A new feasibility study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has highlighted limited readiness among EU Member States for implementing a European Digital Skills Certificate (EDSC). The study underscores the need for significant efforts to establish a certification system, with stakeholders suggesting an enhanced focus on the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) to better support digital skills certification across Europe.
The EDSC, proposed under the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), aims to promote the recognition of digital skills across the EU. However, the study found:
- Insufficient demand for the EDSC from employers, educational institutions, and training providers.
- Significant operational challenges, including governance, accreditation of certification providers, and technical requirements.
- The cost of implementation outweighs the potential benefits at this stage.
Through extensive research and stakeholder consultations—including certification service providers, policymakers, and educators—the JRC identified 27 existing digital skills certification schemes across the EU. While these schemes vary in coverage and scope, stakeholders recognized the potential of an EDSC as a Quality Label for certification providers. However, readiness for adoption differs widely among Member States.
The report recommends prioritising the extension of DigComp with learning outcomes to enhance transparency and better align digital skills education, training, assessment, and certification across Europe.
This initiative is critical to achieving the EU’s goal of ensuring 80% of adults have basic digital skills by 2030, as outlined in the Digital Decade strategy.
The study, conducted by the JRC in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), represents a significant step toward addressing Europe’s digital skills gap and ensuring a robust foundation for future efforts.
