Accumulation of achievements
In the IQS, “accumulation of achievements” means gaining a qualification in stages. In this case, a person seeking a qualification has their competences assessed in several separate stages that do not follow immediately one after another.
Only competences that are related to one another and form a coherent whole can be assessed and formally confirmed separately. In the qualification requirements, they form a distinct module, known as a unit of learning outcomes.
The possibility of accumulating achievements was introduced in Polish higher education in 2005 as part of the implementation of the Bologna Process, which includes ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Solutions supporting the accumulation of achievements were also introduced in the reform of vocational education launched in 2012. Since 2015, this possibility has also been provided for under the IQS Act.