The QualityLink project developed a technical architecture for exchanging data on courses and micro-credentials. This concept paper is based on initial discussions with the Standards Consultation Board during 2024.

The proposals aim to facilitate the exchange of quality data between higher education institutions (HEIs), quality assurance agencies (QAAs), ministries, recognition information centres (ENIC-NARICs), ranking bodies, professional associations, course directories and other stakeholders.

Data on micro-credentials, courses and other learning opportunities is already covered by several established data standards. The project designed an interoperable architecture that aims to functions with several widely used standards and data models, such as the European Learning Model (ELM), the Open Education API (OOAPI), the Open Course Catalogue API (OCCAPI) or the Edu-API.

QualityLink proposes a flexible data exchange/transport layer for ELM-based and other data, as well as a scalable discovery mechanism that allows higher education institutions to expose their data easily. The QualityLink architecture further includes a proposal for a unique course identifier that could be used across different systems and data formats.