In Poland, the conservation of works of art has been a separate academic discipline since the 1940's. This training is supported by the government due to the number of works of art that must be preserved. Both theoreticians and practicians are called conservators. Three institutes have developed courses in the conservation of works of art: the Academies of Art in Warsaw and Krakow and the Copernicus University in Thorn. This article mentions several other training avenues. There are also courses for laboratory assistants and technicians. In the Thorn, Warsaw and Krakow programs, four academic fields can be chosen: painting and polychrome woodcarving; paper, graphics and leather; sculpture and architectural elements; and conservation and museology. A diploma certifies that a graduate (who can earn a Master of Arts degree) is a specialist in the specified field.