Recognition of Medical Qualifications – Certificates Issued by the Supreme Medical Council (NIL - Naczelna Izba Lekarska)
Graduates of the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM) who plan to continue their medical career abroad may be required to present official certificates confirming their education, training, and professional status in Poland. These documents are issued by the Supreme Medical Council (NRL - Naczelna Rada Lekarska) as part of the qualification recognition procedures within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
Below you will find an overview of the certificates available to medical graduates.
• Certificate confirming full qualifications as a Medical Doctor obtained in Poland (Directive 2005/36/EC).
This certificate confirms that the graduate has obtained full professional qualifications as a medical doctor in Poland in accordance with the minimum training requirements set out in Article 24 of Directive 2005/36/EC.
It is intended for graduates who:
- obtained their Polish medical diploma (MD),
- passed the Final Medical Examination (LEK),
- completed a postgraduate internship in Poland or abroad (if recognised as equivalent by the Polish Minister of Health).
This certificate is most often required when applying for automatic recognition of qualifications in another EU/EEA Member State.
• Certificate confirming the conformity of Medical Studies completed in Poland with art. 24 of the Directive 2005/36/EC.
This document confirms that the medical studies completed in Poland meet the requirements of Article 24 of Directive 2005/36/EC, which defines the minimum duration and content of medical education in the EU.
It is useful for graduates who:
- have completed their medical studies in Poland,
- do not yet hold full professional qualifications (e.g. they have not completed the internship), or
- need to prove the compliance of their university education alone, without postgraduate training.
Some competent authorities abroad request this certificate even before full registration.
• Certificate of Good Standing (Non-Registration as a Medical Doctor in Poland).
Graduates who have never applied for the right to practise medicine in Poland (PWZ) may be asked by foreign regulators to submit confirmation that:
- they are not registered as a practising doctor in Poland, and
- there are no disciplinary proceedings pending against them.
This certificate is required by several national medical councils outside Poland, including in countries where Good Standing documentation is mandatory prior to registration (e.g., UK, Ireland, Nordic countries).
Where to Apply
All three certificates are issued by the Supreme Medical Council (Naczelna Izba Lekarska – NIL).
Detailed instructions, application forms, and a list of required documents are available on the NIL website: NIL - Medical doctors
source: Naczelna Izba Lekarska website