Classification of learning activities (CLA) : manual : 2016 edition.
Date: 2016-09-22
Institutions: Eurostat
Subjects: EU statistics, continuing vocational training, education statistics, learning, statistical method, user guide

Classification of  
learning activities (CLA)

MANUAL

2016 edition

M A N U A L S   A N D 
G U I D E L I N E S

MANUALS AND GUIDELINESClassification of learning activities2016 editionClassification of 
learning activities (CLA)

MANUAL 2016 edition 

 
Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers 
to your questions about the European Union. 

Freephone number (*): 
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 

(*) The information given is free, as are most calls (though some operators, phone boxes or hotels 

may charge you). 

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu). 

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2016 

PDF:  ISBN 978-92-79-52729-6
ISSN 2315-0815 
doi: 10.2785/874604 
Cat. No: KS-GQ-15-011-EN-N

I 

© European Union, 2016 

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. 
For more information, please consult: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/about/our-partners/copyright 
Copyright for the photograph of the cover: ©Shutterstock. 
For reproduction or use of this photo, permission must be sought directly from the copyright holder. 

The information and views set out in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official 
opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Union institutions and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf 
may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. 

Content 

Foreword ..................................................................................................................... 4 

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6 

The need for a CLA: the first version of the classification ....................................................... 6 

Purpose of the CLA ...................................................................................................................... 7 

Purpose of this manual ................................................................................................................ 7 

The CLA and the adult education survey ................................................................................... 8 

General concepts and definitions .............................................................................. 9 

1.1. Lifelong learning .................................................................................................................... 9 

1.2. Learning activities versus non-learning activities............................................................ 10 

1.3. Single learning activities (SLAs) ........................................................................................ 11 

1.4. Learning map and aggregation of single learning activities ........................................... 12 

1.5. Scope of education and learning and categories of learning activities ......................... 14 

1.6. Operational criteria for distinguishing broad categories of learning activities ............. 16 

1.6.1. Informal learning versus formal and non-formal education and training ........................ 16 
1.6.2. Formal versus non-formal education and training ......................................................... 17 

1.7. Summary decision-making flow chart ............................................................................... 21 

Classification of learning activities (CLA) ............................................................... 23 

2.1. Content and structure of the CLA ...................................................................................... 23 

2.2. Primary statistical unit used in the CLA ............................................................................ 23 

Broad categories, classes and sub-classes ........................................................... 25 

3.1. Summary table ..................................................................................................................... 25 

3.2. Explanatory notes to the CLA ............................................................................................. 26 

Bibliography .............................................................................................................. 30 

4.1. European Commission ........................................................................................................ 30 

4.2. CEDEFOP.............................................................................................................................. 31 

4.3. UNESCO and UNESCO Institute for Statistics .................................................................. 31 

4.4. OECD..................................................................................................................................... 31 

4.5. ILO and United Nations Statistics Division ....................................................................... 31 

4.6. World Bank ........................................................................................................................... 32 

4.7. National reference papers ................................................................................................... 32 

4.8. Selected websites ................................................................................................................ 32 

Annex 1 – Cases description ..................................................................................................... 33 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

3 

Foreword 

 Foreword 

Since the treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam included education and training1 as part of action at 
Community level, lifelong learning has been a key element of the education and training policy in 
Europe. Thus, the conclusions of the Lisbon summit (2000) mention lifelong learning as a way of 
ensuring a successful transition towards a knowledge society. Moreover, the EU Council resolution 
of 27 June 2002 on lifelong learning stresses that ‘education and training are an indispensable 
means for promoting social cohesion, active citizenship, personal and professional fulfilment, 
adaptability and employability’ and that lifelong learning must cover learning from the pre-school age 
to that of post-retirement. The Council conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a strategic framework for 
European cooperation on education and training (‘ET 2020’) address strategic objectives, one of 
them being lifelong learning. Within this context, a European benchmark on adult participation in 
lifelong learning has been set: by 2020, an average of at least 15 % of adults should participate in 
lifelong learning. 

The concept of lifelong learning (LLL) is not simply a summing up of traditional education 
programmes and modern learning opportunities. While traditional educational institutions have been 
(and still are) primarily concerned with transmitting knowledge, modern learning opportunities and 
the LLL approach emphasise the development of individual capabilities and each person’s capacity 
to learn. LLL implies a paradigm shift from the dominance of traditional education institutions to a 
diverse field of traditional and modern learning opportunities that are more process- and outcome-
oriented, as well as of a modular structure. At the same time, responsibility for education and 
learning is shifting from the public (state) to non-governmental organisations and to individuals 
themselves. 

Because lifelong learning is a political priority, there is a growing need for statistics in this area. This 
is complex because learning activities cover many fields. According to the European Union’s 
definition, education and lifelong learning include the entire spectrum of formal and non-formal 
education and training as well as informal learning. Lifelong learning must be understood as all 
learning activities undertaken throughout a person’s lifetime with the aim of improving knowledge, 
skills and competences. 

The work carried out by the task force on lifelong learning, set up by Eurostat with a view to 
proposing ways of measuring lifelong learning, resulted in several recommendations, including the 
development of a classification system for lifelong learning activities. This work resulted in a first 
version of the classification of learning activities (the CLA, released in 20062), but this has never 
been updated. The 2015 version of the CLA includes updates needed to align the classification with 
the main international classification on education and training statistics: the international standard 

1   The expression ‘education and training’ is preferred when referring to formal and non-formal education and training, as a reminder that 
training is included in education. Sometimes the word ‘education’ is used on its own by convention in the document but still refers to 
both education and training. 

2   Available at http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-manuals-and-guidelines/-/KS-BF-06-002. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
 
 
Foreword 

classification of education (ISCED) 2011. 

Classification and nomenclature are the basic tools for structuring statistical information in well-
defined categories that exclude one another. These classifications are a prerequisite for data 
collection and they play an important part in the quality of statistics, as they make it possible to set 
common harmonised definitions, which helps avoid mismatches. 

A classification is primarily meant to ensure the comparability of data and to help avoid any ambiguity 
in the process of attributing a category to a learning activity. Other existing classifications only cover 
part of all learning activities, especially of formal and non-formal education and training activities. The 
ISCED 2011 classification covering education programmes and resulting qualifications by levels and 
fields focuses on formal education, though it has been refined after the ISCED 1997 version to 
improve the definitions of formal and non-formal education. There is also a classification covering 
other aspects of education and formal and non-formal learning: the classification of training 
provisions (Brandsma and Kornelius) of the Leonardo da Vinci project. However, neither 
classification covers informal learning nor provides substantial criteria to classify non-formal 
education and training. A classification that includes these different aspects of education and 
learning is therefore necessary. 

On the other hand, there is practically no methodological information on informal learning at 
international level. Some useful reflection on concepts that could underpin a classification of learning 
activities has taken place as part of the project on compiling a harmonised list of learning activities 
carried out at the request of CEDEFOP in 2001-2002 (Dieter Gnahs, Alexandra loannidou, Klaus 
Pehl, Sabine Seidel). The results of this project were an important input into the classification of 
learning activities. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
Introduction 

 Introduction 

The need for a CLA: the first version of the 
classification 

Policy makers’ need for statistical information on individuals’ participation in lifelong learning meant 
that appropriate statistical tools to measure this data were needed. A classification of learning 
activities (CLA) is one of the tools required for the statistical measurement of key lifelong learning 
issues. 

As part of the CLA project launched by Eurostat in December 2002, a survey on the needs of 
potential users of the classification was conducted. The survey’s main general conclusions can be 
summarised as follows: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

there is a need to develop an operational definition of ‘learning activity’ at EU level; 

there is no operational definition of learning activities identified even at national level; 

a classification of learning activities at country level is non-existent; 

there is a lack of conceptual work in the field of non-formal education and informal learning; 

all learning activities must be taken into account, whether formal or informal, taught or non-
taught; 

there is a need to develop and detail the ISCED fields of education and training, especially 
for subjects like personal development and working life. 

Moreover, the UN expert group on international economic and social classifications formulated the 
following recommendation (New York, 8-10 December 2003): 

‘The expert group recommended that the classification and reporting of non-traditional educational 
and/or recreational and lifelong learning activities should be addressed and solved. The UNESCO 
Institute for Statistics (UIS), Eurostat and ILO should be involved in this task.’ 

Both the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and the International Labour Organisation have been 
involved in the CLA project since its beginning, participating in the task group on classifications, 
which acted as the steering group for the project in 2002-2003, in the framework of the Eurostat task 
force on the adult education survey. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction 

Purpose of the CLA 

The CLA aims to cover all types of learning opportunities and education/learning pathways. It aims to 
be universal in nature and applicable in all countries, irrespective of their development level or 
education and learning system. 

It is designed to serve as a tool for compiling and presenting comparable statistics and indicators on 
learning activities, both within individual countries and across countries. It covers all intentional and 
organised learning activities for all age groups. 

The CLA should be applied to statistical surveys that collect quantitative information on different 
aspects of individuals’ participation in learning. It was designed to cover and serve the scope of the 
European Union’s adult education survey (AES). However, it can also be used for other EU 
household surveys (e.g. LFS,3 TUS,4 etc.) and specific business surveys (e.g. CVTS5). 

The CLA supports the collection, compilation and presentation of data: 

 

 

on individuals (through household surveys such as the survey on adult education, which 
focuses on lifelong learning) and training providers; 

on the participation of individuals in learning systems and other aspects of learning, such as 
the time dedicated to learning, money invested in it, etc. 

The CLA provides criteria for the classification of all learning activities: formal and non-formal 
education and training as well as informal learning. In doing so, it builds on key methodological 
reference documents (see the bibliography at the end of this document). 

Purpose of this manual 

The CLA manual provides a set of definitions and criteria to ensure international comparability of 
statistics on learning activities. It aims to clarify the fundamental concepts underlying statistical 
information on learning activities. 

An analysis of reference documents carried out during the preparation of the first version of the 
classification showed that there were no definitions of ‘learning activities’ at national level in Europe, 
or at international level either. It was clear that there could be no classification without such 
definitions. This manual is therefore an opportunity to bridge the gap and propose a theoretical scope 
for what is missing in other sources. 

The manual has three main components: 

 

 

 

concepts and definitions; 

classifications; 

operational guidelines. 

General concepts and definitions are presented in chapter 1. The following concepts and definitions 
are included: lifelong learning, learning activities versus non-learning activities, formal education and 

3  Labour force survey. 

4  Time use survey. 

5  Continuing vocational training survey. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
Introduction 

training, non-formal education and training, and informal learning. The chapter provides the criteria 
that distinguish these three broad categories from each other. 

Chapter 2 presents the classification of learning activities, and chapter 3 presents the broad 
categories, classes and sub-classes, and includes explanatory notes. 

Operational guidelines based on the results of the CLA and testing of the manual carried out while 
the first version of the classification was being prepared are provided throughout the text in the form 
of questions and answers. 

Several cases that illustrate the classification system are included in Annex 1. 

The CLA and the adult education survey 

The first version of the CLA released in 2006 was mostly used by countries collecting data for the 
2011 adult education survey (AES). The CLA proved to be very useful and consistent in most cases, 
but there were still additional implementation rules added during the 2011 AES. Further clarification 
was therefore considered useful before the 2016 survey would be conducted (it is due between July 
2016 and March 2017), especially since there was also a new version of the ISCED classification 
released in 2011.  

This manual provides the updates necessary to improve the collection of data on participation in 
learning activities, whether for the AES or any other social survey (such as the LFS and its variables 
related to education and training). 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

1 General concepts and 

definitions 

1.1. Lifelong learning 

Lifelong learning (LLL) is defined as encompassing ‘all learning activities undertaken throughout 
life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competences, within a personal, civic, social 
and/or employment-related perspective’.6 

Lifelong learning includes all learning activities:7 

 

 

 

 

 

that are purposeful, that is activities which aim to improve behaviour, information, 
knowledge, understanding, attitude, values or skills; 

that are ongoing, which means that they are not incidental or random but have ‘the elements 
of duration and continuity’,8 are organised, and in principle don’t have a minimum duration; 

independent of whether they are formal or not; this includes different types of learning, such 
as apprenticeships, second-chance schools, on-the-job or off-the-job education and training, 
self-learning, etc.; 

independent of their source of funding, whether that’s the private sector, the public sector or 
the individual; 

independent of their mode of delivery, whether traditional (classroom) or modern (using 
information and communication technologies). 

This concept of lifelong learning concerns the entire population, independent of age and labour 
market status. It includes all kinds of activities ranging from early childhood education to leisure 
education for retired people. It should not be limited to work-related outcomes. 

The definition of LLL is consistent with ISCED, since ISCED defines learning as ‘individual 
acquisition or modification of information, knowledge, understanding, attitudes, values, skills, 
competencies or behaviours through experience, practice, study or instruction’.9 However, the LLL 
definition is based on the process of learning, while the ISCED definition is based on the intended 
outcome. 

6  This is the definition included in the Commission’s communication ‘Making a European area of lifelong learning a reality’, 2001. The 
European employment strategy defines LLL as: ‘all purposeful learning activities, whether formal or informal, undertaken on an 
ongoing basis with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competences’. 

7  Report of the Eurostat task force on measuring lifelong learning (Working paper 3/2001/E/№4). 

8 

ISCED 2011, paragraph 16, page 7. 

9   ISCED 2011, paragraph 14, page 7. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

1.2. Learning activities versus non-learning 
activities 

Learning activities are defined as ‘any activities of an individual organised with the intention to 
improve his/her knowledge, skills and competences’. 

The two fundamental criteria that distinguish learning activities from non-learning activities are as 
follows: 

 

 

the learning activity must be intentional (as opposed to random learning), so the act has a 
predetermined purpose; 

the learning activity is organised in some way, including by the learner him-/herself; it 
typically involves the transfer of information in a broader sense (messages, ideas, 
knowledge, strategies). 

Intentional learning is defined as ‘a deliberate search for knowledge, skills, competences or 
attitudes of lasting value’.10 The intention of learning must be formulated before the activity starts, 
either by the learner or by another individual. 

It is the intention to learn that distinguishes learning activities from non-learning activities. Of course, 
some activities whose main purpose is not learning may also lead to learning. For example, when 
entering a sports competition one might improve one’s own performance although there might not be 
a formulated intention to do so. This case is considered a non-learning activity because, although 
learning may happen, it is a by-product of the activity. 

In other words, a non-learning activity can produce the same type of outcomes as a learning activity. 
Random learning can happen as a by-product of a non-learning activity, as an ‘improvement in 
behaviour, information, knowledge, understanding, attitude, values or skills’ or ‘work, societal and 
personal outcomes’. 

The border between learning activities and non-learning activities is sometimes difficult to identify. 
Culture, sports and religion include activities which may or may not be considered learning activities, 
depending on whether there is an intention to learn; these should be addressed with particular care. 
This is particularly the case in less organised activities like self-learning. In more organised activities 
designed for learning the desire or effort of the participant to learn would not change the nature of the 
activity to make it a ‘non-learning activity’. Examples of borderline cases are presented in Annex 1. 

What is the difference between information and learning? 

The distinction is basically between learning and non-learning activities. For informal 
learning, knowledge is made available and it is up to the individual to use it to learn or not; it 
is always the intention to learn that counts. The decision is up to the individual accessing 
the information. 

10  Definition based on the EU definition of LA and HALLA. The term ‘deliberate’ is proposed instead of the term ‘voluntary’ used in the 
HALLA. The word ‘voluntary’ means acting on one’s own free will, not due to an obligation. The word ‘deliberate’ is close to the 
meaning of ‘intentional’ i.e. done on or with purpose. The word deliberate is also in line with ISCED’s phrasing: ‘deliberate activities 
involving some form of communication intended to bring about learning’ (see ISCED 2011, paragraph 12, page 7). 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

Should an activity have a minimum duration to be 
considered a learning activity? 

At the conceptual level, a minimum duration is not necessary. At the implementation level, 
the respondent in a household survey would implicitly use a minimum. Imposing a common 
minimum of for example four hours would not improve comparability since the respondent’s 
indication of the duration is not considered precise enough for informal learning. 

Organised learning is defined as ‘planned in a pattern or sequence with explicit or implicit aims. It 
involves a providing agency (person(s) or body) that facilitates the learning environment, and a 
method of instruction through which communication is organised. Instruction typically involves a 
teacher or a trainer who is engaged in communicating and guiding knowledge and skills with a view 
to bringing about learning. The medium of instruction can also be indirect, e.g. through radio, 
television, computer software, film, recordings, internet or other communication technologies’.11 

From this definition we can see that the concept of ‘organised’ is a characteristic of any learning 
activity, since the decision to organise an activity in order to learn a subject is a key criterion for 
considering that there is intention to learn. Some activities might have a high degree of organisation 
(e.g. attending school). Other activities that are considered to be learning activities may have a very 
low level of organisation, e.g. self-learning a new piece of software, by using a manual. From this 
perspective, every purposeful action has a certain level of organisation. 

The definition of organised refers to a decision being made on different aspects related to learning 
(content, structuring knowledge, methods, timing, purpose, environment, etc.) which are pre-
determined before starting the activity. This can refer either to the role of an institution or body that 
structures, funds and/or conducts the learning process, or to the process of planning learning in 
terms of setting the content, the methods, or the timing.12 

1.3. Single learning activities (SLAs) 

Learning activities are made up of one or more single learning activities. The single learning activity 
is therefore the basic theoretical building block of the CLA, with which all learning activities can be 
captured and described. 

A single learning activity is defined as being ‘characterised by unity of method and subject’. 

This means that each time there is a change in the method of learning or subject of learning there is 
a different single learning activity. Figure 1 illustrates this (subjects in rows, methods in columns). 

The subject (or field) is what the individual learns. The ISCED fields of education and training 2013 
(ISCED-F 2013)13 is the classification to be used for the content of educational programmes. 

The method is the organisational frame used to learn or to teach (i.e. acquire or transmit ideas, 
information, knowledge, skills and competences). This can take the form of (educational) 
programmes, courses, events, or other more or less organised forms. 

The method, i.e. organisational frame, coincides closest with the everyday understanding of the 
method used for learning at different levels (e.g. classroom instruction, private tuition, self-learning). 
Within each SLA, different learning media and tools may be used. A change in media or tools does 

11  ISCED 2011, paragraph 15, page 7. 

12  HALLA, page 12. 

13  ISCED 2011, Annex IV and the ISCED fields of education and training 2013 (ISCED-F 2013, manual to accompany the ISCED 2011). 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

not mean a change of SLA. This means that, for example, even if classroom instruction includes oral 
presentations, using books in the classroom and using the internet in the classroom, the activity 
should still be considered as one SLA. 

Figure 1: Single learning activities 

S7 

S6 

S5 

S4 

S3 

S2 

S1 

SLA 

SLA 

SLA 

SLA  SLA  SLA 

SLA  SLA  SLA 

SLA 

SLA 

M1  M2  M3  M4  M5  M6  M7 

1.4. Learning map and aggregation of single 
learning activities 

Figure 1 above shows a grid with all the learning activities a person completed; this is their ‘learning 
map’. It includes different kinds of methods used by the person to learn all kinds of subjects, and 
shows them graphically. 

Figure 2: A course is basically a grouping of SLAs by subject 

S7 

S6 

S5 

S4 

S3 

S2 

S1 

SLA 

SLA 

SLA 

SLA  SLA  SLA 

SLA  SLA  SLA 

SLA 

SLA 

M1  M2  M3  M4  M5  M6  M7 

In practice, single learning activities don’t always stay separate from each other, several can be 
grouped together. A series of SLAs towards learning a specific subject (field of study) is called a 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

course. A course is defined as ‘a unit of instruction comprising a sequence of educational activities 
in a particular field or range of related fields of education’.14 Figure 2, where the different methods 
used to learn subject S3 are framed in blue, illustrates this. 

There is another type of SLA grouping: when there are several SLAs organised as a set, with each 
using a different method to learn a different subject. This is called a programme. A programme is 
defined ‘as a coherent set or sequence of educational activities or communication designed and 
organised to achieve pre-determined learning objectives or accomplish a specific set of educational 
tasks over a sustained period’.15 A programme would typically include several courses and individual 
SLAs i.e. where a specific method is used to learn a specific subject that is not part of the 
programme or any of the courses in it. Figure 3 shows a programme framed in red. 

Figure 3: A programme can be a grouping of courses and SLAs 

S7 

S6 

S5 

S4 

S3 

S2 

S1 

SLA 

SLA 

SLA 

SLA  SLA  SLA 

SLA  SLA  SLA 

SLA 

SLA 

M1  M2  M3  M4  M5  M6  M7 

Note: The terms ‘programme’ and ‘course’, used above to facilitate the understanding of the 
concepts of single learning activities and learning maps, may have different meanings in everyday 
language in different institutional and national contexts. They may even correspond to ‘the use of one 
method (e.g. classroom instruction) to learn one subject (history)’ which according to the description 
above is a SLA. Therefore, use of the term ‘programme’ or ‘course’ in the description of an activity 
should not automatically be interpreted as corresponding to the above theoretical definitions. 

As stated in the 2011 ISCED, within an education programme educational activities may be ‘grouped 
into subcomponents variously described in national contexts as ‘courses’, ‘modules’, ‘units’ and/or 
‘subjects’. In ISCED, a ‘course’ is equivalent in meaning to a ‘module’, ‘unit’ and/or ‘subject’’.16 

14  ISCED 2011, glossary. Another definition is the one presented in the HALLA (page 36): ‘A series of lectures or lessons in a particular 
subject typically leading to certification or at least to a confirmation of participation’ (source: based on the New Oxford Dictionary, 
1998). 

15  ISCED 2011, paragraph 11, page 7. 

16  ISCED 2011, paragraph 18, page 7. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

1.5. Scope of education and learning and 
categories of learning activities 
Education and learning can be classified into four broad categories: formal education17 (FED), non-
formal education18 (NFE), informal learning (INF), and random/incidental learning. This conceptual 
structure is presented in Figure 419. 

Figure 4: Scope of education and learning 

Random learning 

Informal learning 

Formal 
education 

Non-formal 
education 

Family-, socially- or self-directed 

Media and communication 

Based on the definitions of learning activities used for the CLA, random learning is excluded from 
statistical observation because it is not intentional. The scope of the CLA is shown by the thick red 
line in Figure 4. 

The classification proposed in the CLA is based on three broad categories: formal education and 
training (FED), non-formal education and training (NFE), and informal learning (INF). It should be 
possible to classify all learning activities into one of these three broad categories. The conceptual 
definitions of these three categories are as follows: 

Formal education20 is defined as ‘education that is institutionalised, intentional and planned through 
public organisations and recognised private bodies, and — in their totality — constitute the formal 
education system of a country. Formal education programmes are thus recognised as such by the 
relevant national education or equivalent authorities, e.g. any other institution in cooperation with the 
national or sub-national education authorities. Formal education consists mostly of initial education 
[…]. Vocational education, special needs education and some parts of adult education are often 
recognised as being part of the formal education system. Qualifications from formal education are by 
definition recognised and, therefore, are within the scope of ISCED. Institutionalised education 
occurs when an organisation provides structured educational arrangements, such as student-teacher 
relationships and/or interactions, that are specially designed for education and learning’. There is a 
clear hierarchy of qualifications granted by ISCED levels up to post-secondary non-tertiary education 

17  ‘Education’ meaning by convention ‘education and training’. 

18  ‘Education’ meaning by convention ‘education and training’. 

19  UNESCO, 1996: Manual for statistics on non-formal education. 

20  ISCED 2011, paragraph 36, page 11. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

programmes (level 4). For tertiary education (levels 5 to 8), the pathways can be more complex (for 
details see ISCED 201121). 

Non-formal education22 is defined as ‘education that is institutionalised, intentional and planned by 
an education provider. The defining characteristic of non-formal education is that it is an addition, 
alternative and/or complement to formal education within the process of lifelong learning of 
individuals. It is often provided in order to guarantee the right of access to education for all. It caters 
to people of all ages but does not necessarily apply a continuous pathway structure; it may be short 
in duration and/or low-intensity; and it is typically provided in the form of short courses, workshops or 
seminars. Non-formal education mostly leads to qualifications that are not recognised as formal or 
equivalent to formal qualifications by the relevant national or sub-national education authorities or to 
no qualifications at all. Nevertheless, formal, recognised qualifications may be obtained through 
exclusive participation in specific non-formal education programmes; this often happens when the 
non-formal programme completes the competencies obtained in another context’. 

ISCED 2011 provides further explanations of non-formal education and training in its Annex V. 

Informal learning is defined as ‘intentional, but it is less organised and less structured … and may 
include for example learning events (activities) that occur in the family, in the workplace, and in the 
daily life of every person, on a self-directed, family-directed or socially-directed basis’.23 

When do sports activities become ‘leisure’ and stop being 
‘learning’? 

In order to focus on learning activities and exclude the activities which are merely physical 
fitness programmes, we only include activities which focus on rules, techniques and skills, 
and which are competitive (professional or amateur). 

Therefore, sports activities which are not formally organised and which do not involve a 
trainer/teacher/coach are not considered to be training/learning activities, but rather physical 
fitness programmes. They are not included in non-formal learning. 

Courses for coaches/trainers and/or umpires/referees/judges that lead to a 
qualification/certificate which enables participants to carry out these roles can be considered 
non-formal learning. 

The following section includes the operational criteria to use in order to classify learning activities into 
the three categories corresponding to the conceptual definitions. Note that the term ‘education’ is 
used to mean ‘education and training’. 

21   ISCED 2011, paragraph 206, page 46. 

22  ISCED 2011, paragraph 39, page 11. 

23  As defined in the report of the Eurostat TF/ MLLL (paragraph 32, page 12). This definition is in line with ISCED 2011, paragraph 43, 

page 12. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

1.6. Operational criteria for distinguishing 
broad categories of learning activities 

While preparing a set of recommendations to follow when classifying learning activities, the task 
force on measuring lifelong learning provided a list of criteria that can be used to distinguish the 
different types of education and learning activities. 

The 2006 version of the CLA did not include these criteria; they were added (with minor changes) 
after discussions on the implementation of the 2011 AES and the new ISCED 2011. An additional 
criterion was also added to align the concept of formal education to the one used in the ISCED.  

The full list of criteria is as follows (see section 1.6.2 for further details): 

Criterion 

Formal 

Non-formal 

Informal 

(a) 

Intention to learn 

(b)  Organisation 

(c) 

(d) 

Institutional framework and location 

Hierarchy level-grade structure 
(‘ladder’) 

(e) 

Admission requirements 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

(i) 

Registration requirements 

Teaching/learning methods 
(predetermined/not flexible) 

Duration of at least one semester 
(minimum of 30 ECTS24) 

Recognition of the programme by the 
relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities  

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

(X) 

X 

X 

(X) 

1.6.1. Informal learning versus formal and non-formal 
education and training 

There is one fundamental criterion that distinguishes informal learning from education and training 
(formal and non-formal). This is whether the learning activity is institutionalised or not. 

Institutionalised learning activities occur when there is ‘an organisation [which] provides structured 
educational arrangements, such as student-teacher relationships and/or interactions, that are 
specially designed for education and learning’.25 

24   For further details on the European credit transfer and accumulation system, see http://ec.europa.eu/education/ects/ects_en.htm. 

25   ISCED 2011, paragraph 36, page 11. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

Learning activities are institutionalised when they are organised by an agency or body which is 
responsible for setting at least the: 

 

 

 

 

teaching/learning method (predetermined); 

learning schedule; 

admission requirements; 

location in which the learning/teaching will take place. 

Informal learning activities are not institutionalised. 

They are less structured and can take place almost anywhere: within the family, with friends, at work 
or at facilities made available by education and training providers. 

What if the employer has a learning centre where 
employees can borrow ‘teach yourself’ materials (in 
electronic format or hard copy) and use them either there 
or take them home? 

A learning centre is knowledge infrastructure for learning and not an institutionalised 
learning activity. This means that ‘knowledge’ is institutionalised (as it would be for any type 
of learning centre made available by the state, the municipality or an association) but not the 
learning activity – this is self-learning and thus informal. 

Is a teacher who gives private lessons an ‘institution’, so 
that most private lessons qualify as ‘non-formal 
education’? 

A private tutor should be considered an institution. As far as the learner is concerned, the 
tutor is an external body that decides and implements the content and teaching methods. 
Private lessons can even be considered ‘formal education’ if the national education system 
recognises home-schooling and the programme is recognised as formal by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities. 

Training received during military service may include 
courses. How should these be treated? 

Under the CLA, these courses should be classified as non-formal training. 

1.6.2. Formal versus non-formal education and training 

There were several conflicts in the definitions of the concept of formal education and training 
between the 2006 version of the CLA and other reference documents on education statistics, 
including the ISCED 2011 and the operational manual for the UOE26 data collection on 
enrolments/entrants. 

26  Joint UNESCO-OECD-Eurostat (UOE) administrative data collection on formal education systems. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

These conflicts resulted in the following two discrepancies:  

 

 

the reference to the national framework of qualifications (NFQ) as defining formal education 
in the 2006 CLA is absent from the ISCED; 

the reference to minimum duration criteria for programmes to qualify as formal education in 
the UOE is absent from the 2006 CLA.  

This made it difficult to correctly set the boundaries between the two forms of education and training 
in the 2006 version of the CLA. 

In order to further align the CLA with ISCED 2011, the direct reference to the NFQ is removed 
from the criteria for classifying a learning activity as formal, and the recognition of the 
programme (as formal) by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities27 is added 
instead (see modified decision-making flow chart in section 1.7). 

Accordingly, the criteria for classifying formal education and training are: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

(i) 

intention to learn; 

organisation; 

institutional framework and location; 

hierarchy level-grade structure (‘ladder’); 

admission requirements; 

registration requirements; 

teaching/learning methods (predetermined/not flexible); 

duration of at least one semester (minimum of 30 ECTS); 

recognition of the programme by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. 

Several of these criteria require further explanation, in particular: 

(d) Hierarchy level-grade structure: ‘The notion of ‘levels’ of education is represented by an 
ordered set, grouping education programmes in relation to gradations of learning experiences, as 
well as the knowledge, skills and competencies which each programme is designed to impart. The 
ISCED level reflects the degree of complexity and specialisation of the content of an education 
programme, from foundational to complex’.28 According to the ISCED definition, formal education can 
be seen as a complex ladder of education where recognised completion of one level gives access to 
another higher level of complexity. 

(e) Admission requirements: These are defined as ‘the requirement or set of requirements, which 
have to be fulfilled to have access to learning’. Formal education is typically (and almost always) 
subject to various admission requirements, mostly based on prior educational attainment, but also 
age. In non-formal education, admission requirements don’t always exist, but non-compulsory 
prerequisites might be recommended. 

(f) Registration requirements: These are defined as ‘the requirement or set of requirements which 
have to be fulfilled to record formally the enrolment to learning’. Formal education is typically subject 
to registration. There are no registration requirements for non-formal education.29 

(h) Duration of at least one semester (minimum of 30 ECTS): ‘Programmes of shorter duration 

27  ISCED 2011, paragraph 36, page 11. 

28  ISCED 2011, paragraph 47, page 13. 

29  UNESCO Manual for statistics on non-formal education, page 4. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

than one semester, full time equivalent duration as defined nationally’30 should be excluded from 
formal education and training. The programmes which fulfil all the eight other criteria but are shorter 
than one semester should be considered as non-formal. 

(i) Recognition of the programme by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities: 
A programme is only formal if the programme itself is recognised by the relevant national education 
or equivalent authorities, irrespective of whether it leads to a qualification recognised as equivalent to 
a formal qualification by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. 

On the other hand, non-formal education refers to institutionalised learning activities for which the 
programme is not recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. It includes 
structured programmes that are not recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent 
authorities, usually because the provider is not recognised as being part of the country’s regular 
education system31 (e.g. professional organisations, private commercial companies, non-
governmental organisations). 

If a non-formal programme leads (either automatically or via a validation procedure) to a qualification 
that the relevant national education or equivalent authorities recognise as equivalent to a formal 
qualification, this does not necessarily imply that the programme itself should be considered as 
formal. 

In order to classify a learning activity organised by a foreign educational institution or delivered as 
‘distance learning’ by an institution based outside the reporting country (for a household survey this 
would be the country of residence of the respondent/individual), it is important to look at the nature of 
the programme itself. The activity should be considered as formal if the programme is recognised by 
the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. Otherwise the programme is non-formal 
education. 

What about formal training where the provider is an 
employer? 

If the employer provides the training as part of a programme recognised by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities then the activity is ‘formal training’. 

If the person takes part in the training after receiving his/her qualification in order to be a 
recognised professional (e.g. a law graduate practising to become a lawyer or a medicine 
graduate practising to become a pathologist) then the activity is considered work and not 
learning. 

If the person obtains work experience which s/he can later on decide to have validated as a 
qualification that is recognised as equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities, then the activity is considered as work and not learning. 
This is because the programme is separate from the recognition process, which may be 
undertaken on a voluntary basis. 

30  UOE manual (July 2012), page 5 on the ‘Coverage of the data collection’. 

31  See ISCED 2011, paragraph 37, page 11: ‘Formal education typically takes place in educational institutions that are designed to 

provide full-time education for students in a system designed as a continuous educational pathway’. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

If a person obtains a qualification recognised as equivalent 
to a formal qualification by the relevant national education 
or equivalent authorities by sitting an examination after 
studying on his/her own, should this self-study be 
considered as formal education? 

A programme is only formal if the programme is recognised by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities. This implies that the programme is meant to be followed 
through an institution (i.e. it should be institutionalised). 

Self-study on the other hand is by definition not institutionalised. Even if a person studying 
on their own is allowed to register for a final examination so that they can obtain a 
qualification recognised as equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities the learning activity is still considered as informal as it is 
separate from the examination, and the examination is not compulsory. 

Watching a ‘language course’ programme on TV is informal 
learning. What if (case A) it is possible to register 
beforehand and to interact with the teacher while following 
the course on TV, and at the end to sit an examination 
which leads to a qualification recognised as equivalent to a 
formal qualification by the relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities?  

Or what if (case B) the person attending the programme 
can at its end sit an examination to get a degree 
corresponding to the knowledge acquired through the 
programme? 

In case A, the TV is used as any other means of distance learning (internet, correspondence, 
etc.). If the programme on TV is recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent 
authorities, then the activity should be considered as formal. Otherwise, it is non-formal. 

In case B, the learning activity is not institutionalised and therefore it should be considered 
as informal. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

If somebody participates in a course (which can be a 
distance learning course) that gives them credits which 
they can use for example to complete a modular 
programme and obtain a qualification recognised as 
equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities, are they participating 
in formal education? 

Participating in and completing a module which is part of a programme recognised by the 
relevant national education or equivalent authorities is indeed formal education, unless the 
programme’s duration is shorter than one semester. 

1.7. Summary decision-making flow chart 

The process of classifying learning activities based on broad categories is summarised in the 
decision-making flowchart below. 

Figure 5: Classification of learning activities based on the three broad categories 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General concepts and definitions 

1 

Note 1: link between the CLA and the national framework of 
qualifications 

The national framework of qualifications (NFQ) is defined as ‘the single, nationally and 
internationally accepted entity, through which all learning achievements may be measured 
and related to each other in a coherent way and which define the relationship between all 
education and training awards’. The NFQ could take the form of a regulatory document which 
stipulates the qualifications and their relative positions in a hierarchy of learning 
achievements as well as the bodies that provide or deliver these qualifications (awarding 
bodies). 

The NFQ covers both education and training and is independent of the pathway leading to the 
award of the qualifications included in it. The national awarding bodies typically include 
public bodies with the authority to define and/or recognise the value of a qualification, which 
positions it in the NFQ. They are not limited to ministries of education, although ministries are 
expected to play a major role. 

In the 2006 version of the CLA, the concept of NFQ was used as a way of indicating whether 
an activity qualified as formal. An institutionalised learning activity (i.e. education in the 
broader sense) was considered formal if its completion led to a learning achievement (a 
qualification or award) that could be positioned within a national framework of qualifications 
(NFQ). 

Note 2: link between the CLA and the European 
qualifications framework 

The European qualifications framework (EQF) is a tool that supports the communication of 
and comparison between qualifications systems in Europe. Its eight common European 
reference levels are described in terms of learning outcomes: knowledge, skills and 
competences. This makes it possible for national qualifications systems and qualifications to 
correspond to EQF levels. Learners, graduates, education providers and employers can use 
these levels to understand and compare qualifications awarded in different countries and by 
different education and training systems. The EQF was formally adopted by the European 
Parliament and the Council in April 2008. 

The EQF aims to facilitate the mobility of students and workers within the EU in order to 
encourage the development of a mobile and flexible European workforce and to support 
lifelong learning. It enables learners, learning providers and employers to compare 
qualifications between different national systems. This helps increase mobility in the labour 
market within and between countries because it makes it easy to determine a person’s level 
of qualification and mobility improves the balance between demand and supply of knowledge 
and skills. 

Although the EQF can be a useful tool for describing learning programmes, its scope is 
mostly labour-market oriented and it is therefore not considered to be completely relevant for 
collecting statistical data on participation in education and training. To avoid adding extra 
complexity, there is deliberately no link established between the CLA and the EQF. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Classification of learning activities (CLA) 

2 

2 Classification of learning 

activities (CLA) 

2.1. Content and structure of the CLA 

The CLA is a taxonomic coding system for learning activities. Learning activities can encompass one 
or more single learning activities (SLAs). 

2.2. Primary statistical unit used in the CLA 

Each learning activity can be classified as only one of the three broad categories of learning (formal 
education, non-formal education or informal learning). This is done based on the operational criteria 
explained in previous sections of this manual. 

* Formal education 

The primary statistical unit for formal education is the educational programme as defined by ISCED.  
The central or main SLA of formal education is ‘taught learning’ (face-to-face or distance). 

* Non-formal education 

The primary statistical unit for non-formal education are institutionalised learning arrangements for 
learning one or more subjects. These arrangements can take the form of courses, non-formal 
education programmes or any arrangements where the central or main SLA is institutionalised and 
taught (face-to-face or distance). 

* Informal learning 

The primary statistical unit for informal learning is the method used for one subject. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Classification of learning activities (CLA) 

2 

What happens if the activity reported is in fact several 
different activities? 

Although the CLA is built around the basic building block of the ‘single learning activity’ 
which is characterised by unity of method and subject, the level of detail at which information 
will be collected and analysed depends on the purpose of the survey that is going to use the 
CLA. 

For this purpose, we can say that there is an implicit hierarchy of categories. ‘Formal’ is 
higher than ‘non-formal’ which is higher than ‘informal’. Activities of a lower level carried out 
as part of an activity of a higher level can be considered part of the higher level activity: for 
example using self-study, additional tutoring or internet resources as part of homework for a 
formal education programme can be considered as part of the formal activity if we are not 
interested in the details of the methods used by the student to take part in the formal activity. 

On the other hand, if an activity at a higher level is organised in the framework of a longer 
activity of a lower level then it should be considered as a separate activity. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Broad categories, classes and sub-classes 

3 

3 Broad categories, classes 

and sub-classes 

3.1. Summary table 

The proposed categories, classes and sub-classes for the classification of learning activities are 
summarised in the following table. Explanatory notes are presented in section 3.2. 

Codes 

Broad categories / classes / sub-classes 

1. 

2. 

2.1. 

2.2. 

2.2.1. 

2.2.2. 

2.2.3. 

2.2.4. 

2.3. 

2.4. 

3. 

3.1. 

3.1.1. 

3.1.2. 

3.2. 

3.2.1. 

3.2.2. 

3.2.3. 

3.2.4. 

Formal education 

Non-formal education 

Non-formal programmes 

Courses 

Courses conducted via classroom instruction (including lectures) 

Combined theoretical-practical courses (including workshops) 

Courses conducted through open and distance education 

Private tuition (private lessons) 

Guided-on-the-job training 

Other not specified elsewhere 

Informal learning 

Taught learning 

Coaching / informal tuition 

Guided visits 

Non-taught learning 

Self-learning 

Learning-group 

Practice 

Non-guided visits 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Broad categories, classes and sub-classes 

3 

3.2. Explanatory notes to the CLA 

1. 

Formal education 

Formal education refers to institutionalised learning activities, which are made up of structured 
hierarchical programmes with the following specificities: chronological succession of levels and 
grades, admission requirements, formal registration and recognition by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities. 

The explanatory notes for the detailed classes of formal education are the same as those for the 
ISCED 2011 levels of education. Readers should therefore refer to the ISCED 2011 publication for 
any further information on the content of this broad category, its classes and sub-classes. 

2. 

Non-formal education 

Non-formal education refers to institutionalised learning activities which are made up of structured 
hierarchical programmes not recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. 

2.1. 

Non-formal programmes 

If the content of a programme looks similar/equivalent to that of a formal education programme, the 
ISCED 2011 criteria should be used to decide whether the learning activity should be considered as 
formal or non-formal: the programme is non-formal if it is not recognised by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities. 

2.2. 

Courses 

Courses are typically subject-oriented. They are taught by one or more people specialised in a 
specific field or fields. They may take place in one or more settings/environments, as listed below.  

2.2.1.  Courses conducted via classroom instruction (including lectures) 

This subcategory includes learning organised for a group of people in a classroom. It is built around 
a teacher/tutor/instructor passing on knowledge with the intention of providing instructions and 
educating. It may or may not include discussion on a given subject. 

Includes:  

Job-related courses undertaken either during or outside of working hours, either in the workplace or 
at an external location, either paid or unpaid by the employer. These sessions have the character of 
a course, and are conducted through classroom instruction. They may be provided during 
conferences or congresses. They may have names like ‘tutorial’, ‘seminar’ or even ‘workshop’ and 
are included if there is an educational objective, which distinguishes them from information sessions. 
They don’t involve practical training. If they did, they would be classified under 2.2.2. 

2.2.2.  Combined theoretical-practical courses (including workshops) 

This subcategory covers all courses that combine classroom instruction (theoretical) with practice in 
real or simulated situations. It includes vocational apprenticeships, except those covered by formal 
education (e.g. ‘dual system’ programmes or ‘alternance’ which combine formal schooling and work-
/company-based training). Combined theoretical-practical courses also include learning activities that 
combine some classroom instruction with guided-on-the-job training and practice. 

Includes: 

Sessions that combine theoretical instruction with hands-on training, given during conferences or 
congresses, with names such as ‘workshop’, ‘seminar’, ‘tutorial’, or other. 

2.2.3.  Courses conducted through open and distance education  

This subcategory covers courses which are similar to face-to-face courses, i.e. they may have 
elements such as a curriculum, registration, tutoring and even tests, but take place via postal 
correspondence or electronic media, linking the instructor/teacher/tutor with students who are not in 
the same place.  

Classification of learning activities – manual 

26 

 
 
 
 
 Broad categories, classes and sub-classes 

3 

This type of course involves interaction between the instructor and the student, albeit delayed rather 
than simultaneous. 

2.2.4.  Private tuition (private lessons) 

This is a ‘planned series of (supplementary) learning experiences offered by experts or others who 
act as experts, selected to deepen knowledge or skills, to learn more intensively, usually undertaken 
by only one or very few learners’. Typically, the tutor (a physical person) is also the education 
‘provider’ with education as their ‘core activity’. 

What is the difference between a private lesson that is 
institutionalised (category 2.2.4) and a private lesson that 
is not institutionalised (category 3.1.1)? 

The difference lies in the role of the provider/tutor and their relation to the learner. If the 
provider/tutor delivers private lessons as their main activity and offers a professional teacher-
to-student relationship in this context, then the activity falls under 2.2.4. If the provider/tutor 
is helping the learner in the framework of a social relationship, then the activity falls under 
3.1.1. 

2.3. 

Guided-on-the-job training 

This type of training is characterised by planned periods of training, instruction or practical 
experience, using normal tools of work, either at the immediate place of work or in a work-situation,32 
with the presence of a tutor.33 It is usually organised by the employer to make it easier for (new) staff, 
including transferred, re-hired and seasonal/temporary staff, to adapt to their (new) jobs. It may 
include general training about the company (organisation, operating procedures, etc.) as well as 
specific job-related instructions (safety and health hazards, working practices). 

In general, the following characteristics will help determine whether the learning activity is guided-on-
the-job training, or not. Guided-on-the-job training: 

 

 

 

 

 

is work-based (takes place at the workplace); 

consists of planned periods of training; 

takes place with the presence of a tutor or instructor; 

is organised (or initiated) by the employer; 

is an individual-based and practical activity. 

Excludes: 

 

 

all apprenticeships under formal education and combined theoretical-practical courses 
under non-formal education (see sub-class 2.2.2); 

job-related courses undertaken during or outside of working hours, either in or outside the 
workplace, either paid or unpaid by the employer (see class 2.2). 

32  This corresponds to the ‘planned periods of training, instruction or practical experience’ category. 
33   The tutor/instructor might not be physically present, e.g. they can give their instructions remotely (e.g. by phone or through a 

web-based device). 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
 Broad categories, classes and sub-classes 

3 

2.4. 

Other not specified elsewhere 

This sub-category includes non-formal education activities which cannot be classified as one of the 
other broad categories. These may be activities very specific to a country or activities that are new 
on the market. 

3. 

Informal learning 

Informal learning activities are not institutionalised. They include a less structured set of single 
learning activities. They can take place almost anywhere: within the family, with friends, at work, etc. 

3.1. 

Taught learning 

3.1.1.  Coaching / informal tuition 

This includes a very wide range of learning experiences that are: 

 

 

 

 

organised but not institutionalised; 

offered by experts or others who act as experts;  

selected to deepen knowledge or skills or learn more intensively;  

undertaken by one or very few learners.  

It also includes activities designed to assist and support individuals in other processes of learning. 

This means all taught learning, both face-to-face and distance. Coaching and informal tuition may 
involve monetary compensation. 

Includes: 

 

 

 

face-to-face instruction from a colleague on how to use a new tool at work; 

lessons provided by members of the household or other individuals, such as relatives, 
acquaintances or neighbours;  

tuition/lessons given by a relative, acquaintance or neighbour who is also an expert on or 
teacher of the subject concerned. 

3.1.2.  Guided visits 

This includes a very wide range of organised events designed to pass on information within a 
predetermined limited period of time in a specific location. The location is the principal element of 
presenting the subject matter that the learner intends to learn about, and the key way in which the 
provider passes on information. The key criterion for deciding whether such an activity is a learning 
activity or not is whether there is a pre-determined learning objective prior to the visit. This intention 
to learn may also be reflected in the choice of type of guide (tourist guide or educational 
support/scientific personnel of the site visited). 

Includes: 

 

 

 

visiting cultural heritage sites (e.g. museums, exhibitions, historical and sacred sites and 
buildings); 

visiting scientific and natural sites (e.g. space centres, nature parks, botanical and zoological 
gardens); 

visiting private and public businesses or organisations (e.g. a farm, a nuclear power plant, 
the EU institutions, trade fairs and exhibitions). 

3.2. 

Non-taught learning 

3.2.1.  Self-learning 

Self-learning (self-study) is carried out by an individual on their own. It involves the use of one or 
more of the learning media presented in the classification of learning media, which may be combined 
with certain learning tools (see examples in Annex l). Self-learning can take place in private (e.g. at 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

28 

 
 
 
 
 Broad categories, classes and sub-classes 

3 

home or in the car), in public (e.g. on a train, aeroplane, at cafe), and in job-related 
settings/environments. 

Includes: 

 

 

studying a subject using printed material (books, etc.); 

listening to a foreign language CD or MP3s in the car; 

  watching a documentary on TV; 

 

 

 

systematically observing animals in the countryside; 

using teaching material from the internet; 

practising or doing homework. 

3.2.2.  Learning-group 

This includes participation in all kinds of informal groups (with like-minded people, friends, 
colleagues, students, etc.), where there is no instruction. It can take place in private (e.g. at home), in 
public (e.g. in a community hall or hotel), and in job-related settings/environments. 

The learners may communicate face-to-face or remotely. Distance group discussion channels 
include postal correspondence and electronic means e.g. internet chats, email or video conferencing. 

This category includes ‘learning circles’ which are defined as ‘groups of employees who come 
together on a regular basis with the primary aim to learn about the requirements of the work 
organisation, work-procedures and workplace (it is a form of individual learning within groups)’ and 
‘quality circles’ which are defined as ‘working groups with the aim to discuss about problems and 
search for problem-solving in the production and on the workplace where participants have to be 
integrated in the planning and controlling procedures of the enterprise (a moderator coordinates 
quality circles)’. 

3.2.3.  Practice 

Practice typically involves the implementation or repetition of knowledge, methods, rules or 
instructions related to a subject, with the intention of improving personal performance in a specific 
area. It can be done in any setting/environment conducive to practising the subject matter. This can 
be in private (e.g. at home), in public (e.g. in the street), and in job-related settings/environments. It 
includes doing homework for formal or non-formal programmes. 

3.2.4.  Non-guided visits 

This includes any visit undertaken with the predetermined purpose to learn, without the intervention 
of a guide. Tools like printed visitors’ guides, brochures or pre-recorded audio guides may be used 
for this type of learning. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 Bibliography 

4 

4 Bibliography 

4.1. European Commission 

Communication from the Commission: European benchmarks in education and training: follow-up to 
the Lisbon European Council, 20 November 2002. 

Communication from the Commission: Making a European area of lifelong learning a reality. 
Brussels, 20 December 2001. COM(2002) 629 final. 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1313/2002 of 19 July 2002 implementing Council Regulation (EC) 
No 577/98 on the organisation of a labour force sample survey in the Community concerning the 
specification of the 2003 ad hoc module on lifelong learning. OJ 192/16 of 20.07.2002. 

Fields of education and training manual, Eurostat, December 1999. Authors: R. Andersson & A. K. 
Olsson of Statistics Sweden. 

Eurostat task force on measuring lifelong learning (TF/MLLL) Report. By Spyridon Pilos, Eurostat — 
Education and Training Statistics, March 2001. Eurostat Working Papers ‘Population and social 
conditions’ 3/2001/E/No 4. 

Methodological manual for statistics on congresses and conferences, 2000 edition. Catalogue No 
KS- 28-00-599-EN-C. ISBN 92-828-9213-1. 

NACE Rev.1. Statistical Classification of Economic Activities. Catalogue No CA-80-93-436-EN-C. 
ISBN 92-826-8767-8. 

CPA 1996. Statistical Classification of Products by Activity. 

Eurostat Information Society Questionnaire 2002. 

Eurostat task force on adult education survey, Glossary for an adult learning to be used by the TF 
AES, 3rd meeting of the Eurostat task force on adult education survey, 16-18 June 2003, Helsinki. 
Doc.TFAES-M3-2003 — Background document No 1. 

Eurostat task force on adult education survey, Rainer Wilhelm, Statistisches Bundesamt 
Deutschland, 13 June 2003, Task 3 Group (T3G). 

Eurostat task force on adult education survey, Basic dimensions of learning activities, Rainer 
Wilhelm, Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland, 3rd meeting of the Eurostat, task force on adult 
education survey, Helsinki, 16-18 June 2003. 

Classification of training provisions. June 1999. Brandsma and Kornelius. Funded by the Leonardo 
da Vinci project of the Commission. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bibliography 

4 

4.2. CEDEFOP 

Harmonised list of learning activities (HALLA). Final version. April 2002. Authors: D. Gnahs, A. 
Ioannidou, K. Pehl, S. Seidel. Edited by: P. Descy, A. F. Moussoux, S. Pilos. 

Summary and analysis of the feedback from the Member States and other EEA countries as part of 
the consultation on the Commission’s memorandum. November 2001. 

4.3. UNESCO and UNESCO Institute for 
Statistics 

International standard classification of education (ISCED) 2011, December 2012. 

International standard classification of education 2011 — Operational manual, March 2015, ISBN-
978-92-64-22835-1. 

International standard classification of education — Fields of education and training 2013 (ISCED-F 
2013), December 2012. 

International standard classification of education, July 1995. Abridged edition. Office of Statistics. 
ED/BIE/CONFINTED.35/Ref.8. 

International standard classification of education 1997, November 1997. 

Operational manual for ISCED-1997 (international standard classification of education) 1st edition. 
June 1999. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. 

Manual for statistics on non-formal education (preliminary version for field test and comments). 
October 1996. ST-96/WS/1C. 

4.4. OECD 

OECD (1997), Manuel pour élaborer de meilleures statistiques de la formation — Conception, 
mesure, enquêtes / Manual for better Training Statistics — Conceptual, Measurement and Survey 
Issues, Paris. 

OECD (2000), Guidelines on the measurement of training -- a draft proposal, Working Party on 
Employment and Unemployment Statistics DEELSA/ELSA/WP7(2000)6, Paris. 

UIS/OECD/Eurostat UOE data collection. 2002 Data Collection on Education Systems: Definitions, 
Explanations and Instructions. Doc. Ref.: UOE (02) 1. Paris, April 2002. 

4.5. ILO and United Nations Statistics 
Division 

Standard statistical classifications: basic principles, February 1999. By E. Hoffman (ILO) and M. 
Chamie (UN). Presented at the UN Statistics Commission 30th session. New York. March 1999. 

UN Glossary of Classification Terms, available directly on the UN Statistical Division’s website. 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

31 

 
 
 
 
 Bibliography 

4 

4.6. World Bank 

Lifelong learning in the global knowledge economy. ISBN 0-8213-5475-2. 

4.7. National reference papers 

GERMANY: 

Towards a statistical framework for monitoring progress towards Lifelong Learning. By Walter 
Horner, Federal Statistical Office of Germany. Prepared for the INES Technical Group, 2000. 

The inclusion of lifelong learning issues in the German time use survey 2001/2002 (available as 
annex 4 of Eurostat TF/MMLL report). 

CANADA and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: 

Classification of instructional programs (CIP — 2000), November 2001. National Center for 
Education Statistics (US) and Statistics Canada. 

FINLAND: 

Participation in adult education and training in Finland. Adult education survey 2000. By I. Blomqvist, 
T. Ruuskanen, H. Niemi, E. Nyyssönen, Statistics Finland, ISBN-952-467-140-9. 

4.8. Selected websites 

http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/III/III_en.html 

http://forum.europa.eu.mt/Public/irc/dsis/edtcs/library7Wpublic 

www.cedefop.europa.eu 

www.oecd.org 

www.uis.unesco.org 

www.ilo.org/stat 

www.un.org/Depts/unsd/ 

www.worldbank.org 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 Annex 1 

Annex 1 – Cases description 

No 

Case description 

Classified 
as 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Peter, aged 17, is learning French cuisine in an education college. The 
programme lasts 3 years, and theoretical matters are taught in the classroom, 
complemented with practice. To be admitted to this programme, he had to have 
completed secondary school. Every year he must sit for an examination that 
gives access to the next year. The programme is recognised by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities. At the end, the organisation gives a 
qualification in French cuisine with the title of "French cuisine Chef". 

Peter, aged 30, is learning French cuisine in a large company. The programme 
lasts 3 years, and theoretical matters are taught in the classroom, 
complemented with practice. To be admitted to this programme, he had to have 
completed secondary school. Every year he must sit for an examination that 
gives access to the next year. The programme is recognised by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities. At the end, the organisation gives a 
qualification in French cuisine with the title of "French cuisine Chef". 

Peter, aged 30, is learning French cuisine in an unofficial religious organisation 
e.g. the Moonies. The programme lasts 3 years, and theoretical matters are 
taught in the classroom, complemented with practice. To be admitted to this 
programme, he had to have completed secondary school. Every year he must 
sit for an examination that gives access to the next year. The programme is 
recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. At the 
end, the organisation gives a qualification in French cuisine with the title of 
"French cuisine Chef". 

Peter is learning French cuisine in an education college. The programme lasts 3 
years, and theoretical matters are taught in the classroom, complemented with 
practice. To be admitted to this programme, he had to have completed 
secondary school. Every year he must sit for an examination that gives access 
to the next year. The programme is not recognised by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities. However, at the end, the organisation gives 
a qualification recognised by the labour market. 

Peter is learning French cuisine in a large company. The programme lasts 3 
years, and theoretical matters are taught in the classroom, complemented with 
practice. To be admitted to this programme, he had to have completed 
secondary school. Every year he must sit for an examination that gives access 
to the next year. The qualification is not recognised by the labour market and 
the programme is not recognised by the relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities. 

FED 

FED 

FED 

NFE 

NFE 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

33 

No 

Case description 

6 

7 

Peter is learning French cuisine with an unofficial association that organises 1 
weekend workshop with theoretical matters taught in a classroom, 
complemented with practice. Everybody can register to attend the workshop. 
After the completion of the workshop the organisation gives a certificate proving 
the participation and completion of the workshop. The programme is not 
recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. 

Peter is learning French cuisine in a large company that organises 1 weekend 
workshop with theoretical matters taught in a classroom, complemented with 
practice. Everybody can register to attend the workshop. After the completion of 
the workshop the company gives a certificate proving the participation and 
completion of the workshop. The programme is not recognised by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities. 

7bis 

Peter is learning French cuisine in a large company that organises a series of 
workshops with theoretical matters taught in a classroom, complemented with 
practice. To be admitted to this series of workshops, he had to have completed 
lower secondary school. After the completion of the workshops the company 
gives a certificate proving the participation and completion of the programme. 
The attendance of the workshop lasts for one semester and the programme is 
recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. 

8 

9 

10 

Peter is learning French cuisine with a group of friends. One of them is a "Chef 
of French Cuisine" and, as such, gives them guidance on theoretical and 
practice matters. The group will get together once a week, during 2 months. 
Each one bought some books and/or some video material to keep after the end 
of the learning. 

Peter is learning French cuisine with a group of friends who have called 
themselves the French Cuisine Association, and award themselves certificates. 
One of them is a "Chef of French Cuisine" and, as such, gives them guidance 
on theoretical and practice matters. The group will get together once a week, 
during 2 months. Each one bought some books and/or some video material to 
keep after the end of the learning. 

Peter is learning French cuisine with a group of friends who have called 
themselves the French Cuisine Association, and award themselves certificates. 
One of them is a "Chef of French Cuisine" and, as such, gives them guidance 
on theoretical and practice matters. The group will get together once a week, 
during 2 months. Each one bought some books and/or some video material to 
keep after the end of the learning. At the end of 2 months they take an 
examination for a qualification recognised as equivalent to a formal qualification 
by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

NFE 

NFE 

FED 

INF 

INF 

INF 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

34 

No 

Case description 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

Peter (qualified at ISCED 2) working in a commercial bank as an employee 
decides to improve his skills on pottery. He chooses to take an evening course, 
during 1 year with a cultural organisation named "Youth and cultural training". 
He attends 2 hours classes, twice a week for practising and developing his 
creativity. At the end of the year he will be able to participate in specific 
exhibitions although the course does not give any qualification recognised as 
equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities. 

Peter (qualified at ISCED 3) working in a commercial bank as an employee 
decides to improve his skills on pottery. He chooses to take an evening course 
during 1 year with a cultural organisation named "Youth and cultural training". 
He attends 2 hours classes, twice a week for practising and developing his 
creativity. The evening course constitutes a programme that is recognised by 
the relevant national education or equivalent authorities and its duration is 
considered as one semester. At the end of the year he receives an ISCED 2 
qualification, and becomes a professional potter. 

Peter (qualified at ISCED 3) working in a commercial bank as an employee 
decides to improve his skills on pottery. He chooses to take an evening course, 
during 1 year with a cultural organisation named "Youth and cultural Training". 
He attends 2 hours classes, twice a week for practising and developing his 
creativity. The evening course constitutes a programme that is recognised by 
the relevant national education or equivalent authorities and its duration is 
considered as one semester. At the end of the year he receives an ISCED 2 
qualification. He continues his work in the commercial bank. 

Peter (qualified at ISCED 3) working in a commercial bank as an employee 
decides to improve his skills on pottery. He chooses to take an evening course, 
during 1 year with a cultural organisation named "Youth and cultural Training". 
He attends 2 hours classes, twice a week for practising and developing his 
creativity. The programme is recognised by the relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities and its duration is considered as one semester. At the 
end he receives an ISCED 4 qualification. 

Peter retired for 5 years has a science and technology hobby. He decides to 
improve his knowledge in the field of "Climate Changes". He follows a distance 
learning course in the Internet that organises 4 training meetings a year of the 
group. This course lasts for 2 years and gives a qualification recognised as 
equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities. He does not return to work. 

Peter works as a technician in a biology laboratory, decides to train to become a 
financial consultant. He finds 1 distance learning course run by an "Open 
University" lasting for 2 years. The course is organised in modules. These are 
part of a programme that is recognised by the relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities and valued according to a system of credits that the 
individual is able to transfer to another university to complete a diploma of 
financial engineering and do a Ph.D. in the same field. 

NFE 

FED 

FED 

FED 

NFE 

FED 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

35 

No 

Case description 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

Peter (qualified at ISCED 4) works as a technician in a biology laboratory, 
decides to train to become a financial consultant. He finds 1 distance learning 
course run by the "Open University" lasting for 2 years. The course is organised 
in modules. These are part of a programme that is recognised by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities and valued according to a system of 
credits that the individual is able to transfer to another university to complete a 
diploma of financial engineering and do a Ph.D. in the same field. 

FED 

Peter (with no qualifications) works in a factory of textiles as a worker. He 
decides to learn about English civilisation during the leisure time. He buys some 
software to develop his English language skills and choses a number of 
exhibitions and conferences about the theme. He identified a number of 
websites from where he downloads information that he studies 2 hours every 
evening. 

Peter (with no qualifications) works in a factory of textiles as a worker. He 
decides to learn about English civilisation during the leisure time. He buys some 
software to develop his English language skills and choses a number of 
exhibitions and conferences about the theme. He identified a number of 
websites from where he downloads information that he studies 2 hours every 
evening. He takes an exam and gains an ISCED 2 qualification. 

Peter (qualified at ISCED 3) works in a factory of textiles as a worker. He 
decides to learn about English civilisation during the leisure time. He buys some 
software to develop his English language skills and choses a number of 
exhibitions and conferences about the theme. He identified a number of 
websites from where he downloads information that he studies 2 hours every 
evening. He takes an exam and gains an ISCED 2 qualification. 

INF 

INF 

INF 

Peter, a non-skier, receives paid instruction from a registered ski-instructor who 
works for "Ski like a Penguin company". At the end he receives a recognised 
basic ski certificate (qualification not recognised as equivalent to a formal 
qualification by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities). 

NFE 

Peter, a non-skier, receives paid instruction from a registered ski-instructor who 
works for "Ski like a Penguin company". At the end he doesn't receive any 
certificate. 

NFE 

Peter, a non-skier, receives paid instruction from an instructor who is working 
privately and declares earnings. At the end he doesn't receive any certificate. 

NFE 

Peter, a non-skier, receives paid instruction from a private instructor. But the 
instructor puts the money in a back pocket and doesn't declare it. At the end he 
doesn't receive any certificate. 

NFE 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

36 

No 

Case description 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

Peter, a non-skier, receives unpaid instruction from a friend. At the end he can 
participate in examinations to receive a recognised basic ski certificate 
(qualification not recognised as equivalent to a formal qualification by the 
relevant national education or equivalent authorities). 

Peter, a non-skier, pays to learn to ski from someone who is not registered as a 
ski instructor but is qualified as an instructor. 

Peter, a non-skier, pays to learn to ski from someone who is not registered as a 
ski instructor but is a qualified skier. 

Peter, a non-skier, is teaching himself to ski. At the end he participates in 
exams and receives a recognised basic ski certificate (qualification not 
recognised as equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities). 

Peter works in a cake factory, and is moving to a new machine. His supervisor 
gives him 5 minutes/ 1 hour /4 hours/ 1 day training on how to use the new 
machine. 

INF 

NFE 

NFE 

INF 

NFE 

Peter reads a trade journal "Rat catching today" to keep up with developments 
in his profession daily/weekly/monthly/annually at home/at work. 

INF 

Peter, a hairdresser, attends a seminar on hairdressing at a 
university/professional organisation which lasts 1 hour/1 day to keep up with 
new developments in scissors technology. 

Peter, a hairdresser, attends a seminar on hairdressing at a 
university/professional organisation which lasts 1 hour/1 day to keep up with 
new developments in scissors technology but gets drunk on the train, and 
sleeps through the seminar. 

Peter, a hairdresser, attends a seminar on hairdressing at a 
university/professional organisation which lasts 1 hour/1 day to keep up with 
new developments in scissors technology but Peter is not very interested and is 
only attending because his boss could not go. 

Peter, a hairdresser, attends a seminar on hairdressing at a 
university/professional organisation which lasts 1 hour/1 day to keep up with 
new developments in scissors technology but found that he already knew 
everything about scissors and did not learn anything new from the seminar. 

Peter teaches himself to juggle over a 1 month/1 year period. 

Peter teaches himself to juggle over a 1 month/1 year period and receives a 
certificate from the national juggling foundation. 

Peter teaches himself Russian using text books. He is then registered for an 
examination at a college, and receives a qualification recognised as equivalent 
to a formal qualification by the relevant national education or equivalent 
authorities the level of which is equivalent to ISCED 2. 

NFE 

NFE 

NFE 

NFE 

INF 

INF 

INF 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

37 

No 

Case description 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

Peter wants to learn to type. He attends a course at work. 

Peter wants to learn to type. He is given "typing tutor" software to use at work 
by his employer. 

Peter wants to learn to type. He uses "typing tutor" software at work, but doesn't 
tell his employer. 

Peter wants to learn to type. Peter's employer asks Klaus, a colleague hired as 
a qualified typing instructor to provide training to staff, to teach Peter. 

Peter wants to learn to type. Peter's employer asks Klaus, an external qualified 
typing instructor hired for this purpose, to teach Peter. 

Peter wants to learn to type. Peter asks Klaus, a colleague and a qualified 
typing instructor (without telling his employer) to give him private lessons at 
work which he pays for. 

Peter wants to learn to type. Peter asks Klaus, a colleague and a qualified 
typing instructor (without telling his employer) to give him private lessons at 
work which he does not pay for. 

Peter decides to learn Spanish at work during lunchtime breaks. He does this in 
his employer's training centre using "teach-yourself” material which was 
purchased by his employer. 

Peter decides to learn Spanish. He takes home from work (with permission) the 
"teach-yourself” material which was purchased by his employer and uses it to 
learn Spanish in the evening. 

Peter decides to learn Spanish at lunchtime, using "Manuel's guide to Spanish" 
on the Internet. Manuel built the language course as a hobby, and not for 
commercial gain. 

Peter is a diplomat and the foreign office has told him to teach himself Spanish 
before he becomes an ambassador in Peru. He does this from text books 
during work-time. 

In order to learn Spanish Peter is enrolled for a correspondence course lasting 
for one semester. Every week he receives the package with the lessons through 
textbooks and CDs. Every 2 weeks he is obliged to send back the exercises for 
a correction by a teacher. When the semester is over, he receives a certificate 
(not recognised as equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities) of finishing the particular level of the course. 

50 

Peter is learning Spanish following a "TV language course". 

51 

52 

Peter attends a seminar of 2 days on IT technologies. 10 personalities gave 
lectures on the future of IT in the insurance business. No certificate was 
delivered after the seminar. 

Peter attends a seminar of 2 days on IT technologies. 10 personalities gave 
lectures on the future of IT in the insurance business. An attendance certificate 
was delivered proving attendance of the seminar. 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 
NFE 

INF 

INF 

NFE 

NFE 

NFE 

NFE 

INF 

INF 

INF 

INF 

NFE 

INF 

NFE 

NFE 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

38 

No 

Case description 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

Peter attends a seminar of 2 days on IT technologies. 5 workshops are 
organised on the future of IT in the insurance business. All participants are 
registered and have received before the workshop the material for the workshop 
they attend. At the end of the workshop participants who want certification of the 
knowledge acquired, receive a test and are given one hour to complete it. 
Those successful receive a certificate of successful completion of the subject of 
the workshop. The rest of the participants just receive attendance certificates. 
Pascal decides to participate in the test and receives the successful completion 
certificate but the qualification is not recognised as equivalent to a formal 
qualification by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities. 

Peter is visiting the history museum without taking any guide. 

Peter is visiting the history museum and is following the guided-tour given by 
the museum guide into small groups of people. 

NFE 

NLA 

INF 

Peter is visiting the history museum and rents the pre-recorded audio guide. 

INF 

Peter is visiting the zoo to teach his children about reptiles. He is using the 
teaching material provided by the zoo. 

NLA 
(teaching) 

Peter is visiting the zoo to learn more about reptiles. He had visited the zoo 
before to get the "Zoo guide" and has studied at home the reptiles and has 
noted down the characteristics for which he would need to observe closely the 
reptiles in the zoo. 

Peter is visiting the zoo on a weekend for fun. 

Peter is playing a football match with other people. 

Peter is following a course on golf rules. The course also has some practice in 
order to learn the rules. 

Peter has just started playing golf with a trainer, who is giving him elementary 
knowledge about the rules and practices of the game. 

Peter plays golf with a trainer, in order to improve his performance. 

Peter attends classes in a Buddhist temple to learn about Buddhism. 

Peter is Muslim and is going to a mosque. 

Peter is Christian and is visiting a mosque. 

Peter is an atheist and is visiting a mosque as his hobby is comparing religious 
practices. 

Peter is practising meditation. 

Peter is participating in a self-organised learning group of friends to improve 
computer skills in Excel. The group has also engaged for some time a 
professional tutor for more complicated subjects like Visual Basic programming. 

Peter belongs to a network of researchers working on numismatics of central 
Europe in the 1st century. The network does not have any legal status. The 
network members meet once a year in a "conference" organised by them in 
order to exchange knowledge and best practice in their specific domain. Peter 
participates in this conference. 

INF 

NLA 

NLA 

NFE 

NFE 

NLA 

NFE 

NLA 

NLA 

INF 

NLA 

INF 

INF 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

69 

70 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
No 

Case description 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

71 

72 

Peter is participating in a State-run "adult literacy programme" as he did not 
have the opportunity to learn to write and read while he was young. The 
programme is recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent 
authorities and is lasting for one semester. It gives a qualification at ISCED 
level 1. 

Peter is participating in a programme organised by the association "Fight 
illiteracy" aimed at giving adults the basic literacy and numeracy skills for their 
everyday life. No certificate is delivered at the end of the programme. 

FED 

NFE 

73 

Peter is participating in training as part of his compulsory military service. 

NFE 

74 

75 

76 

77 

78 

79 

80 

81 

Peter has successfully completed the classroom instruction (theoretical training) 
for his driving licence. He is now taking driving lessons from a cousin with the 
aim to pass the hand-on driving test of the Ministry of Transport. 

INF 

Peter is currently studying to become a car engineer in a vocational training 
school (ISCED 4 programme). During his studies he has been searching on the 
internet for more information on his subject and he is now attending a 
conference on "evolution of transmission systems". 

Peter is a book publisher and is visiting the "Annual international book 
exhibition" in his city. 

Peter is a book publisher and is attending the "31st International conference on 
typography techniques" organised as part of the "Annual international book 
exhibition" in his city. During this conference he is taking part in the workshop 
on creating the 3D maps. 

FED 

NLA 

NFE 

Peter is doing his homework for the upper secondary programme recognised by 
the relevant national education or equivalent authorities and lasting for one 
semester in which he is participating. 

FED 

Peter is participating in a training organised by Microsoft to receive a certificate 
in software engineering. 

NFE 

Peter has worked as a manager of cultural events for 10 years. He now has the 
opportunity to register in a national examination through which successful 
candidates receive a certificate which makes it possible for them to continue 
with advanced studies in management of cultural events at post-secondary 
level. 

Peter has worked as a manager of cultural events for 10 years. He now has the 
opportunity to register in a national examination through which successful 
candidates receive a certificate which he is recognised by his national 
professional association but does not allow him to continue with more advanced 
studies (i.e. the qualification is not recognised as equivalent to a formal 
qualification by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities). 

NLA 

NLA 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

NFE 

FED 

FED 

FED 

NFE 

NFE 

No 

Case description 

82 

Peter is participating during his leisure time in a course on "Multivariate 
analysis" at the University for 5 weeks specifically designed for employed 
people. Upon successful completion of the course he receives credits, which in 
a later stage can be added to credits forming part of a degree in "Statistics". 

82bis 

Peter is participating during his leisure time in a course on "Multivariate 
analysis" at the University for one semester specifically designed for employed 
people. Upon successful completion of the course he receives credits (at least 
30), which in a later stage can be added to credits forming part of a degree in 
"Statistics". 

83 

84 

85 

86 

87 

Peter is participating in a course on "Multivariate analysis" at the University for 
one semester. He does this during his working time (paid training leave) as his 
employer has offered him this possibility. Upon successful completion of the 
course he receives credits (at least 30), which in a later stage can be added to 
credits forming part of a degree in "Statistics". 

Peter is participating in courses in psychology provided by a municipal adult 
education institution during one semester. The programme is recognised by the 
relevant national education or equivalent authorities. Upon successful 
completion of the courses he receives an upper secondary qualification in 
psychology. 

Peter was enrolled in a programme for medicine in a foreign university 
established physically in his country. The programme is not recognised by the 
relevant national education or equivalent authorities but the degree is 
recognised as equivalent to university education in his country (i.e. recognised 
as equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant national education or 
equivalent authorities). 

Peter is enrolled in a programme for medicine in a foreign university established 
physically in his country of residence. The programme is not recognised by the 
relevant national education or equivalent authorities. The degree received is in 
principle recognised as equivalent to a formal qualification by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities but Peter has to go through an 
equivalence examination specific for his country on the basis of bilateral (or 
multilateral) agreements between his country of residence and the country of 
origin of the university in order to be able to use it for further education or 
working as a doctor in his country of residence. 

Peter participates in a distance tertiary education programme on law offered by 
an institution outside his country. The programme is recognised by the relevant 
national education or equivalent authorities in his country and is lasting for one 
semester. 

FED 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
No 

Case description 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

88 

89 

90 

91 

91bis 

Peter participates in distance tertiary education programme on law offered by 
an institution outside his country of residence. The programme is not 
recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities in his 
country. The degree received is in principle recognised as equivalent to a formal 
qualification by the relevant national education or equivalent authorities but 
Peter has to go through an equivalence examination specific for his country on 
the basis of bilateral (or multilateral) agreements between his country of 
residence and the country of origin of the university in order to be able to use it 
for further education or working as a lawyer in his country of residence. 

Peter is participating in specific ‘labour market education’ which has as main 
purpose to educate people in occupations lacking in the labour market. The 
certificate received is at the same level as upper secondary education but the 
programme is not recognised by the relevant national education or equivalent 
authorities. 

Peter has participated in a programme recognised by the relevant national 
education or equivalent authorities lasting for one semester and leading to a 
flight certificate recognised at the national level. 

Peter registered to a free e-learning course on ‘security on the internet’ provided 
by the training platform of the company he is working for. This course is 
designed by qualified teachers to take place online only, allowing for a follow-up 
on the progress through the contents and including several tests to check the 
learners’ performances. It can be completed within 3 weeks and lasts for 20 
hours. Upon successful completion, the company gives Peter a qualification 
recognised within the company only. The course includes a forum with a 
teacher/student interaction on which students can ask questions to qualified 
instructors. 

Peter registered to a free e-learning course on ‘security on the internet’ provided 
by the training platform of the company he is working for. This course is 
designed by qualified teachers to take place online only, allowing for a follow-up 
on the progress through the contents and including several tests to check the 
learners’ performances. It can be completed within 3 weeks and lasts for 20 
hours. Upon successful completion, the company gives Peter a qualification 
recognised within the company only. The course does not include a 
teacher/student interaction. 

92 

Peter is preparing the yearly exam to access the body of secondary education 
teachers for university graduates. He is helped by a qualified tutor who guides 
him through the learning and helps him retrieving information from different 
sources so that he can also learn by himself. 

92bis 

Peter is preparing the yearly exam to access the body of secondary education 
teachers for university graduates. He retrieves information from different 
sources so that he can learn everything by himself before taking the exam. 

Peter goes to a yoga class for 10 weeks, twice a week, organised by the city 
hall. This is part of the training activities provided to citizens for their well-being 
and follows a structured and established programme based on three different 
levels. The main intention for participants is to get to know the basis of the 
practice of yoga. 

Tom has regularly been going to a yoga class twice a week for 2 years. The 
course is organized by the city hall. The main intention of the course is just 

93 

94 

NFE 

NFE 

FED 

NFE 

INF 

NFE 

INF 

NFE 

NLA 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
No 

Case description 

 Annex 1 

Classified 
as 

practice for confirmed people to keep healthy but with no intention to improve 
personal performance. 

95 

96 

Peter and Manuel are meeting on a weekly basis to do a language exchange in 
a bar after their workday. They first met through a network on the internet. Peter 
speaks English to Manuel and Manuel speaks Spanish to Peter. Each one 
explains to the other the difficulties and subtleties of their own language as they 
speak. 

Peter is being helped by his sister to get to know how to use the new computer 
that he just bought. He particularly did not know how to use the new text 
software for the previous version he used to have is now obsolete compared to 
all the new features available. 

INF 

INF 

Classification of learning activities – manual 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
HOW TO OBTAIN EU PUBLICATIONS 

Free publications: 

•  one copy: 

via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu); 

•  more than one copy or posters/maps: 

from the European Union’s representations (http://ec.europa.eu/represent_en.htm);  
from the delegations in non-EU countries (http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/index_en.htm);  
by contacting the Europe Direct service (http://europa.eu/europedirect/index_en.htm) or 
calling 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (freephone number from anywhere in the EU) (*). 

(*)  The information given is free, as are most calls (though some operators, phone boxes or hotels may charge you). 

Priced publications: 

•  via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu). 

 
 
 
Classification of learning activities
MANUAL

This paper presents an update of the classification of learning activities 
(CLA). The first version of the classification was released in 2006.

The CLA covers all types of learning opportunities and education/
learning pathways. It is intended to be applicable in all countries 
irrespective of the nature of their systems of education and training. 
Its aim is to harmonise statistics related to learning activities across 
countries.

In that extent CLA is to be applied to social statistics when it comes to 
collect qualitative information on different aspects of participation in 
education and training. The CLA has been initially designed to enhance 
the collection of the European Union adult education survey (AES) data. 
However, other EU household surveys (e.g. Labour force survey, Statistics 
on income and living conditions, etc.) as well as specific business surveys 
(e.g. Continuing vocational training survey) may resort to the CLA if it is 
deemed adequate for their needs.

For more information
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/

K
S
-
G
Q
-
1
5
-
0
1
1
-
E
N
N

-

ISBN  978-92-79-52729-6 

Classification of learning activities2016 edition