Qualifying vocational courses: how an adult can gain a trade within the school system

What a KKZ is

The qualifying vocational course (kwalifikacyjny kurs zawodowy, KKZ) is one of the forms of continuing education listed in the Education Law. It is run by, among others, vocational education centres, continuing education institutions and schools that teach trades. A course covers one qualification within a trade — the same one technical and vocational school pupils learn — and prepares for the vocational exam run under the rules of the Central Examination Board (CKE).

It suits people who want to change trade or confirm skills gained at work but can't or don't want to start a full school course.

What passing the exam gives you

After passing the vocational exam, the participant receives a vocational qualification certificate (certyfikat kwalifikacji zawodowej). Once they have all the qualifications in a trade and the required level of education, they can obtain a vocational diploma (dyplom zawodowy).

KKZ can also help towards formal education: under the Education Law, basic vocational education (wykształcenie zasadnicze branżowe) is held by, among others, a person who has passed extramural exams in general education for first-level vocational school and completed a KKZ in a trade taught at that school.

Admission

A candidate for a course at a public institution presents a medical certificate confirming no contraindications to learning the trade (for driving-related trades, also medical and psychological assessments). When there are more applicants than places, priority goes to people who finished secondary school before turning 18, then to those with no vocational qualifications at all. Next come social criteria, and finally the order of applications.

Admission dates are set by the head of the institution with its governing body, so check the websites of specific centres.

How to choose a course

KKZ offers depend on the region: in one powiat construction or mechanical courses are easier to find, in another catering or care. Before enrolling, check a few things.

• Which qualification and in which trade — the code should match the official classification of vocational trades.
• How long the course lasts and in what mode: daytime or extramural, weekends or afternoons.
• Where practical classes take place and whether the institution works with employers.
• Whether the course is free — usually yes at public institutions; private ones may charge.
• How course graduates have done in the vocational exam.

Funding and combining it with work

If the course is paid, look for support: the labour office can fund training in the form of a course, including a KKZ, for an unemployed person or jobseeker. An employer can use the National Training Fund (KFS) if the course fits the year's priorities.

Courses are usually extramural, which makes combining them with work easier. Do count the practical hours, though — there can be many, and they may need to be agreed with your employer.