{"id":10787,"date":"2025-09-29T08:13:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T06:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/polska-rama-kwalifikacji\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T23:47:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T21:47:28","slug":"polish-qualifications-framework","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/individual\/knowledge-base\/polish-qualifications-framework\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Polish Qualifications Framework?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since 2016, the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF) symbol has appeared on school certificates and higher education diplomas. It is also increasingly used on other documents confirming the award of a qualification, such as certificates. Do you know what it means?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PQF symbol on a school certificate, diploma or certificate indicates that the holder has achieved learning outcomes at a specific level and that these outcomes have been verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The higher the PQF level, the more demanding the requirements in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences. What exactly do these requirements involve? Each PQF level is defined by a set of descriptors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How many levels does the PQF have?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Polish Qualifications Framework \u2013 like the European Qualifications Framework \u2013 has 8 levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out more about the Polish and European Qualifications Frameworks in the animation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Animacja o Polskiej i Europejskiej Ramie Kwalifikacji\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2R-Og_A-KoU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How are levels differentiated in the PQF?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Graphic symbol for partial qualifications<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Graphic symbol for full qualifications<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Level descriptors<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-1-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 1 graphic symbol\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-I-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level I graphic symbol\"><\/td><td>very simple tasks carried out according to detailed instructions and under direct supervision<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-2-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 2 graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-II-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level II graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td>simple tasks carried out according to general instructions and under guidance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-3-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 3 graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-III-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level III graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td>moderately simple tasks carried out according to general instructions, with a degree of autonomy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-4-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 4 graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-IV-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level IV graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td>moderately complex tasks carried out partly without instructions and with autonomy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-5-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 5 graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-V-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level V graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td>tasks carried out without instructions, including managing a small team and assessing its performance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-6-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 6 graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-VI-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level VI graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td>performing tasks in innovative ways and making decisions independently<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-7-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 7 graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-VII-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level VII graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td>developing and promoting appropriate ways of working and behaving in professional and social contexts, leading a group and taking responsibility for it<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-8-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level 8 graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRK-VIII-500px.png\" alt=\"PQF level VIII graphic symbol\" width=\"250\"><\/td><td>solving research problems and contributing to the exchange of experience and ideas, including in an international environment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why were qualifications frameworks established?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The traditional \u2013 and increasingly outdated \u2013 division into three main levels of education (primary, secondary and higher education) is being replaced by a system in which qualifications are classified according to 8 levels described in the Polish Qualifications Framework. This also makes qualifications easier to understand and compare across the European labour market.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What does it mean that a qualification has an assigned PQF level?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assigning a PQF level means that the knowledge, skills and social competences required for the award of the qualification correspond to the requirements of that specific PQF level.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which qualifications have an assigned PQF level?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All school certificates and higher education diplomas are assigned a PQF level. For example, a primary school leaving certificate is assigned PQF level 2, a matriculation certificate (<em>\u015bwiadectwo dojrza\u0142o\u015bci<\/em>) \u2013 PQF level 4, and a first-cycle degree diploma \u2013 PQF level 6.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other qualifications, including those awarded after completing a course or training programme, may also be assigned a PQF level. Check which qualifications with an assigned PQF level are included in the Integrated Qualifications System.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who determines the PQF level for a qualification?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PQF levels of school certificates and higher education diplomas are specified in the Act on the Integrated Qualifications System. For other qualifications, the PQF level is assigned by the relevant minister on the basis of recommendations from a panel of experts or \u2013 in the case of postgraduate qualifications \u2013 by the authorities of the higher education institution.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What determines the PQF level of a given qualification?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PQF level is determined by analysing the learning outcomes \u2013 knowledge, skills and social competences \u2013 required for a given qualification.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which PQF level can be assigned to a qualification awarded by an entity other than a school or higher education institution?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qualifications awarded, for example, by sectoral associations and training companies can be assigned a PQF level from 1 to 8.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where can you check the PQF level of a given qualification?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PQF level of a qualification is shown on the relevant school certificate, diploma or certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also check the PQF level of individual qualifications in the Integrated Qualifications Register.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Want to know more?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/prk.ibe.edu.pl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use the Qualification Frameworks Browser to compare the requirements for different levels.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Download tables containing PQF descriptors:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PRK_tab1.pdf\">universal descriptors (levels 1 to 8)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PRK_tab2.pdf\">descriptors typical of qualifications of a general nature (levels 1 to 4)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PRK_tab3.pdf\">descriptors typical of qualifications of a vocational nature (levels 1 to 8)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PRK_tab4.pdf\">descriptors typical of qualifications obtained after achieving a full qualification at level 4 (level 5)<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PRK_tab5.pdf\">descriptors typical of qualifications obtained within higher education (levels 6 to 8)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Polska_Rama_Kwalifikacji_-_poradnik_uzytkownika_wydanie_II_1.pdf\">the PQF User Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn how&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Przypisywanie-poziomu-PRK-do-kwalifikacji-2020.pdf\">experts assign a PQF level to a qualification<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Talk to the Zeterka chatbot about the PQF<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/indywidualny\/visual-identity\/\">Download PQF graphic symbols<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discover&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/indywidualny\/knowledge-base\/sektorowe-ramy-kwalifikacji\/\">Sectoral Qualifications Frameworks<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since 2016, the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF) symbol has appeared on school certificates and higher education diplomas. It is also increasingly used on other documents confirming the award of a qualification, such as certificates. Do you know what it means? The PQF symbol on a school certificate, diploma or certificate indicates that the holder has [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":11109,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10787","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10787"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10787\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16881,"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10787\/revisions\/16881"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kwalifikacje.gov.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}