The German "Distance Learning DQR" seal of approval is a seal of the Federal Association of Distance Learning Providers (Bundesverband der Fernstudienanbieter e. V.) for the classification of state-approved distance learning courses in the German or European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (DQR or EQF/EQF).
The Distance Learning DQR is intended to provide consumers an idea about the level of the intended degree of the distance learning course when concluding distance learning contracts.
The "Distance Learning DQR" seal of approval is the first seal that links the distance learning courses offered by state-approved distance learning schools with the qualification levels of the DQR or EQF/EQF and thus also ensures European comparability of the degrees.
Classifications of the ecodemy Trainings
Our foundation training "Vegan Nutritionist Course" corresponds to the distance learning DQR level 5. To our knowledge, it is therefore the offer with the highest classification compared to similar distance learning courses of other schools.
Our additional trainings all correspond to the distance learning DQR level 4.
Our additional training "Vegan Nutrition for Athletes" corresponds to the distance learning DQR level 4.
Our additional training "Vegan Nutrition for Mother and Child" corresponds to the distance learning DQR level 4.
Explaining the respective levels
The DQR distinguishes eight reference levels to generally describe the competences that can be acquired in the German education system.
Level 1 describes competencies that are required to fulfill simple tasks in a clearly and stably structured field of work or study. The tasks are performed under direct supervision.
Expertise
Knowledge
Having basic general knowledge. Having an initial insight into an area of learning or work.
Skills
Use cognitive and practical skills to perform simple tasks according to given rules and evaluate their results. Make elementary connections.
Personal competence
Social competence
Learn, work, exchange information and ideas verbally and in written form with others.
Independence
Learn or work under guidance. Evaluate one's own and others' actions and take study consultation.
Level 2 describes the required competencies to perform basic requirements in a manageable and stably structured field of work or study. The tasks are largely performed under guidance.
Expertise
Knowledge
Possess basic factual knowledge of a field of work or study.
Skills
Basic cognitive and practical skills required to use relevant information in order to carry out tasks and to solve routine problems using simple rules and tools.
Personal competence
Social Competence
Participate in a group. Receive and express general suggestions and criticism. Act and respond appropriately to situations in verbal and written communication.
Independence
Work or study responsibly under supervision with some autonomy in a familiar and stably structured field of work or study. Evaluate one's own and others' actions. Use given learning aids and seek learning guidance.
Level 3 describes the competencies that are required for performing technical demands independently in a field of study or occupational activity that is still manageable and to some extent openly structured.
Expertise
Knowledge
Knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts, in a field of work or study.
Skills
A range of cognitive and practical skills required to accomplish tasks and solve problems by selecting and applying basic methods, tools, materials and information.
Personal competence
Social Competence
Participate in a group and offer selective support. Help with organizing the study or work environment, create processes and present results in an addressee-related manner.
Independence
Learn or work independently and responsibly even in less familiar contexts. Evaluate one's own and others' actions. Inquire study guidance and select various learning aids.
Level 4 describes the competencies that are required for independent planning and processing of technical tasks in a comprehensive, changing field of study or occupational activity.
Expertise
Knowledge
Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work or study.
Skills
A range of cognitive and practical skills required to generate solutions to specific problems in a field of work or study.
Personal competence
Social competence
Help with shaping the work of a group and their study or working environment and provide ongoing support. Explain procedures and results. Communicate comprehensively about certain issues.
Independence
Set learning and working goals, reflect on them, realize them and take responsibility for them.
Level 5 describes competencies that are required for planning and working independently on comprehensive technical tasks in a complex, specialized, changing field of study or occupational activity.
Expertise
Knowledge
Comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge.
Skills
A comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems.
Personal competence
Social competence
Plan and design work processes in a cooperative manner, also in heterogeneous groups, guide others and support them with sound study advice. Present complex issues in a structured, goal-oriented and addressee-related manner, even across disciplines. Take into account the interests and needs of addressees in a forward-looking manner.
Independence
Reflect on and evaluate one's own and external learning and work objectives, pursue them in a self-directed manner and take responsibility for them, as well as draw consequences for the work processes in the team.
Level 6 describes competencies that are required for planning, processing and evaluating comprehensive technical tasks and problems as well as for the independent control of processes in sub-areas of a scientific subject or in an occupational activity. The requirement structure is characterized by complexity and frequent changes.
Expertise
Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of a field of work or study, involving a critical understanding of theories and principles.
Skills
Advanced skills, demonstrating mastery and innovation, required to solve complex and unpredictable problems in a specialised field of work or study.
Personal competence
Social competence
Work responsibly in teams of experts or lead groups or organizations* responsibly. Guide others in their professional development and deal with difficulties in teams with foresight. Present complex subject-related issues and solutions to experts in an argumentative manner and work on developing those further with the expert team.
Independence
Define, reflect on and evaluate goals for learning and work processes and design them independently and sustainably.
* This includes businesses, administrations, or non-profit organizations.
Level 7 describes competencies that are required to work on new complex tasks and problems and to manage processes independently in a scientific subject or in a strategy-oriented occupational activity. The requirement structure is characterized by frequent and unpredictable changes.
Expertise
Knowledge
Highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of knowledge in a field of work or study, as the basis for original thinking and/or research.
Critical awareness of knowledge issues in a field and at the interface between different fields.
Skills
Specialised problem-solving skills required in research and/or innovation to develop new knowledge and procedures and to integrate knowledge from different fields.
Personal competence
Social competence
Manage and transform work or study contexts that are complex, unpredictable and require new strategic approaches. Take responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice and/or for reviewing the strategic performance of teams.
Independence
Define goals for new application- or research-oriented tasks while reflecting on the potential social, economic, and cultural impact. Use appropriate resources and independently develop knowledge for this purpose.
* This includes businesses, administrations, or non-profit organizations.
Level 8 describes competencies that are required to gain knowledge in a scientific subject or to develop innovative solutions and procedures in an occupational activity. The requirement structure is characterized by novel and unclear issues.
Expertise
Knowledge
Knowledge at the most advanced frontier of a field of work or study and at the interface between fields
Skills
The most advanced and specialised skills and techniques, including synthesis and evaluation, required to solve critical problems in research and/or innovation and to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.
Personal competence
Social competence
Responsibly lead organizations or groups* with complex or interdisciplinary tasks, activating their potential. Promote the professional development of others in a targeted and sustainable manner. Lead interdisciplinary discussions and make innovative contributions in subject-specific discussions, also in international contexts.
Independence
Define goals for new complex application- or research-oriented tasks while reflecting on the possible social, economic and cultural impact. Select appropriate means and develop new ideas and processes.
* This includes businesses, administrations, or non-profit organizations.
Why this is relevant for you as a student or graduate
In Germany and many other countries, (vegan) nutrition counseling is a liberal (health) profession, which means it is not regulated by public law. At the same time, there are a lot of nutrionist trainings on the market and people often have difficulties to choose a high-quality training.
The (distance learning) DQR makes the offers of (state-approved and certified distance learning courses or) trainings (in general) - throughout Europe - comparable. So, on the one hand, it is one of potentially several quality features (state-approved training, TÜV-tested institute in Germany, reputation of the institute within a specific field, etc.) that a training or an institute can have.
On the other hand, it is also a quality feature of your own qualification and education. The (distance learning) DQR is differentiated into eight levels, which involve certain professional and personal competences that must/should be attained with the respective training within a specific subject area. This allows your clients or future employers to assess your level of qualification - only theoretically. Practically, of course, you convince them with your actions 😉
The distance learning DQF level of our distance learning trainings will be indicated on the certificate as well as in the profiles in the International Directory for Vegan Nutritionists, if the graduate requests to get an entry there.