About the IQS
On 15 January 2016, the Act of 22 December 2015 on the Integrated Qualifications System entered into force. The Integrated Qualifications System (IQS) is intended to serve a wide range of people and institutions: school students, employers, teachers and trainers, careers advisers and students, but above all working adults – both those working in Poland and those taking up employment in other European Union countries.
The solutions introduced by the Integrated Qualifications System respond to changes taking place in the labour market and the economy. Experience from other European countries shows that introducing a system based on a qualifications framework can encourage more people to continue learning and gain further qualifications. This can improve not only their employment prospects but also their sense of security in the labour market.
In Poland, qualifications are awarded within the school education and higher education systems, but also by associations and sectoral organisations operating under different regulations. Some qualifications awarded outside the school education and higher education systems meet high quality standards, but this is not the case for all of them. The Integrated Qualifications System introduced mechanisms to ensure the quality of qualifications included in the system.
The Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF), which is referenced to the European Qualifications Framework, plays a very important role in the Integrated Qualifications System. Each qualification included in the system is assigned an appropriate PQF level. This makes Polish certificates and diplomas easier to understand abroad. This is particularly important for Polish citizens looking for work outside Poland.
Work on establishing the Integrated Qualifications System in Poland was carried out under the leadership of the Minister of Education in close cooperation with social partners. These included representatives of employers, trade unions, sectoral organisations, non-governmental organisations, education and research institutions, and training companies. Their views had a significant influence on the design of many solutions within the IQS.
The Integrated Qualifications System is intended for people who want to continue learning and developing throughout their lives, as well as for generations that are only beginning to prepare to enter the labour market. Within the system, greater emphasis is placed on specific learning outcomes – what we know, the skills and competences we have, and how we can use them in our professional and social lives.