What is the Polish Qualifications Framework?
Since 2016, the graphic symbol of the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF) has been placed on school certificates and higher education diplomas. It is also increasingly visible on other documents confirming the award of a qualification, e.g. certificates. Do you know what it signifies?
The PQF symbol visible on a school certificate, diploma, or certificate indicates that the individual concerned has achieved learning outcomes of a specific level and that this has been verified.
The higher the PQF level, the greater the requirements regarding knowledge, skills, and social competences. What are they exactly? Each PQF level has its own descriptors.
How many levels does the PQF have?
The Polish framework – similar to the European Qualifications Framework – has 8 levels.
Find out more from the animation about the Polish and European Qualifications Frameworks.
How are levels differentiated in the PQF?
| Partial qualification indicator | Full qualification indicator | Level descriptors |
 |  | very simple tasks, according to detailed instructions, under direct supervision. |
 |  | simple tasks, according to general instructions, under guidance |
 |  | moderately simple tasks, according to general instructions, partially autonomously |
 |  | moderately complex tasks, partly without instructions, autonomously |
 |  | tasks without instructions, managing a small team, assessing team performance |
 |  | innovative performance of tasks, autonomous decision-making |
 |  | creating and developing models of appropriate conduct in the workplace and life environment, leading a group and taking responsibility for it |
 |  | solving research problems, participating in the exchange of experiences and ideas, also in an international environment |
Why were qualifications frameworks established?
The traditional (and increasingly anachronistic) division into 3 main categories of education (primary, secondary, higher) is being replaced by the division of qualifications according to 8 levels described in the Polish Qualifications Framework, which is also recognisable on the European labour market.
What does it mean that a qualification has an assigned PQF level?
Assigning a PQF level means that the scope of knowledge, skills, and social competences required to award the qualification corresponds to the requirements of that specific PQF level.
Which qualifications have an assigned PQF level?
All school certificates and higher education diplomas have an assigned PQF level, e.g. a primary school leaving certificate has an assigned PQF level 2, a matriculation certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości) – PQF level 4, and a first-cycle degree diploma – PQF level 6.
Other qualifications, including those awarded after a course or training, may also have a PQF level. Check the qualifications with an assigned PQF level included in the Integrated Qualifications System.
Who determines the PQF level for a qualification?
The PQF level of school certificates and higher education diplomas is specified by the Act on the Integrated Qualifications System. The PQF level for other qualifications is assigned by individual ministers based on the recommendations of a panel of experts or – in the case of postgraduate qualifications – by the higher education institution authorities.
What determines the PQF level of a given qualification?
The PQF level is the result of an analysis of the learning outcomes (knowledge, skills, and social competences) that underpin a given qualification.
Which PQF level can be assigned to a qualification awarded by an entity other than a school or higher education institution?
Qualifications awarded e.g. by sector associations and training companies can have a PQF level from 1 to 8.
Where can you check the PQF level of a given qualification?
Information on the PQF level of a given qualification is visible on the school certificate, diploma, or certificate.
Information on the PQF level of individual qualifications can also be checked in the Integrated Qualifications Register.
Want to know more?
- Use the PQF browser to compare the requirements for different levels.
- Download tables containing PQF descriptors:
- universal descriptors (levels 1 to 8)
- descriptors typical for qualifications of a general nature (levels 1 to 4)
- descriptors typical for qualifications of a vocational nature (levels 1 to 8)
- descriptors typical for qualifications obtained after achieving a full qualification at level 4 (level 5)
- descriptors typical for qualifications obtained within higher education (levels 6 to 8)
- Consult the PQF User Guide
- Learn how experts assign a PQF level to a qualification
- Talk about the PQF with the chatbot Zeterka
- Download PQF graphic symbols
Discover Sectoral Qualifications Frameworks