Austria publishes DigComp 3.0 AT and updates its National Framework of Reference

Austria has published the official DigComp 3.0 AT and updated its National Framework of Reference for Digital Competence. The new model is closely aligned with the European DigComp 3.0 framework, and describes digital competence through 5 competence areas, 21 individual competences, and more than 500 learning outcomes. These learning outcomes make the framework more practical for curriculum development, competence assessment, and the mapping of education and training offers.

Where the European learning outcomes were not sufficiently specific, additional formulations were developed for the Austrian context, while maintaining close alignment with the European model.

Benefits for Europe and the DACH region

The stronger alignment between DigComp 3.0 AT and the European model supports a shared understanding of digital competence across borders. It facilitates cooperation between education providers, employers, public authorities and policymakers and contributes to more transparent learning pathways and qualifications.

As an official German-language adaptation, DigComp 3.0 AT is also a valuable resource for stakeholders throughout Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the wider DACH region. It makes the European framework more accessible to German-speaking users and can support the development of comparable curricula, competence descriptions and learning outcomes.

The updated National Framework of Reference translates the model into practical applications, including curriculum development, competence assessment, staff development, funding strategies and the mapping of education and training offers. It therefore strengthens both national implementation and Austria’s contribution to a coherent European digital skills ecosystem.