Awarding bodies (IC)

In the IQS, awarding bodies are institutions authorised to award market qualifications or sectoral qualifications. One awarding body may be authorised to award many different qualifications.

An entity such as a training company, Sector Skills Centre, employers’ organisation or non-governmental organisation may become an awarding body if it is able to ensure that validation is carried out properly, i.e. that it reliably checks whether a person seeking a qualification has the required skills. 

Authorisation to award a market or sectoral qualification is granted by the relevant minister. 

Basic information on the procedure for authorising awarding bodies

How many institutions can a minister authorise to award a given qualification?

There is no limit. What matters is that each institution ensures that validation is carried out properly and in accordance with the general requirements set out in the minister’s notice on the inclusion of the qualification in the IQS. 

See an example of a ministerial notice.

How to become an awarding body

An interested institution prepares an application, which is then forwarded by the IQR register-keeping body to the relevant minister. 

An application for authorisation to award a qualification is subject to a fee.

The minister checks whether the institution will ensure that validation is carried out in accordance with the general requirements concerning:

• validation methods, 
• the people carrying out validation, 
• organisational and material conditions. 

The minister then grants the authorisation by way of an administrative decision.

What does an awarding body do?

It carries out validation and issues certificates. An awarding body may authorise another institution to carry out validation on its behalf. However, it remains responsible for the reliability of the validation process.

The awarding body remains in regular contact with the institution that monitors its work and advises it on how to improve its activities.

What other responsibilities does an awarding body have?

Once a quarter, the awarding body submits information to the IQR on the number of certificates issued. Every two years, it prepares a report on its activities.

Why is the role of an awarding body important?

An awarding body provides a reliable way to confirm and document skills acquired outside formal education, for example at work, during training, through independent learning or while developing personal interests.

Awarding bodies may issue certificates bearing the graphic symbols of the Polish Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), just like school-leaving certificates and higher education diplomas. The PQF symbol adds prestige and makes the certificate more recognisable, including on the international labour market.

Who can apply for certificates issued by awarding bodies?

The qualifications awarded by individual awarding bodies are intended for people of different ages, from young people preparing to enter the labour market to older adults. Detailed information on each qualification, including any prerequisites for validation, is available on the websites of awarding bodies and in the Register. 

Supporting materials

Need more information? Contact us

Including qualifications in the IQS, authorisation of awarding bodies and support for awarding bodies

email: zsk@ibe.edu.pl
email: wsparcie.ic@ibe.edu.pl

tel. +48 503 914 553
tel. +48 603 302 760

Register support – helpdesk, registration, completing and submitting applications, updating data

email: rejestr@ibe.edu.pl 
tel. +48 503 912 684
tel. +48 503 914 616

Reporting by awarding bodies – IQR E-reports System support, account setup and deadlines

email: sprawozdawczosc@ibe.edu.pl
tel. +48 573 444 598