The idea of a standard European document to indicate levels of linguistic competence in a universally recognised format was first developed in 1998 as part of the Council of Europe’s European Language Portfolio.

This document has now become part of the European Union’s Europass initiative and is known as the Europass Language Passport.

With the Europass Language Passport, people can describe their language skills, using a six-step scale based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (levels A1-C2).

The Europass Language Passport takes account not only of formal, examination qualifications, but can also be used to indicate experience and expertise gained through non-formal or informal learning (e.g. work and/or study abroad, self learning, social contacts).

Together, the Europass documents seek to guarantee the transparency of qualifications and knowledge and so encourage mobility across the European employment and training environments.

The main aim of the Europass Language Passport is therefore to ensure both that individuals can describe their language abilities in the fullest and most effective way, and that these descriptions can be easily understood and assessed by those responsible for recruiting new staff and students.

Each European Union Member State has now set up a National Europass Centre to provide information on all the Europass documents. The UK's member site is http://www.uknec.org.uk

Furthermore, the Europass Language Passport can be downloaded or completed online at : www.europass.cedefop.europa.eu