What is the Integrated Qualifications Register?
The Integrated Qualifications Register (IQR) is a publicly accessible database that compiles information on various qualifications awarded in Poland by schools, universities, and other accredited entities. Established in 2016 under the Integrated Qualifications System Act of 2015, the register serves as a cornerstone of the national qualifications framework. It enables individuals of all ages to efficiently explore the current range of available qualifications and identify those best suited to their needs, including various certification options.
Qualifications in the Register
The register includes full qualifications, which are awarded within the formal school and higher education systems upon completing specific stages of education (e.g., a primary school leaving certificate or a first-cycle/Bachelor’s degree). Additionally, the register contains partial qualifications. These include vocational qualifications obtained through sectoral vocational education, qualifications awarded upon completion of postgraduate studies, as well as regulated, sectoral, craft, and market-based qualifications. For each entry, the register provides comprehensive details, such as the specific requirements for certification, the competencies the qualification validates, and the institutions where it can be obtained.
Information within the IQR is drawn from several official sources:
- Sectoral vocational and artistic education: data is based on Ministry of Education regulations regarding core vocational curricula and Ministry of Culture and National Heritage regulations regarding the classification of artistic professions.
- Regulated, sectoral, craft, and market qualifications: information is sourced from official notices of inclusion in the Integrated Qualifications System (IQS) issued by the relevant relevant minister.
- Higher education diplomas: data is imported from the POL-on system and updated periodically.
- Postgraduate qualifications: information is derived from individual resolutions passed by university senates regarding the assignment of a Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF) level and the qualification’s inclusion in the IQS.
The specific scope of information maintained in the register is governed by the IQS Act.
Who maintains the Register?
The Integrated Qualifications Register is managed by the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute (IBE-PIB). The Institute’s responsibilities include ensuring the data is complete and up to date, conducting formal assessments of submitted applications, and fostering cooperation between various stakeholders, including ministries, universities, schools, training providers, industry associations, and educational development institutions.
Who is the Register for and what is its purpose?
- Anyone can browse information on qualifications and awarding bodies to plan their own career path or to advise students and adults looking to reskill..
- Organizations may apply to have market, sectoral, or craft qualifications included in the IQS.
- Interested entities may apply for authorization to become an awarding body for market or sectoral qualifications.
- Institutions may apply to be listed as external quality assurance bodies.
- Awarding bodies and external quality assurance entities use the register to provide transparent information about their activities.
The data collected in the register is also used to design tools that support students, parents, teachers, career counselors, and various educational institutions.
Further information:
Qualifications of Tomorrow – A Practical Guide to the Integrated Qualifications Register
Qualifications Registers Across EU Member States