European recognition scheme for digital competencies

Are you an eTwinning teacher looking to boost your digital skills in a structured way? Do you want to have your efforts in eTwinning projects officially recognised? You may be interested in the new recognition scheme for teacher digital competence.

As part of the European Commission’s professional development offer for teachers and schools, a scheme has been put in place to recognise teachers’ digital competence at European level. The scheme supports teachers’ career progression by acknowledging the learning and development efforts that they undertake in eTwinning projects and other professional development activities.

How does the scheme work?

European recognition scheme - teachers digital competence

Here are the four stages of the scheme in detail:

1 – Initiation

Complete the SELFIE for Teachers tool, which enables you to reflect on your current digital competence level. The self-reflection takes about 30 minutes and provides you with a tailor-made report.

2 – Professional development

Complete the six online courses on teacher digital competence, which are aligned with the competence areas of the SELFIE for Teachers tool. You will learn how to use and create digital resources responsibly, design learner-centred experiences supported by technology and engage in digital professional collaboration activities. Each course is self-paced and takes around 15-20 hours:

3 – eTwinning project

Design and implement an eTwinning project focusing on digital competence in practical contexts. After completing the project, you need to apply for a National Quality Label and score high in the ‘Use of technology’ and ‘Pedagogical approaches’ criteria. You will receive a special certificate that can be used as evidence for the European recognition scheme.

4 – Recognition

Submit proof that you completed the online courses and the National Quality Label for your eTwinning project. Once all requirements have been checked, you are awarded a certificate that recognises your digital competence at B2 proficiency level.

Please note: These four steps must be completed within two years.

Feedback from the pilot phase

Teachers who took part in a pilot of the scheme in 2024 reported that they felt encouraged to reflect more on their digital practice. One participant shared:

My ‘SELFIE for Teachers’ score was higher at the end of the MOOCs, and I felt really good because I understood what the questions meant and how they applied to my work.

Another participant highlighted that the MOOC series gave her new inspiration for using familiar tools:

I have a lot of web tools, but this process gave me ideas on how to use them better – not just in teaching but also in assessment and communication.

Finally, participants also felt confident that the certificate would help their career development. One participant highlighted:

I can use it to move a step ahead in my career because, in my country, we have a development process for teachers that considers additional certifications like this.