Learning outcomes accreditation is the process of finding appropriate places for various types of learning outcomes within the learning outcomes framework. It is also a process of determining the categories, types, and grades of such learning outcomes according to the criteria and norms of the learning outcomes framework.
According to Chinese national economic and industry classification standards, the various types of learning outcomes are divided into 20 industries: agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery; mining; manufacturing; electric power, heating power, fuel gas, and water production and supply; architecture; wholesale and retail; transportation, storage, and postal services; hotel and catering; information transmission, software, and information technology services; finance; real estate; leasing and business services; scientific research and technical services; hydraulics, environment, and public facilities management; resident services and maintenance and other services; education; health and social work; culture, sports and entertainment; public administration, social security, and social organisations; and international organisations.
In order to facilitate their accreditation, accumulation, and transfer, learning outcomes can be divided into three types by analysing their different forms: degree education learning outcomes, non-degree education learning outcomes, and learning achievements with no fixed definitions.
According to the current grading system of degree education in China, learning outcomes of various types are divided into 10 grades based on the principle of facilitating accreditation, accumulation, and transfer by referring to the national vocational classification and occupational qualification grade standards in combination with the practice of “double certificates” (the integration of vocational degree-education certificates and occupational qualification certificates). The learning outcomes of each level are described from three dimensions, i.e., knowledge, skills, and abilities. The learning outcomes of various types at the same level are equivalent to each other.