The title DiS. (“Certified Specialist”) is a non-academic degree placed after the name, separated by a comma. It is awarded by higher professional schools and conservatories to their graduates.
How to obtain the DiS. title?
To earn this title, you must successfully complete a higher professional school or conservatory and pass the final examinations.
Higher professional schools are usually compared to universities (bachelor’s level).
Both options provide education after completing secondary school.
The typical length of study is 3 years.
The academic year is divided into two semesters.
Semester assessments include credits and exams.
Studies follow a credit system (earning credits for completed courses).
Comparable graduation requirements: the student must write a diploma thesis, defend it before a committee, and then pass final exams covering all three years.
However, schools differ in many aspects:
The curriculum is practically oriented.
Most higher professional schools have an atmosphere more similar to secondary schools.
VOŠ institutions are not part of the academic system; they are educational institutions, not universities, and tuition is usually required.
DiS. vs. Bachelore
Among university students (and beyond), there is a tendency to look down on higher professional schools and their graduates. However, it is incorrect to consider it a lower or easier form of education. Placing a bachelor above a certified specialist is inappropriate.
On the other hand, there are professions where higher professional schools are ideal. For example, nurses: while they can gain a qualification (secondary school diploma) at a medical high school, they are not yet qualified to practice. VOŠ allows them to gain a degree, further required qualification, and more practical experience (compared to universities).
It is important to note that with the DiS. title, there is no problem continuing further studies, whether at a university or through professional MBA programs. The MBA degree generally carries more weight with employers.
How to correctly write the DiS. title
The DiS. title is written after the name and separated by a comma:
Name Surname, DiS. → Jan Novák, DiS.
