Applicants
Join our webinar on 16 June 2026: Description and validation in the IQS – work faster with tried-and-tested materials and tools. Find out more.
Applicants play an important role in the Integrated Qualifications System (IQS). They help expand the range of market and sectoral qualifications and bring it closer to the needs of learners and the requirements of the labour market. Thanks to their initiative, people of different ages can find qualifications in the Register that meet their needs. Who can be an applicant and what can they do?
Who can be an applicant?
An application for the inclusion of a qualification in the IQS may be submitted by:
- in the case of a market qualification – an entity carrying out organised activities in the field of education, training, the labour market or the economy, for example a training company,
- in the case of a sectoral qualification – a nationwide organisation carrying out statutory activities in a particular industry or sector under the relevant legislation, for example a sectoral association, chamber of commerce or Sector Skills Council,
- in the case of a craft qualification – the Polish Craft Association.
What do applicants do? From an idea to awarding certificates
- Identify gaps in the existing range of qualifications
Applicants explain why a new qualification is needed – for example, because it responds to a specific need in a particular field or could improve the labour market situation of a particular group of people. - Prepare an application for the inclusion of a qualification in the IQS
The application form is available in the IQR E-applications System. The application must include various information about the qualification, including an explanation of who must do what in order to obtain the certificate. The applicant also proposes a level of the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF) to be shown on the certificate in the future, from level 1 (the least advanced skills) to level 8 (expert level). The final decision on the PQF level is made by the minister. - Submit an application for the inclusion of a qualification in the IQS
Applicants use the IQR E-applications System to submit their applications. The application is reviewed by the minister responsible for the area to which the qualification relates, for example sport, tourism or construction.
An application for the inclusion of a qualification is subject to a fee. - Apply for authorisation to award certificates
Once the application has been approved and the qualification included in the IQS, the applicant may apply to the minister for authorisation to carry out validation and issue certificates. Once this authorisation has been granted by the minister, the applicant becomes an awarding body. - Organise validation and issue certificates
Validation means checking whether a person has achieved the required learning outcomes, including the required knowledge and skills. This is confirmed by a certificate showing the level of the Polish Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework.
What does an application for the inclusion of a qualification in the IQS contain?
The application includes, among other things:
- details of the applicant,
- basic information about the qualification, such as its name, the groups of people for whom it is particularly intended, and how the qualification may be used in further learning or professional development,
- an explanation of why the qualification is needed,
- information on the learning outcomes, i.e. the knowledge and skills whose achievement is to be confirmed by the certificate,
- information on the general validation requirements, providing an indication of how the knowledge and skills of people seeking the certificate are to be assessed,
- additional information, such as ISCED and PKD codes and the period for which the certificate remains valid.
How is an application reviewed?
- A correctly completed application is forwarded to the relevant minister.
- The minister announces on the IQS portal that the application is under consideration.
- If the application concerns a market qualification, the minister carries out consultations.
- The minister appoints a panel of experts to analyse the qualification description and recommend the PQF level to be assigned to it.
- The IQS Stakeholder Council reviews the recommendation on the assignment of a PQF level to the qualification.
- Taking into account the opinions and recommendations concerning the application, the minister assesses it and decides whether to approve it.
- The minister announces the decision to include the qualification in the IQS by way of an official notice published in the official journal of the Republic of Poland, Monitor Polski.
The applicant receives up-to-date information on the progress of the application:
- they are informed that the application has been forwarded to the relevant minister,
- they can see comments submitted by interested stakeholder groups,
- they are consulted on proposed changes to the qualification description put forward by the panel of experts.
Supporting materials
Process for including a market qualification in the IQS
Process for including a sectoral qualification in the IQS
How to prepare an application for the inclusion of a market or sectoral qualification
How to prepare an application for the inclusion of a craft qualification
How to submit an application for the inclusion of a market or sectoral qualification in the IQS
How to apply for recognition of a market qualification as a sectoral qualification
Describing qualifications – guide
Useful resources
Need more information? Contact us
Information on the Integrated Qualifications System
describing qualifications: opis.kwalifikacje@ibe.edu.pl
including qualifications in the IQS: zsk@ibe.edu.pl
authorisation of awarding bodies: wsparcie.ic@ibe.edu.pl
tel. +48 503 914 553
tel. +48 603 302 760
Information on the Integrated Qualifications Register
(Register support – helpdesk, registration, completing and submitting applications, updating data)
rejestr@ibe.edu.pl
tel. +48 22 241 71 17
tel. +48 503 912 684
tel. +48 503 914 616