
Article 1 
The data collection for the first survey on the participation and non-participation of adults in lifelong learning (Adult Education Survey) shall take place between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012. The reference period for which the data on participation in lifelong learning activities are collected shall be the 12 months prior to the data collection period.
Data shall be collected every five years.
Article 2 
The population age range covered by the survey shall be 25-64. The age groups 18-24 and 65-69 shall be covered on an optional basis.
Article 3 
The variables concerning the subjects covered by the survey as specified under Domain 2 of Regulation (EC) No 452/2008 and their breakdowns shall be as set out in Annex I to this Regulation.
Article 4 
The data sources and sample size concerning Domain 2 are specified in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 452/2008. Sampling and precision requirements needed to meet these requirements are detailed in Annex II to this Regulation.
Article 5 
Member States shall transmit to the Commission (Eurostat) a quality report on the survey on the participation and non-participation of adults in lifelong learning according to the quality criteria referred to in Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EC) No 452/2008 and the further requirements specified in Annex III to this Regulation.
Article 6 
With a view to achieving a high level of harmonisation of the survey results across countries, the Commission (Eurostat), in close cooperation with Member States, shall propose methodological and practical recommendations and guidelines for the implementation of the survey in the form of an ‘Adult Education Survey Manual’ including a standard questionnaire.
Article 7 
Member States shall transmit to the Commission (Eurostat) clean micro-data files within 6 months after the end of the national data collection period.
Member States shall transmit the quality report to the Commission (Eurostat) within 3 months after the delivery of the micro-data files.
Article 8 
The requirements as specified in this Regulation are minimum requirements. Member States can specify further requirements at national level given that the quality requirements following this Regulation are not compromised.
Article 9 
This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.Done at Brussels, 17 September 2010.
For the Commission
The President
José Manuel BARROSO
ANNEX I

All variables shall be transmitted unless the mention ‘optional’ appears under the variable name. Data and metadata referred in Article 7 shall be made available to Eurostat through electronic means, in using the single entry point or other appropriate information technology tools. The codes and code lists presented in the table below are indicative only. Transmission formats are provided by the Commission (Eurostat) in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6.
Variable name and status Code Description Filter
COUNTRY  COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE Everybody
 2 digits Based on the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
REGION  REGION OF RESIDENCE Everybody
 2 digits Coding according to NUTS at 2 digit level 
DEG_URB  DEGREE OF URBANISATION OF THE AREA THE HOUSEHOLD LIVES IN Everybody
 1 Densely populated area 
 2 Intermediate area 
 3 Thinly populated area 
REFYEAR  REFERENCE YEAR OF THE SURVEY Everybody
 4 digits  
REFMONTH  MONTH OF SURVEY Everybody
 1-12  
RESPID  Identification of the respondent Everybody
 numeric Identification code of each record 
RESPWEIGHT  WEIGHTING FACTOR FOR INDIVIDUALS Everybody
 numeric Weight factor for individuals (with 3 digits of decimals separated by a dot) 
NFEACTWEIGHT  WEIGHTING FACTOR FOR NON-FORMAL ACTIVITIES NFENUM ≥ 1
 numeric Weight factor for the non-formal activities selected in NFERAND1 and NFERAND2 (with 3 digits of decimals separated by a dot) 
Or numeric(optional) Weight factor for the non-formal activities selected in NFERAND1, NFERAND2 and NFERAND3 (with 3 digits of decimals separated by a dot) 
 0 NFENUM = 0 
INTMETHOD  Data collection method used Everybody
  Codes provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
INTLANG  Language used for the interview Everybody
 2 digits Codes based on the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
(HHNBPERS)  NUMBER OF PERSONS LIVING IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD (INCLUDING THE RESPONDENT) Everybody
HHNBPERS_0_4 0-98 0-4 years old 
HHNBPERS_5_13 0-98 5-13 years old 
HHNBPERS_14_15 0-98 14-15 years old 
HHNBPERS_16_24 0-98 16-24 years old 
HHNBPERS_25_64 1-98 25-64 years old 
HHNBPERS_65plus 0-98 65 years and older 
 – 1 No answer 
HHTYPE  HOUSEHOLD TYPE Everybody
 10 One-person household 
 21 Lone parent with child(ren) aged less than 25 
 22 Couple without child(ren) aged less than 25 
 23 Couple with child(ren) aged less than 25 
 24 Couple or lone parent with child(ren) aged less than 25 and other persons living in household 
 30 Other 
 – 1 No answer 
HHLABOUR  HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION BY LABOUR STATUS Everybody
HHLABOUR_EMP 0-98 Number of persons aged 16-64 in the household who are at work 
HHLABOUR_NEMP 0-98 Number of persons aged 16-64 in the household who are unemployed or inactive 
 – 1 No answer 
HHINCOME  NET MONTHLY INCOME OF THE HOUSEHOLD Everybody
 1 Below 1st decile 
 2 Between 1st decile and 2nd decile 
 3 Between 2nd decile and 3rd decile 
 4 Between 3rd decile and 4th decile 
 5 Between 4th decile and 5th decile 
 6 Between 5th decile and 6th decile 
 7 Between 6th decile and 7th decile 
 8 Between 7th decile and 8th decile 
 9 Between 8th decile and 9th decile 
 10 Above 9th decile 
 0 Refusal (optional) 
 – 1 No answer 
SEX  SEX Everybody
 1 Male 
 2 Female 
  YEAR AND MONTH OF BIRTH 
BIRTHYEAR 4 digits The 4 digits of year of birth Everybody
BIRTHMONTH 1-12 The 2 digits of month of birth Everybody
CITIZEN  CITIZENSHIP Everybody
 0 Same as country of residence 
 2 digits Based on the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
 – 1 No answer 
BIRTHPLACE  COUNTRY OF BIRTH Everybody
 0 Born in this country 
 2 digits Based on the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
 – 1 No answer 
RESTIME  YEARS OF RESIDENCE IN THIS COUNTRY BIRTHPLACE ≠ 0
 1 Been in this country for 1 year and less 
 2-10 Number of years for person who has been in this country for 2 to 10 years 
 11 Been in this country for more than 10 years 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (BIRTHPLACE = 0) 
MARSTALEGAL  LEGAL MARITAL STATUS Everybody
 1 Never married 
 2 Married (including registered partnership) 
 3 Widowed and not remarried 
 4 Legally separated and not remarried 
 5 Divorced 
 – 1 No answer 
MARSTADEFACTO  DE FACTO MARITAL STATUS (consensual union) Everybody
 1 Person living in a consensual union 
 2 Person not living in a consensual union 
 – 1 No answer 
HATLEVEL  HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION OR TRAINING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED Everybody
 01 No formal education or below ISCED 1 
 11 ISCED 1 
 21 ISCED 2 
 22 ISCED 3c (shorter than two years) 
 31 ISCED 3c (two years and more) 
 32 ISCED 3 a, b 
 30 ISCED 3 (without possible distinction a, b or c) 
 40 ISCED 4 
 51 ISCED 5b 
 52 ISCED 5a 
 60 ISCED 6 
 – 1 No answer 
HATFIELD  FIELD OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION OR TRAINING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED HATLEVEL = 22 to 60
 000 General programmes 
 100 Teacher training and education science 
 200 Humanities, languages and arts 
 222 Foreign languages 
 300 Social sciences, business and law 
 400 Science, mathematics and computing (no distinction possible) 
 420 Life science (including biology and environmental science) 
 440 Physical science (including physics, chemistry and earth science) 
 460 Mathematics and statistics 
 481 Computer science 
 482 Computer use 
 500 Engineering, manufacturing and construction 
 600 Agriculture and veterinary 
 700 Health and welfare 
 800 Services 
 999 Unknown 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATLEVEL ≠ 22 to 60) 
 or010-863(optional) Fields coded on 3 digits on an optional basis, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
HATYEAR  YEAR WHEN HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATON OR TRAINING WAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED HATLEVEL ≠ 01, – 1
 4 digits The four digits of the year when highest level of education or training was successfully completed are entered 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATLEVEL = 01, – 1) 
HATVOC(optional)  ORIENTATION OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION OR TRAINING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED HATLEVEL = 22 to 40 and (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) ≤ 20
 1 General education 
 2 Vocational education 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATLEVEL ≠ 22 to 40 or (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) > 20 
HATOTHER(optional)  OTHER FORMAL EDUCATION OR TRAINING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED IN ANOTHER FIELD THAN ‘HATLEVEL’ HATLEVEL = 22 to 60 and (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) ≤ 20
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATLEVEL ≠ 22 to 60 or (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) > 20 
HATOTHER_LEVEL(optional)  Level of the formal education programme HATOTHER = 1
 22-60 Coded as HATLEVEL 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATOTHER ≠ 1) 
HATOTHER_VOC(optional)  Orientation of the formal education programme HATOTHER = 1 and HATOTHER_LEVEL = 22 to 40
 1-2 Coded as HATVOC 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATOTHER ≠ 1 or HATOTHER_LEVEL ≠ 22 to 40) 
HATOTHER_FIELD(optional)  Field of the formal education programme HATOTHER = 1 and HATOTHER_LEVEL = 22 to 60
 000-800 Coded as HATFIELD 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATOTHER ≠ 1 or HATOTHER_LEVEL ≠ 22 to 60) 
HATCOMP(optional)  PROCEDURE OF RECOGNITION OF SKILLS AND COMPETENCES UNDERTAKEN Everybody
 1 Yes, certification obtained 
 2 Yes, procedure ongoing 
 3 No 
 – 1 No answer 
HATCOMPHIGH(optional)  RECOGNITION OF SKILLS AND COMPETENCES ALLOWS ACCESS TO A HIGHER FORMAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME THAN THE LEVEL MENTIONED IN ‘HATLEVEL’ HATCOMP = 1,2 and HATLEVEL ≠ 01, – 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATCOMP ≠ 1,2 or HATLEVEL = 01, – 1) 
DROPHIGH  FORMAL EDUCATION ABANDONED HIGHER THAN THE LEVEL MENTIONED IN ‘HATLEVEL’ BUT NOT COMPLETED HATLEVEL ≠ 01, – 1 and (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) ≤ 20
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (HATLEVEL = 01, – 1 or (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) > 20) 
DROPLEVEL  LEVEL OF THE FORMAL EDUCATION NOT COMPLETED DROPHIGH = 1
 21 ISCED 2 
 22 ISCED 3c (shorter than two years) 
 31 ISCED 3c (two years and more) 
 32 ISCED 3 a, b 
 30 ISCED 3 (without possible distinction a, b or c) 
 40 ISCED 4 
 51 ISCED 5b 
 52 ISCED 5a 
 60 ISCED 6 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (DROPHIGH ≠ 1) 
DROPVOC(optional)  ORIENTATION OF THE FORMAL EDUCATION NOT COMPLETED DROPLEVEL = 22 to 40 and (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) ≤ 20
 1 General education 
 2 Vocational education 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (DROPLEVEL ≠ 22 to 40 or (REFYEAR- HATYEAR) > 20 
MAINSTAT  MAIN CURRENT LABOUR STATUS Everybody
  Carries out a job or profession, including unpaid work for a family business or holding, including an apprenticeship or paid traineeship, etc.: 
 11 
— Full time
 
 12 
— Part time
 
 20 Unemployed 
 31 Pupil, student, further training, unpaid work experience 
 32 In retirement or early retirement or has given up business 
 33 Permanently disabled 
 34 In compulsory military service 
 35 Fulfilling domestic tasks 
 36 Other inactive person 
 – 1 No answer 
JOBSTAT  PROFESSIONAL STATUS MAINSTAT = 11,12
 11 Self-employed with employees 
 12 Self-employed without employees 
 21 Employee with a permanent job or work contract of unlimited duration 
 22 Employee with temporary job/work contract of limited duration 
 30 Family worker 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (MAINSTAT ≠ 11,12) 
JOBISCO  OCCUPATION MAINSTAT = 11,12
 2 digits ISCO-08 coded at 2 digit level 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (MAINSTAT ≠ 11,12) 
LOCNACE  ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF THE LOCAL UNIT MAINSTAT = 11,12
 2 digits NACE Rev.2 coded at 2 digit level 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (MAINSTAT ≠ 11,12) 
LOCSIZEFIRM  NUMBER OF PERSONS WORKING AT THE LOCAL UNIT JOBSTAT = 11, 21,22, 30
 1 1 to 10 persons 
 2 11 to 19 persons 
 3 20 to 49 persons 
 4 50 to 249 persons 
 5 250 or more persons 
 7 Do not know but 10 or more persons 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (JOBSTAT ≠ 11,21,22, 30) 
JOBTIME  YEAR IN WHICH PERSON STARTED WORKING IN HIS/HER CURRENT MAIN JOB MAINSTAT = 11,12
 4 digits 4 digits of the year concerned 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (MAINSTAT ≠ 11, 12) 
  HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION OR TRAINING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED BY YOUR PARENTS (GUARDIAN) Everybody
HATFATHER  FATHER (MALE GUARDIAN) 
 1 At most lower secondary 
 2 Upper secondary 
 3 Tertiary 
 – 1 No answer 
HATMOTHER  MOTHER (FEMALE GUARDIAN) Everybody
 1 At most lower secondary 
 2 Upper secondary 
 3 Tertiary 
 – 1 No answer 
  OCCUPATION OF YOUR PARENTS (GUARDIAN) Everybody
ISCOFATHER  MAIN OCCUPATION OF FATHER 
(optional) 0-9 ISCO-08 coded at 1 digit level 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (Father never had a job, no father) 
ISCOMOTHER  MAIN OCCUPATION OF MOTHER Everybody
(optional) 0-9 ISCO-08 coded at 1 digit level 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (Mother never had a job, no mother) 
SEEKINFO  LOOKED FOR ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING LEARNING POSSIBILITIES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 1 No answer 
SEEKFOUND  INFORMATION FOUND SEEKINFO = 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (SEEKINFO ≠ 1) 
SEEKSOURCE  SOURCE TO ACCESS INFORMATION SEEKINFO = 1
 0 None of the sources below 
 1-7 Number of responses provided in the list of 7 sources below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (SEEKINFO ≠ 1) 
  List of sources (multiple responses allowed) 
SEEKSOURCE_1  Internet 
SEEKSOURCE_2  Member of the family, neighbour, work colleague 
SEEKSOURCE_3  Your employer 
SEEKSOURCE_4  Guidance services (e.g. career guidance provider by employment service office) 
SEEKSOURCE_5  An education or training institution (school, college, centre, university) 
SEEKSOURCE_6  Mass media (TV, radio, newspapers, poster) 
SEEKSOURCE_7  Books 
  Each SEEKSOURCE_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (SEEKINFO ≠ 1) 
FED  PARTICIPATION IN FORMAL EDUCATION DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
FEDNUM  NUMBER OF FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED IN DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS FED = 1
 0 None (FED = 2) 
 1-3 Number of activities 
FEDLEVEL  LEVEL OF THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1
 11 ISCED 1 
 21 ISCED 2 
 22 ISCED 3c (shorter than two years) 
 31 ISCED 3c (two years and more) 
 32 ISCED 3 a, b 
 40 ISCED 4 (without distinction a, b or c) 
 51 ISCED 5b 
 52 ISCED 5a 
 60 ISCED 6 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
FEDFIELD  FIELD OF THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1 and FEDLEVEL = 22 to 60
  Based on the ISCED 1997 — field of education: 
 010 Basic programmes 
 080 Literacy and numeracy 
 090 Personal development 
 140 Teacher training and education science 
 210 Arts 
 220 Humanities 
 222 Foreign languages 
 310 Social and behavioural science 
 320 Journalism and information 
 340 Business and administration 
 380 Law 
 420 Life science 
 440 Physical science 
 460 Mathematics and statistics 
 481 Computer science 
 482 Computer use 
 520 Engineering and engineering trades 
 540 Manufacturing and processing 
 580 Architecture and building 
 620 Agriculture, forestry and fishery 
 640 Veterinary 
 720 Health 
 760 Social services 
 810 Personal services 
 840 Transport services 
 850 Environmental protection 
 860 Security services 
 999 Not known or unspecified 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0 or FEDLEVEL ≠ 22 to 60 
 Or010-863(optional) Fields coded on 3 digits on an optional basis, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
FEDVOC  ORIENTATION OF THE MOST RECENT EDUCATION OR TRAINING FEDLEVEL = 22 to 40
 1 General education 
 2 Vocational education 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDLEV ≠ 22 to 40) 
FEDMETHOD  MAIN METHOD OF LEARNING USED IN THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1
 1 Traditional teaching (e.g. classroom) 
 2 Distance learning using online or offline computer 
 3 Distance learning using traditional teaching material 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
 – 1 No answer 
FEDREASON  REASONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1
 0 None of the reasons below 
 1-9 Number of responses provided in the list of 9 reasons below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
  List of reasons (multiple responses allowed) 
FEDREASON_01  To do my job better and/or improve carrier prospects 
FEDREASON_02  To be less likely to lose my job 
FEDREASON_03  To increase my possibilities of getting a job, or changing a job/profession 
FEDREASON_04  To start my own business 
FEDREASON_05  I was obliged to participate 
FEDREASON_06  To get knowledge/skills useful in my everyday life 
FEDREASON_07  To increase my knowledge/skills on a subject that interests me 
FEDREASON_08  Obtain certificate 
FEDREASON_09  To meet new people/for fun 
  Each FEDREASON_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
FEDWORKTIME  MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY DURING PAID WORKING HOURS (INCLUDING PAID LEAVE OR RECUPERATION) FEDNUM ≥ 1
 1 Only during paid working hours 
 2 Mostly during paid working hours 
 3 Mostly outside paid working hours 
 4 Only outside paid working hours 
 5 Not working at that time 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
(FEDVOLUME)  VOLUME OF INSTRUCTION OF THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1
FEDNBHOURS 3 digits Total number of instruction hours 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
FEDNBWEEKS(optional) 1-52 Number of weeks 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
FEDDURPERWEEK(optional) 1-98 Average number of instruction hours per week 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
FEDPAIDBY  PARTIAL OR FULL PAYMENT FOR THE TUITION, REGISTRATION, EXAM FEES, EXPENSES FOR BOOKS OR TECHNICAL STUDY MEANS FOR THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY BY: FEDNUM ≥ 1
 0 None of the items below 
 1-5 Number of responses provided in the list of 5 items below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
  List of items (multiple responses allowed) 
FEDPAIDBY_1  Employer or prospective employer 
FEDPAIDBY_2  Public employment services 
FEDPAIDBY_3  Other public institutions 
FEDPAIDBY_4  A household member or a relative 
FEDPAIDBY_5  Yourself 
  Each FEDPAIDBY_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
FEDPAIDFULL(optional)  FULL PAYMENT FOR THE TUITION, REGISTRATION, EXAM FEES, EXPENSES FOR BOOKS OR TECHNICAL STUDY MEANS FOR THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY BY THOSE IDENTIFIED IN ‘FEDPAIDBY’ FEDPAIDBY ≥ = 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No (only part of the costs) 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDPAIDBY = 0, – 1, – 2) 
 – 1 No answer (total costs not known) 
FEDPAIDVAL  COSTS PAID PERSONALLY OR BY ANY HOUSEHOLD MEMBER OR RELATIVE FOR TUITION, REGISTRATION, EXAM FEES, BOOKS AND/OR TECHNICAL STUDY MEANS REGARDING STUDIES IN THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDPAIDBY_4 = 1 orFEDPAIDBY_5 = 1
  In euros 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDPAIDBY_4 ≠ 1 and FEDPAIDBY_5 ≠ 1) 
FEDUSE  USE OF THE SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED FROM THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1
 1 A lot 
 2 A fair amount 
 3 Very little 
 4 Not at all 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
 – 1 No answer 
FEDSAT(optional)  SATISFACTION WITH THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
 – 1 No answer 
FEDUNSATREASON(optional)  REASONS FOR NOT BEING SATISFIED WITH THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDSAT = 2
 0 None of the reasons below 
 1-5 Number of responses provided in the list of 5 reasons below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDSAT ≠ 2) 
  List of reasons (multiple responses allowed) 
FEDUNSATREASON_1  Relevance/usefulness 
FEDUNSATREASON _2  Level of training too low 
FEDUNSATREASON _3  Level of training too high 
FEDUNSATREASON _4  Quality of teaching 
FEDUNSATREASON _5  Organisation of training (location, materials, classrooms etc.) 
  Each FEDUNSATREASON_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (FEDSAT ≠ 2) 
FEDOUTCOME  OUTCOMES OF THE NEW SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED THROUGH THE MOST RECENT FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY FEDNUM ≥ 1
 0 None of the outcomes below 
 1-8 Number of responses provided in the list of 8 outcomes below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
  List of outcomes (multiple responses allowed) 
FEDOUTCOME_1  Getting a (new) job 
FEDOUTCOME_2  Promotion in the job(FEDWORKTIME = 1,2,3,4) 
FEDOUTCOME_3  Higher salary/wages(FEDWORKTIME = 1,2,3,4) 
FEDOUTCOME_4  New tasks(FEDWORKTIME = 1,2,3,4) 
FEDOUTCOME_5  Better performance in the job(FEDWORKTIME = 1,2,3,4) 
FEDOUTCOME_6  Personal related reasons (meet other people, refresh your skills in general subjects etc.) 
FEDOUTCOME_7  No outcomes yet 
FEDOUTCOME_8  No outcomes expected 
  Each FEDOUTCOME_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (FEDNUM = 0) 
(NFE)  PARTICIPATION IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES WITH THE INTENTION TO IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS IN ANY AREA (INCLUDING HOBBIES) DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
NFECOURSE  
a. COURSES
 Everybody
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
NFEWORKSHOP  
b. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
 Everybody
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
NFEGUIDEDJT  
c. GUIDED ON THE JOB TRAINING
 Everybody
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
NFELESSON  
d. PRIVATE LESSONS
 Everybody
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
NFENUM  NUMBER OF NON-FORMAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS NFECOURSE = 1 orNFEWORKSHOP = 1 orNFEGUIDEDJT = 1 orNFELESSON = 1
 0 None (NFECOURSE = NFEWORKSHOP = NFEGUIDEDJT = NFELESSON = 2) 
 1-98 Number of activities 
  IDENTIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES (UP TO 10) 
(NFEACT01)  
01 — Identification of the 1st activity
 
NFEACT01_TYPE  Type of activity NFENUM ≥ 1
 1 Courses 
 2 Workshops and seminars 
 3 Guided on the job training 
 4 Private lessons 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFENUM = 0) 
(NFEACT02)  
02 — Identification of the 2nd activity
 NFENUM ≥ 2
NFEACT02_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT03)  
03 — Identification of the 3rd activity
 NFENUM ≥ 3
NFEACT03_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT04)  
04 — Identification of the 4th activity
 NFENUM ≥ 4
NFEACT04_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT05)  
05 — Identification of the 5th activity
 NFENUM ≥ 5
NFEACT05_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT06)  
06 — Identification of the 6th activity
 NFENUM ≥ 6
NFEACT06_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT07)  
07 — Identification of the 7th activity
 NFENUM ≥ 7
NFEACT07_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT08)  
08 — Identification of the 8th activity
 NFENUM ≥ 8
NFEACT08_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT09)  
09 — Identification of the 9th activity
 NFENUM ≥ 9
NFEACT09_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
(NFEACT10)  
10 — Identification of the 10th activity
 NFENUM ≥ 10
NFEACT10_TYPE  Coded as NFEACT01_TYPE 
NFEPURP10  AT LEAST ONE JOB RELATED ACTIVITY AMONG ACTIVITIES 1 TO 10 NFENUM ≥ 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFENUM = 0) 
NFEWORKTIME10  AT LEAST ONE ACTIVITY DURING PAID WORKING HOURS (INCLUDING PAID LEAVE AND RECUPERATION) AMONG ACTIVITIES 1 TO 10 NFENUM ≥ 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No (including not working at that time) 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFENUM = 0) 
NFEPAIDBY10  AT LEAST ONE ACTIVITY PARTIALLY OR FULLY PAID BY THE EMPLOYER AMONG ACTIVITIES 1 TO 10 NFENUM ≥ 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No (including not working at that time) 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFENUM = 0) 
NFERAND1  CODE OF THE 1ST RANDOMLY SELECTED ACTIVITY NFENUM ≥ 1
 1-10 Identification code of the 1st randomly selected activity (code of the activity as in the variables NFEACTxx) 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFENUM = 0) 
NFERAND1_TYPE  As reported in NFEACT01_TYPE to NFEACT10_TYPE for the 1st randomly selected activity 
NFEPURP1  PURPOSE OF THE ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
 1 Mainly job-related 
 2 Mainly personal/non-job-related reasons 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1= – 2) 
NFEFIELD1  FIELD OF THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
  Coded as FEDFIELD 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
 Or010-863(optional) Fields coded on 3 digits on an optional basis, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
NFEMETHOD1  MAIN METHOD OF LEARNING USED FOR THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND1_TYPE ≠ 2,3
 1 Traditional teaching (e.g. classroom) 
 2 Distance learning using online or offline computer 
 3 Distance learning using traditional teaching material 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2 or NFERAND1_TYPE = 2,3) 
NFEREASON1  REASONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE 1ST ACTIVITY(the codes applying to NFERAND1_TYPE = 3 are defined in the Adult Education Survey Manual) NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
 0 None of the reasons below 
 1-9 Number of responses provided in the list of 9 reasons below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
  List of reasons (multiple responses allowed) 
NFEREASON1_01  To do my job better and/or improve carrier prospects 
NFEREASON1_02  To be less likely to lose my job 
NFEREASON1_03  To increase my possibilities of getting a job, or changing a job/profession 
NFEREASON1_04  To start my own business 
NFEREASON1_05  I was obliged to participate 
NFEREASON1_06  To get knowledge/skills useful in my everyday life 
NFEREASON1_07  To increase my knowledge/skills on a subject that interests me 
NFEREASON1_08  Obtain certificate 
NFEREASON1_09  To meet new people/for fun 
  Each NFEREASON1_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFEWORKTIME1  1ST ACTIVITY DURING PAID WORKING HOURS (INCLUDING PAID LEAVE AND RECUPERATION) NFERAND1 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND1_TYPE ≠ 3
 1 Only during paid working hours 
 2 Mostly during paid working hours 
 3 Mostly outside paid working hours 
 4 Only outside paid working hours 
 5 Not working at that time 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2 or NFERAND1_TYPE = 3) 
(NFEVOLUME1)  VOLUME OF INSTRUCTION OF 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
NFENBHOURS 3 digits Total number of instruction hours 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFENBWEEKS1(optional) 1-52 Number of weeks 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFEDURPERWEEK1(optional) 1-98 Average number of instruction hours per week 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFEPROVIDER1  PROVIDER OF THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
 1 Formal education institution 
 2 Non-formal education and training institutions 
 3 Commercial institution where ET is not the main activity (e.g. equipment suppliers) 
 4 Employer 
 5 Employers’ organisations, chambers of commerce 
 6 Trade unions 
 7 Non-profit associations, e.g. cultural society, political party 
 8 Individuals (e.g. students giving private lessons) 
 9 Non-commercial institution where ET is not the main activity (e.g. libraries, museums, ministries) 
 10 Other 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFECERT1  CERTIFICATE OBTAINED AFTER THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
 1 Yes, required by the employer or a professional body or by law 
 2 Yes, not required by the employer or a professional body or by law 
 3 No (acknowledgement of attendance) 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFEPAIDBY1  PARTIAL OR FULL PAYMENT FOR THE TUITION, REGISTRATION, EXAM FEES, EXPENSES FOR BOOKS OR TECHNICAL STUDY MEANS FOR THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND1_TYPE ≠ 3
 0 None of the items below 
 1-5 Number of responses provided in the list of 5 items below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2 or NFERAND1_TYPE = 3) 
  List of items (multiple responses allowed) 
NFEPAIDBY1_1  Employer or prospective employer 
NFEPAIDBY1_2  Public employment services 
NFEPAIDBY1_3  Other public institutions 
NFEPAIDBY1_4  A household member or a relative 
NFEPAIDBY1_5  Yourself 
  Each NFEPAIDBY1_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2 or NFERAND1_TYPE = 3) 
NFEPAIDFULL1(optional)  FULL PAYMENT FOR THE TUITION, REGISTRATION, EXAM FEES, EXPENSES FOR BOOKS OR TECHNICAL STUDY MEANS BY THOSE IDENTIFIED IN ‘NFEPAIDBY’ FOR THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFEPAIDBY1 ≥ 1
 1 Yes 
 2 No (only part of the costs) 
 – 1 No answer (total costs not known) 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFEPAIDBY1 = 0, – 1, – 2) 
NFEPAIDVAL1  COSTS PAID PERSONALLY OR BY ANY HOUSEHOLD MEMBER OR RELATIVE FOR TUITION, REGISTRATION, EXAM FEES, BOOKS AND/OR TECHNICAL STUDY MEANS REGARDING THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFEPAIDBY1_4 = 1 or NFEPAIDBY1_5 = 1
  In euros 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFEPAIDBY1_4 ≠ 1 and NFEPAIDBY1_5 ≠ 1) 
NFEUSE1  USE OF THE SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED FROM THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
 1 A lot 
 2 A fair amount 
 3 Very little 
 4 Not at all 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
 – 1 No answer 
NFESAT1(optional)  SATISFACTION WITH THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFEUNSATREASON1(optional)  REASONS FOR NOT BEING SATISFIED WITH THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFESAT1 = 2
 0 None of the reasons below 
 1-5 Number of responses provided in the list of 5 reasons below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFESAT1 ≠ 2) 
  List of reasons (multiple responses allowed) 
NFEUNSATREASON1_1 1 Relevance/usefulness 
NFEUNSATREASON1_2 2 Level of training too low 
NFEUNSATREASON1_3 3 Level of training too high 
NFEUNSATREASON1_4 4 Quality of teaching 
NFEUNSATREASON1_5 5 Organisation of training (location, materials, classrooms etc.) 
  Each NFEUNSATREASON1_x variable is coded: 1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (NFESAT ≠ 2) 
NFEOUTCOME1  OUTCOMES OF THE NEW SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED THROUGH THE 1ST ACTIVITY NFERAND1 ≠ – 2
 0 None of the outcomes below 
 1-8 Number of responses provided in the list of 8 outcomes below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
  List of outcomes (multiple responses allowed) 
NFEOUTCOME1_1  Getting a (new) job 
NFEOUTCOME1_2  Promotion in the job(NFEWORKTIME1 = 1,2,3,4) 
NFEOUTCOME1_3  Higher salary/wages(NFEWORKTIME1 = 1,2,3,4) 
NFEOUTCOME1_4  New tasks(NFEWORKTIME1 = 1,2,3,4) 
NFEOUTCOME1_5  Better performance in the job(NFEWORKTIME1 = 1,2,3,4) 
NFEOUTCOME1_6  Personal related reasons (meet other people, refresh your skills in general subjects etc.) 
NFEOUTCOME1_7  No outcomes yet 
NFEOUTCOME1_8  No outcomes expected 
  Each NFEOUTCOME1_x variable is coded: 1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (NFERAND1 = – 2) 
NFERAND2  CODE OF THE 2ND RANDOMLY SELECTED ACTIVITY NFENUM ≥ 2
 1-10 Identification code of the 2nd randomly selected activity (code of the activity as in the variables NFEACTxx) 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFENUM = 0, 1) 
NFERAND2_TYPE  As reported in NFEACT01_TYPE to NFEACT10_TYPE for the 2nd randomly selected activity 
NFEPURP2  Same coding as NFEPURP1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFEFIELD2  Same coding as NFEFIELD1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFEMETHOD2  Same coding as NFEMETHOD1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND2_TYPE ≠ 2,3
NFEREASON2  Same coding as NFEREASON1 and subcomponents NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFEWORKTIME2  Same coding as NFEWORKTIME1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND2_TYPE ≠ 3
NFENBWEEKS2  Same coding as NFENBWEEKS1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFEDURPERWEEK2  Same coding as NFEDURPERWEEK1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFEPROVIDER2  Same coding as NFEPROVIDER1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFECERT2  Same coding as NFECERT1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFEPAIDBY2  Same coding as NFEPAIDBY1 and subcomponents NFERAND2 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND2_TYPE ≠ 3
NFEPAIDFULL2(optional)  Same coding as NFEPAIDFULL1 NFEPAIDBY2 ≥ = 1
NFEPAIDVAL2  Same coding as NFEPAIDVAL1 NFEPAIDBY2_4 = 1 or NFEPAIDBY2_5 = 1
NFEUSE2  Same coding as NFEUSE1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFESAT2(optional)  Same coding as NFESAT1 NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFEUNSATREASON2(optional)  Same coding as NFEUNSATREASON1 and subcomponents NFESAT2 = 2
NFEOUTCOME2  Same coding as NFEOUTCOME1 and subcomponents NFERAND2 ≠ – 2
NFERAND3(optional)  CODE OF THE 3RD RANDOMLY SELECTED ACTIVITY NFENUM ≥ 3
 1-10 Identification code of the 3rd randomly selected activity (code of the activity as in the variables NFEACTxx) 
 – 2 Not applicable (NFENUM = 0, 1, 2) 
NFERAND3_TYPE(optional)  Same coding as NFERAND1_TYPE NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEPURP3(optional)  Same coding as NFEPURP1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEFIELD3(optional)  Same coding as NFEFIELD1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEMETHOD3(optional)  Same coding as NFEMETHOD1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND3_TYPE ≠ 2,3
NFEREASON3(optional)  Same coding as NFEREASON1 and subcomponents NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEWORKTIME3(optional)  Same coding as NFEWORKTIME1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND3_TYPE ≠ 3
NFENBWEEKS3(optional)  Same coding as NFENBWEEKS1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEDURPERWEEK3(optional)  Same coding as NFEDURPERWEEK1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEPROVIDER3(optional)  Same coding as NFEPROVIDER1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFECERT3(optional)  Same coding as NFECERT1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEPAIDBY3(optional)  Same coding as NFEPAIDBY1 and subcomponents NFERAND3 ≠ – 2 and NFERAND3_TYPE ≠ 3
NFEPAIDFULL3(optional)  Same coding as NFEPAIDFULL1 NFEPAIDBY3 ≥ = 1
NFEPAIDVAL3(optional)  Same coding as NFEPAIDVAL1 NFEPAIDBY3_4 = 1 or NFEPAIDBY3_5 = 1
NFEUSE3(optional)  Same coding as NFEUSE1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFESAT3(optional)  Same coding as NFESAT1 NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
NFEUNSATREASON3(optional)  Same coding as NFEUNSATREASON1 and subcomponents NFESAT3 = 2
NFEOUTCOME3(optional)  Same coding as NFEOUTCOME1 and subcomponents NFERAND3 ≠ – 2
DIFFICULTY  DIFFICULTIES RELATED TO PARTICIPATION (OR MORE PARTICIPATION) IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 You participated in formal or non-formal education and training and did not want to participate more 
 2 You participated in formal or non-formal education and training but wanted to participate more 
 3 You did not participate in formal or non-formal education and training and did not want to participate 
 4 You did not participate in formal or non-formal education and training but wanted to participate 
 – 1 No answer 
DIFFTYPE  TYPE OF DIFFICULTIES DIFFICULTY = 1 to 4
 0 None of the difficulties below 
 1-11 Number of responses provided in the list of 11 difficulties below 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (DIFFICULTY ≠ 1 to 4) 
  List of difficulties (multiple responses allowed) 
DIFFTYPE_01  
Difficulty 01 — Prerequisites
 
DIFFTYPE_02  
Difficulty 02 — Cost
 
DIFFTYPE_03  
Difficulty 03 — Lack of employer’s support or lack of public services support
 
DIFFTYPE_04  
Difficulty 04 — Schedule
 
DIFFTYPE_05  
Difficulty 05 — Distance
 
DIFFTYPE_06  
Difficulty 06 — No access to a computer or Internet (for distance learning)
 
DIFFTYPE_07  
Difficulty 07 — Family responsibilities
 
DIFFTYPE_08  
Difficulty 08 — Health or age
 
DIFFTYPE_09  
Difficulty 09 — Other personal reasons
 
DIFFTYPE_10  
Difficulty 10 — No suitable education or training activity
 
DIFFTYPE_11  
Difficulty 11 — No need for (further) education and training (for DIFFICULTY = 1 or 3 only)
 
  Each DIFFTYPE_xx variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected, -2 for not applicable (DIFFICULTY ≠ 1 to 4) 
DIFFMAIN  MOST IMPORTANT DIFFICULTY DIFFTYPE = 1-11
 01-11 Code of the difficulty from 01 to 11 (code of the difficulty as in the variables DIFFTYPE) 
 – 2 No applicable (DIFFTYPE ≠ 1-11) 
 – 1 No answer 
INF  PARTICIPATION IN OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS (DELIBERATE SELF-TEACHING TO IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS) Everybody
 1 Yes, one activity 
 2 Yes, at least two activities 
 3 No 
(INFACT1)  IDENTIFICATION OF THE 1ST MOST RECENT ACTIVITY 
INFFIELD1  Field of this activity INF = 1, 2
  Coded as FEDFIELD 
 – 2 Not applicable (INF ≠ 1, 2) 
 Or010-863(optional) Fields coded on 3 digits on an optional basis, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
INFPURP1  Purpose of this activity INF = 1, 2
 1 Mainly job-related 
 2 Mainly personal/non-job-related reasons 
 – 2 Not applicable (INF ≠ 1, 2) 
INFMETHOD1  Informal learning method used for this activity INF = 1, 2
 1 By learning from a family member, friend or colleague 
 2 Using printed material (books, professional magazines, etc.) 
 3 Using computers (online or offline) 
 4 Through television/radio/video 
 – 2 Not applicable (INF ≠ 1, 2) 
(INFACT2)  IDENTIFICATION OF THE 2ND MOST RECENT ACTIVITY INF = 2
INFFIELD2INFPURP2INFMETHOD2  Coded as INFACT1 and subcomponents INFFIELD1, INFPURP1 and INFMETHOD1 
  Not applicable (INF ≠ 2) 
ICTCOMPUTER  COMPUTER RELATED ACTIVITIES ALREADY CARRIED OUT Everybody
 0 Never used a computer or none of the activities listed below 
 1-6 Number of responses provided in the list activities 1 to 6 below 
 – 1 No answer 
  List of examples of activities allowing for an assessment of skills (from low to high, multiple responses allowed) 
ICTCOMPUTER_1  Activity 1 
ICTCOMPUTER_2  Activity 2 
ICTCOMPUTER_3  Activity 3 
ICTCOMPUTER_4  Activity 4 
ICTCOMPUTER_5  Activity 5 
ICTCOMPUTER_6  Activity 6 
  Each ICTCOMPUTER_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected 
ICTINTERNET(optional)  INTERNET RELATED ACTIVITIES HAVE ALREADY CARRIED OUT ICTCOMPUTER = 1-6, – 1
 0 Never used Internet or none of the activities listed below 
 1-6 Number of responses provided in the list activities 1 to 6 below 
 – 1 No answer 
  List of examples of activities allowing for an assessment of skills (from low to high, multiple responses allowed) 
ICTINTERNET_1  Activity 1 
ICTINTERNET_2  Activity 2 
ICTINTERNET_3  Activity 3 
ICTINTERNET_4  Activity 4 
ICTINTERNET_5  Activity 5 
ICTINTERNET_6  Activity 6 
  Each ICTINTERNET_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected 
LANGMOTHER  MOTHER TONGUE(S) Everybody
  Codes based on the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
 2 digits 1st language 
 2 digits 2nd language (00 if none) 
LANGUSED  OTHER LANGUAGES EXCEPT MOTHER TONGUE(S) Everybody
 0-98 Number of other languages 
 – 1 No answer 
LANGUSED_1 2 digits 1 — Code of the first language or 00 (none) 
LANGUSED_2 2 digits 2 — Code of the second language or 00 (none) 
LANGUSED_3 2 digits 3 — Code of the third language or 00 (none) 
LANGUSED_4 2 digits 4 — Code of the fourth language or 00 (none) 
LANGUSED_5 2 digits 5 — Code of the fifth language or 00 (none) 
LANGUSED_6 2 digits 6 — Code of the sixth language or 00 (none) 
LANGUSED_7 2 digits 7 — Code of the seventh language or 00 (none) 
  Each LANGUSED_x variable is coded on the basis of the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
LANGBEST1  FIRST BEST KNOWN LANGUAGE (EXCLUDING MOTHER TONGUE) LANGUSED ≠ 0, – 1
  Based on the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
 2 digits 1st language (2 digits code) 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (LANGUSED = 0, – 1) 
LANGLEVEL1  FIRST BEST LANGUAGE KNOWLEDGE (EXCLUDING MOTHER TONGUE) LANGBEST1 ≠ – 1, – 2
 1 I can understand and use the most common everyday expressions. I use the language in relation to familiar things and situations. 
 2 I can understand the essential of clear language and produce simple text. I can describe experiences and events and communicate fairly fluently. 
 3 I can understand a wide range of demanding texts and use the language flexibly. I master the language almost completely. 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (LANGBEST1 = – 1, – 2) 
LANGBEST2  SECOND BEST KNOWN LANGUAGE (EXCLUDING MOTHER TONGUE) LANGUSED ≠ 0, 1, – 1
  Based on the ISO country classification, details provided in the Adult Education Survey Manual referred to in Article 6 
 2 digits 2nd language (2 digits code) 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (LANGUSED = 0, 1, – 1) 
LANGLEVEL2  SECOND BEST LANGUAGE KNOWLEDGE (EXCLUDING MOTHER TONGUE) LANGBEST2 ≠ – 1, – 2
  Coded as LANGLEVEL1 
CULTPAR1(optional)  NUMBER OF TIMES GOING TO LIVE PERFORMANCES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 1 to 6 times in the last 12 months 
 2 More than 6 times in the last 12 months 
 3 Never 
 – 1 No answer 
CULTPAR2(optional)  NUMBER OF TIMES GOING TO THE CINEMA IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 1 to 6 times in the last 12 months 
 2 More than 6 times in the last 12 months 
 3 Never 
 – 1 No answer 
CULTPAR3(optional)  NUMBER OF VISITS TO CULTURAL SITES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 1 to 6 times in the last 12 months 
 2 More than 6 times in the last 12 months 
 3 Never 
 – 1 No answer 
CULTPAR4(optional)  NUMBER OF TIMES ATTENDING LIVE SPORT EVENTS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 1 to 6 times in the last 12 months 
 2 More than 6 times in the last 12 months 
 3 Never 
 – 1 No answer 
CULTNEWS(optional)  READING NEWSPAPERS (PAPER OR INTERNET) IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 Every day or almost every day 
 2 At least once a week (but not every day) 
 3 At least once a month (but not every week) 
 4 Less than once a month 
 5 Never 
 – 1 No answer 
CULTBOOK(optional)  READ A BOOK IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 1 Yes 
 2 No 
 – 1 No answer 
CULTBOOKNUM(optional)  APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF BOOKS READ IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS CULTBOOK = 1
 1 Less than 5 
 2 5 to 9 
 3 More than 10 
 – 1 No answer 
 – 2 Not applicable (CULTBOOK ≠ 1) 
SOCIALPAR(optional)  PARTICIPATION IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS Everybody
 0 None of the activities below 
 1-6 Number of responses provided in the list of 6 activities below 
 – 1 No answer 
  List of activities (multiple responses allowed) 
SOCIALPAR _1  Activities of political parties or trade unions 
SOCIALPAR _2  Activities of professional associations 
SOCIALPAR _3  Activities of recreational groups or organisations 
SOCIALPAR _4  Activities of charitable organisations 
SOCIALPAR _5  Informal voluntary activities 
SOCIALPAR _6  Activities of religious organisations 
  Each SOCIALPAR_x variable is coded:1 if selected, 2 if not selected 
ANNEX II
1. According to the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 452/2008, the Adult Education Survey ‘sample size shall be established on the basis of precision requirements that shall not require effective national sample sizes to be larger than 5 000 individuals, calculated on the assumption of simple random sampling. Within these limits, specific subpopulations shall require particular sampling considerations’.

2. The net sample (excluding unit non-response) should provide estimates within a 95 % confidence interval for a set of indicators listed in paragraph 3. The half-length of the confidence interval for each indicator shall not exceed the threshold provided in paragraph 3 unless an effective sample size larger than 5 000 individuals is required at national level.

3. 

Indicator Maximum half-length of the 95 % confidence interval
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training 1,4 %
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training (males) 2,0 %
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training (females) 2,0 %
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training (persons aged 25-34) 3,0 %
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training (persons aged 35-54) 2,0 %
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training (persons aged 55-64) 3,2 %
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training by highly educated persons (ISCED level 5-6) 4,0 %
Participation rate (%) in non-formal education and training by unemployed persons 11,5 %
Share of job-related activities among non-formal training activities 4,0 %

For countries with a population aged 25-64 of one million to three and a half millions, the thresholds provided in the column ‘maximum half-length of the 95 % confidence interval’ shall be increased by 20 %.

For countries with a population aged 25-64 of less than one million, the thresholds provided in the column ‘maximum half-length of the 95 % confidence interval’ shall be increased by 40 %.

4. These requirements refer to a sample of resident units aged 25-64. National samples with a wider scope should allow for the provision of estimates for the resident population aged 25-64 complying with the precision requirements set out in paragraphs 2 and 3.

ANNEX III
The data quality requirements for the Adult Education Survey refer to the dimensions of relevance, accuracy, timeliness and punctuality, accessibility and clarity, comparability, and coherence in accordance with Article 4(d) of Regulation (EC) No 452/2008.
Member States shall submit quality reports as defined in Article 7 of this Regulation. The reports are to be written according to a standard quality reporting format provided by the Commission (Eurostat). A copy of the national questionnaire shall accompany the quality report.

1. 

— Implementation of the survey and the degree to which statistics meet current and potential users’ needs.
— Description and classification of users.
— Individual needs of each user group.
— Evaluation if and to what degree these needs have been satisfied.

2.  2.1. 

— Description of the sample design and the realised sample.
— Description of the calculation of the final weights including non-response model and auxiliary variables used.
— Coefficients of variation of the estimates according to the sample strata as regards the indicators of interest listed in Annex II, paragraph 3.
— Variance estimation software.
— In particularly, a description of the auxiliary variables or information used should be reported.
— In case of non-response analysis, a description of the biases in the sample and results.
 2.2.  2.2.1. 

— Description of the register used for sampling and its overall quality.
— Information included in the register and its updating frequency.
— Errors due to the discrepancies between the sampling frame and the target population and sub-populations (over-coverage, under-coverage, misclassifications).
— Methods used to obtain this information.
— Notes on the processing of misclassifications.
 2.2.2. 
Assessment of errors that occurred at the stage of data collection due for example to:


— The questionnaire design (results of pre-tests or laboratory methods; questioning strategies).
— Reporting unit/respondent (reactions of respondents).
— Information system of the respondent and the use of administrative records (correspondence between the administrative and survey concept, e.g. reference period, availability of individual data).
— Modes of data collection.
 2.2.3. 
Description of the data editing process:


— Processing system and tools used.
— Errors due to coding, editing, weighting, and tabulation etc.
— Quality checks at macro/micro level.
— Corrections and failed edits breakdown into missing values, errors and anomalies.
 2.2.4. 

— A description of the measures undertaken regarding ‘re-contacts’.
— Unit and item response rates.
— Assessment of unit non-response and item non-response.
— Full report on imputation procedures including methods used for imputation and/or re-weighting.
— Methodological notes and results of non-response analysis or other methods to assess the effects of non-response.

3. 

— Table of dates when each of the following phases of the project started and ended such as data collection, reminders and follow-up, data checking and editing, further validation and imputation, non-response survey (as appropriate), estimations as well as data transmission to Eurostat and dissemination of national results.

4. 

— Conditions of access to data.
— Dissemination scheme of results.
— Copy of any methodological documents relating to the statistics provided.

5. 

— As appropriate and relevant countries should comment upon:
— Deviations from the European questionnaire and definitions.
— Whether the survey was linked to another national survey.
— To what extent the survey was realised through existing data in registers.
— A description of how the requirements of this Regulation have been fulfilled so the data comparability can be assessed.

6. 

— Comparison of statistics for the same phenomenon or item from other surveys or sources.
— Description of how the requirements of this Regulation have been fulfilled so the geographical comparability of the data can be assessed.

7. 

— Analysis of the burden and benefit at national level through, for example, a consideration of:
— Average time for answering the questionnaire.
— Problematic questions, modules from the survey
— Problems with classification of learning activities and definition of learning activities, issues with classifications
— Which variables have been most/least useful in collecting data on adult participation in learning.
— Estimated or actual satisfaction level of data users at national level.
— Respondent burden.
— Efforts made to reduce burden
