Frontex | Curricula

Frontex contributes to the harmonisation of border guard education and training at EU level. In accordance with the principles of the Bologna and Copenhagen processes, the agency aims to ensure comparability of border guard qualifications across the EU, as well as to develop compatible training programmes and EU training modules.

One of the key concepts introduced by Frontex is the EU’s Sectoral Qualifications Framework for Border Guarding, in line with the European Qualifications Framework for Life Long Learning. Addressing also mid-level and high-level border guard education, Frontex is exploring the development of common curricula as a basis for the development of European Joint Degree Study Programmes, which could be implemented as common EU modules, as well as EU bachelor and/or master studies.

These common curricula and common educational concepts are designed in close collaboration with experts from training institutions across Europe. These experts represent all Member States and Schengen-Associated Countries as well as partner organisations including UNHCR, CEPOL, FRA, DCAF, IOM and Europol, among others. They share their interests and requirements for the development of common EU training concepts and resources, exploring together how these needs can be addressed.

The Common Core Curriculum

The Common Core Curriculum (CCC) was launched in 2007 and represents the first standardised set of skills and knowledge criteria for basic-level border-guard training in the EU. It was devised and perfected by representatives of the Member States to bring together best practices and shared goals and values from across Europe. The CCC includes modules representing the full range of border-related topics from detection of false documents and stolen cars to human rights, international law and leadership. The CCC is not static however. It is regularly reviewed and revised to keep entry-level trainees up to date with the latest developments and technological advances in border management, as well as the latest fundamental rights issues.