmonise data about learning opportunities, qualifications, credentials, and skills. It is designed to promote interoperability and facilitate data exchange across national and institutional systems within the European Education Area. The ALM is based on principles of Linked Open Data, ensuring that information is structured in a machine-readable way and connected through common vocabularies and ontologies. It supports transparency, comparability, and recognition of qualifications across borders, particularly within the context of the ACQF.

At its core, the ALM provides a common data structure that national authorities and institutions can use to describe qualifications, learning outcomes, awarding bodies, and related metadata. The model supports a minimum dataset and can be extended through application profiles for various purposes, such as digital credentialing, accreditation, and qualifications databases.

Importantly, the ALM is designed not as a rigid standard but as a harmonising model. It respects national autonomy by allowing each authority to decide which information to include while maintaining interoperability at an African and International level. It aligns closely with global standards such as the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL) and 1EdTech’s Open Badges, supporting initiatives such as digital credentials, recognition of prior learning, and micro-credentials. This makes it a key enabler for pan-African and international education and labour market integration.

Detailed documentation can be found on the ACQF QCP Documentation Portal:

https://data.acqf-qcp.africa

The following video will describe how to use the Documentation Portal and what type of information will be provided to you.

We hope this video gives you a high-level overview on how to use the ACQF QCP Documentation Portal. In the following lessons, we will dive deeper into the topics of interoperability and how to utilise the information on the data model provided to you on this Documentation Portal.