Regulated professions in Poland and the EU
The issue of regulated professions appears from time to time in the Polish public space on the occasion of the proposed changes in this matter. Exempting some professions from the list of regulated professions or facilitating access to their practice has many supporters. Leaving aside the issue of the legitimacy of regulating individual professions, it is worth considering what they really are and how to access them. Many specialists are interested in the question of whether they can also practice a regulated profession in Poland in other European Union countries without the need to confirm their qualifications?
What are regulated professions?
A regulated profession is one that can only be practiced after meeting the requirements specified by law. These requirements may include obtaining appropriate education, passing state examinations, completing an apprenticeship or registering with the relevant professional association. In Poland, regulated professions are strictly defined in the relevant legal regulations and include a number of professions that involve great responsibility.
These regulations are designed to protect public health, safety and the interests of consumers. For example, doctors, lawyers, civil engineers, as well as pilots and air traffic controllers must meet a number of requirements in order to be able to perform their jobs. Such regulations are intended to ensure that people in these professions have the appropriate competences and qualifications, which minimizes the risk of mistakes that could have serious consequences for society.
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History and evolution of professional regulations in Poland
The history of professional regulations in Poland dates back to pre-war times, when the first regulations specifying the requirements for the exercise of certain professions were introduced. After World War II, in the times of the People’s Republic of Poland, professional regulations became even more detailed and covered virtually every sphere of professional life. The state controlled access to many professions, and obtaining the appropriate qualifications was often dependent on meeting political criteria.
After the political transformation in 1989, Poland began to liberalize the labor market, which was associated with the deregulation of many professions. However, as it has moved closer to membership in the European Union, many professions have again been regulated to bring Polish law into line with EU standards. Currently, the list of regulated professions in Poland includes about 360 professions and is regularly updated depending on the needs of the labor market and state policy.
Why are some professions regulated?
The regulation of professions aims to protect public interests such as health, safety and social welfare. In some cases, improper practice of the profession can lead to serious consequences, so it is important that those practicing these professions have the appropriate qualifications. For example, a medical misdiagnosis can endanger a patient’s life, and a poorly designed building can pose a threat to its occupants.
Another reason for regulation is to protect consumers from unfair professional practices. Thanks to regulations, customers can be sure that the person providing services has the necessary competence and experience. For example, an attorney who does not meet certain requirements may not be able to properly represent their client in court.
The process of obtaining qualifications to practice regulated professions in Poland
The process of obtaining qualifications to practice regulated professions in Poland varies depending on the profession, but usually involves several stages:
- Obtaining the appropriate education: In many cases, in order to be able to apply for the right to practice a regulated profession, you need to complete the relevant studies. Examples include medical, legal, engineering or pedagogical studies. Often, these studies must be completed by passing exams that confirm the acquisition of the necessary theoretical knowledge.
- Internship: In many professions, such as doctors, lawyers or architects, it is necessary to complete a professional internship under the supervision of an experienced mentor. This practice allows you to acquire the necessary practical skills that are crucial in your daily work.
- Passing the state exam: In many cases, it is necessary to pass a state exam to obtain the right to practice a regulated profession. Examples include medical exams, the bar exam, or the exam for construction licenses.
- Registration with the professional chamber: Once you have passed the exam, you may need to register with the relevant professional association. These chambers supervise the practice of the profession and ensure compliance with the code of ethics. Examples include the Regional Medical Chambers, the Supreme Bar Council or the Polish Chamber of Civil Engineers.
List of regulated professions in Poland
Currently, there are about 360 regulated professions in Poland, but we will mention just a few of them:
- a civil engineer with a construction license in the engineering specialty,
- an architect with a building licence in the architectural specialty,
- head of the mine rescue unit,
- an employee of underground mines conducting underground storage of dioxide,
- dental assistant,
- dietician
- technical security employee,
- electrician of equipment, installations and power grids generating and converting, transmitting and consuming electricity,
- laboratory diagnostician,
- operator of an accelerator used for non-medical purposes,
- physical therapist
- radiation protection inspector,
- crane maintenance worker,
- speech therapist
- operator of lift trucks with a mechanical lifting drive.
- operator of equipment for the production of explosives.
- medical caretaker.
- Babysitter.
- Orthoptist.
- Shaft signalman.
- Medical Analytics Technician.
- Dental technician.
- Electroradiologist technician.
- Pharmacy technician.
- Massage technician.
- Technician of clearing the area of explosives and hazardous materials.
- Orthopedic technician.
- Occupational therapist.
- Issuer of blasting agents in: – underground mines, – open-pit mines, – mines extracting minerals through boreholes, in plants performing geological works as part of the exploration and appraisal of the underground carbon dioxide storage complex, and in mining plants conducting underground storage of carbon dioxide.
- Management of an organizational unit performing activities consisting in the start-up, operation or decommissioning of a nuclear power plant and management of a nuclear power plant.
Regulated Professions in the European Union: Laws and Regulations
In the European Union, the issue of recognition of professional qualifications is regulated by Directive 2005/36/EC, which was introduced to facilitate the mobility of workers within the common market. The Directive sets out the rules for the recognition of professional qualifications between Member States and the conditions that must be met by applicants to pursue a regulated profession in another EU country.
How do I get my professional qualifications recognised in the EU?
The process of recognising professional qualifications in the European Union varies depending on the profession and the country in which you want to work. In most cases, it involves the following steps:
- Applying for recognition: The first step is to apply to the relevant authority in the country where you want to work. This application should contain all the necessary documents confirming our qualifications, such as diplomas, certificates and certificates of completion of courses.
- Assessment of the application by the competent authority: The competent authority assesses our application on the basis of the documents provided. They may request additional information or conduct an interview to make sure that our qualifications are suitable for the profession in the country.
- Decision on recognition: After assessing the application, the authority issues a decision on the recognition (or refusal to recognize) our qualifications. In the case of a positive decision, we can start working in a regulated profession in a given country. In some cases, you may need to undergo additional training or an exam to fill in the missing qualifications.
- Automatic recognition: In some cases, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, architects, or veterinarians, professional qualifications are automatically recognized. This means that people who are licensed in one EU country can practise in another without having to go through additional procedures.
Exceptions and limitations to the recognition of professional qualifications
Although Directive 2005/36/EC aims to facilitate labour mobility within the EU, there are some exceptions and limitations that may affect the recognition process:
- Significant differences in the curriculum: If the competent authority finds that there are significant differences between the curriculum in the country where the qualification was obtained and the curriculum in the host country, it may request that the missing qualifications be completed by taking an additional course or passing an examination.
- Professions regulated only at national level: Certain professions, such as teachers, psychologists or social workers, are regulated only at national level and are not automatically recognised under the Directive. In such cases, you may need to obtain permission to practice in each country separately.
- Temporary and occasional provision of services: If you plan to practise a regulated profession temporarily or occasionally in another EU country, you must report this to the competent authority in the host country. This authority may require proof of your qualifications, especially if the profession has an impact on public health or safety.
The future of professional regulation in Poland and the European Union
Professional regulation is a topic of constant debate at national and EU level. On the one hand, there is a need to protect public health and safety, and on the other hand, there is a growing need for liberalisation of the labour market and increased labour mobility within the EU. In the future, we can expect further changes in the recognition of professional qualifications and modifications to the list of regulated professions.
Conclusions and summary
Regulated professions are professions that require specific legal and professional requirements to be met. Their regulation is aimed at ensuring high quality services and protecting public health and safety. The process of obtaining qualifications to practise regulated professions can be complex, but it is essential to ensure appropriate standards in many areas.
In the European Union, the recognition of professional qualifications is regulated by EU directives that aim to facilitate professional mobility within the common market. While there are some limitations and exceptions, the general rules are designed to ensure the free movement of workers and services.
In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that professional regulations are a key element of the system of protection of public interests, and at the same time they pose a challenge for people who want to develop their professional careers in different EU countries. Therefore, it is worth following the changes in the regulations and being aware of the requirements that must be met to be able to practice a regulated profession in Poland and the European Union.
Do you want to learn more interesting information about the Polish and European labor market? Be sure to read other posts on our blog, where we cover a variety of topics, from the simplest, such as a certificate of employment and earnings , to more complex ones, such as hiring foreign employees or types of recruitment that take place during job interviews.
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