Obtain UDT qualifications license – how to get UDT authorization license?
What is UDT – short introduction about technical supervision in Poland
UDT is a shortcut of Urząd Dozoru Technicznego, which means Office of Technical Inspection. This is one of three units that supervise devices/places/equipment that may pose a threat to people and the environment. Technical supervision means activities aimed at ensuring the safe use of mentioned devices and equipment. This is regulated by the Main Act Law regarding Technical Supervision. This main act regulates that in order to operate a device / machine that is subjected to technical inspection, we must have appropriate qualifications issued by, for example, the Office of Technical Inspection – UDT. You will learn more about technical supervision in another article.
Types of UDT qualification license for handling equipment in Poland
As we mentioned, various devices and equipment are subject to technical supervision. These may be wind farms, electric vehicle recharging stations, pressure equipment, handling equipment and many others.
In this article, we will focus on handling equipment like forklifts, cranes, overhead cranes, mobile elevating work platforms and so on. Group of these devices are called UTB as a shortcut from Polish – Urządzenia Transportu Bliskiego (Machines of the Near Transport). You will learn exactly what equipment is subject to technical supervision in another entry.
In this area, we can divide the UDT qualifying license into two general scopes – the UDT license for an operator and the UDT license for a conservator.
Operator UDT license
Not every device subject to technical supervision requires a UDT operator license. The device for which a UDT license is required to operate it – you can find described in another article.
What does it mean that a UDT license is required to operate a particular device?
This means you must:
- be over 18 years of age
- have no serious health contraindications to operate the device – e.g. serious disability (you don’t need to have a medical examination)
- have an appropriate scope of theoretical knowledge
- have appropriate operator skills
- apply for an exam at the Office of Technical Inspection – we’ll take care of it for you
- successfully pass all parts of the exam – theoretical and practical (more about the exam can be found here)
- obtain a UDT license confirming your skills
The easiest way to go through all these formal steps and obtain operator licenses is to find a training center that will handle the formalities, provide training in English, provide educational materials in English, and organize an exam – either in the company ordering the service or in its own center. The training company CoursesPoland.pl will take care of all this for you or your company.
Conservator / maintenance UDT license
To become a conservator, you must complete similar steps as to become an operator. An additional requirement is to have an electrical license in the field of current measurements, called in Poland – SEP
Legal basis for obtaining technical supervision authorizations
Of course, the obligations described above are included in Polish law – the ordinance regulating the manner of obtaining a qualification license. For more information regarding the timeliness and scope of authorizations, please see our another entry.
To summarize – Step by step how to become owner of the UDT qualification license:
- Find a good training center that will provide you training – theoretical / practical in English language and also provide you additional materials that you can consolidate knowledge at home before the exam.
- A good training center should also take care of all formalities. The waiting time for the exam, in accordance with the law, is up to 30 business days. Because the exam is in Polish, a certified sworn translator must be present during the exam – that also should be provided by training center.
- Pass all parts of the exam – test / verbal question / operating
Congratulations!!! Now you are the legal operator / conservator of the UTB device!!!
FAQ:
Can a foreigner obtain UDT Polish licenses?
Yes, it is enough to meet the general requirements mentioned in the article and based on a passport or Polish ID card / residence card with a PESEL number, you can apply for an exam for a UDT license
Is the UDT qualification license valid only in Poland?
Generally, the UDT licenses are valid in the Republic of Poland, but some European countries also respect them. In which country and for which specific device there are formal requirements, you can check with us here – https://coursespoland.pl/work-in-europe/
How to apply for the UDT exam to obtain license
The easiest way is to find a training center that will take care of the whole process instead of you.
Where exams are organized?
Exams are most often organized in companies – if they have an appropriate device to conduct a practical exam or in training centers that have such a device. The least popular place is the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT) headquarters because there are no facilities for conducting the practical exam there.
How UDT exams look like?
We have three parts of the UDT exam – multiple choice test / verbal question / operating – you must obtain a positive result in all three parts of the exam
How long do you have to wait for the UDT license to be issued after passing the exam?
The waiting time for a UDT license badge is approximately 2-3 weeks after passing the exam, in about 48h you can get e-confirmation of your license.
Can I work right after passing the exam?
Depends on the particular place/company, in some of them you can use e-confirmation of your license, in some you need to present UDT badge license – usually owner / H&S inspector decide about that.
If I already have a UDT forklift license, do I need to obtain separate licenses, for example a cherry picker?
Yes, those are two different devices that’s why you must have separate licenses for both.
What is included in the UDT theoretical exam?
The theoretical test checks if you know safety and technical rules as well as laws and regulations that you meet in Poland.
What practical skills are tested in the UDT examination?
In the practical test, you prove you can safely use the equipment. You show you have the right skills to operate it in the proper way. Practical exam is conducted only on one type of the particular machine and takes bout 5-15 min.