Searching for work in Germany has probably already made you realise something: qualification recognition is almost definitely going to be a part of your life in Germany.
How do yours stack up? Will they be accepted? Do you need to complete further training?
Despite Germany’s lack of qualified professionals, there is still unfortunately a stringent process for qualification recognition.
In this post, I’ll explore the process of qualification recognition in Germany. You’ll even get a front row seat to my journey through this very process.
DO I NEED MY QUALIFICATIONS RECOGNISED?
If your profession is regulated, then absolutely. Yes, you will need your qualifications recognised to work in Germany.
If not, you might be able to get by without going through any formal recognition procedure. However, there are circumstances when having your degree recognised by the local authorities can be advantageous in your job hunt.
What are Regulated Professions?
Firstly, what is a regulated profession?
Any field of work that is overseen by a professional body and whose membership is limited to people holding particular expertise and education is a regulated profession.
Think medicine, nursing and teaching. These are three professions that are tightly regulated in most parts of the world.
In Germany, the list of regulated professions is looong.
Regulated Professionals by TaraRecognition and registration requirements vary between the states, so you’ll need to double- check any information with your local authorities.
HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT I NEED TO KNOW?!
I’ve got you.
Step back from the overwhelm and check this out:
There is a nationally accredited advisory service for all things qualification recognition.
It’s free.
They do the leg work and research before explaining your next steps toward professional recognition in Germany.
And the best bit? Consults are available in a variety of languages. Bonus points if you can already manage such complicated matters in German, though.
I consulted with them here in Dresden and my time with them saved me a LOT of unnecessary worry and confusion. Worry of where to find the information I needed. Confusion about understanding the systems in German. In short: EVERYTHING.
After registering my interest online for a consultation, I nervously arrived at my appointment. My advisor was kind, supportive and had already done his homework.
He hit me with a thorough explanation of the recognition procedure in Saxony for Social Workers, including:
- an overview of how the profession of Social Work is structured,
- where Social Workers can be employed,
- Job boards for Social Workers who are not yet registered, and
- Potential outcomes of my application for recognition and registration.
Check out their website to book a consultation in your city.
How do I access this service?
You’ll need to complete a basic form outlining your education and professional experience. Some documents you will absolutely, no questions asked, need are:
- Any and all of the certificates you have: degrees, high school diplomas, evidence of additional training you’ve undertaken.
- An updated CV (in English is fine!).
In addition to consultations about gaining professional recognition in your state, this service also offers:
- Regular job ads in your city in your field.
- One-to-one mentoring by a professional in your field.
- Bridging courses to help you better understand and navigate the professional environment.
- Support to seek out and access financial assistance to meet the associated costs of the recognition procedure.
The bridging course for Social Workers was a two-day exploration of how the profession in Saxony is structured, where Social Workers practice and the difference between the regulated and the unregulated jobs.
Yes. Social Work is regulated buuuuut there’s some grey areas. Very confusing. Quite frustrating.
This is why you need professional guidance on navigating this system. I would never have known about the grey areas if I’d not done the Bridging Course.
The bridging course was also a fantastic networking opportunity, both professionally and personally.
So, you want to be “staatlich anerkannt” in Germany?
“Want” may be a loose term here. For me, it was more like “well if I have to do this, I guess I’ll get on with it!”.
The path to full recognition and registration in your profession isn’t always a straight line.
How long does it take?
The exact time frame will depend on a few things, including:
- Your profession
- Where you received your qualification (inside out outside of the EU)
- If you need to undertake additional study.
So far, my application has been open for 8 months. Here’s my timeline so far:
Qualification Recognition in Germany by TaraBecause my qualifications were received outside of the EU, my application must be reviewed by a professional assessor (this step may be skipped if you received your qualifications within the EU).
Typically, these assessors are educators in your field of work, so they are intimately aware of the course structure and requirements for students who study locally.
The assessment of my application will take approximately three months.
After that time I may receive what’s called a Zwischenbescheid. This notification confirms that my qualifications are equivalent to those received by local student but that I am missing some core components.
It’s a kind of in between. Yes, my qualifications are equal but no, I can’y yet be registered to practice.
*sigh*
Most likely, I’ll have to complete some modules of study around German Law and legal proceedings before receiving my full recognition and then registration.
Many professions will require you to complete some further study before full recognition is granted.
Some tips to help you speed up this application process:
- Get your qualifications translated as soon as possible.
- Research where in your local area can provide certified copies (beglaubigt) of your documents.
- Start requesting letters from previous employers, confirming your work experience.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This is a tricky question to answer and depends wholly on your individual circumstances.
Potential costs for qualification recognition in Germany include:
- Certificate from Anabin.
- Application costs for Staatliche Annerkennung.
- Translations costs.
- Costs for certified copies.
- Postage, printing and copying of documents.
- Any fees for documents from your home country.
My initial consultation with IQ Netzwerk and the eventual submission of my application for Staatliche Anerkennung was free.
BUT here’s a glimpse of my expenses so far.
Financial assistance is available to cover these costs. Check out the available grants and application processes here.
Do I need to speak German for my Qualification to be recognised?
I think you already know the answer to this one. Yes.
Most registered professions require a high level of interpersonal communication (think teachers, doctors and in my case, social workers). A minimum of B2 German is required to apply for qualification recognition and registration.
However, in most cases, German language skills need to be at C1 level to function in your workplace. The advice is always: learn German.
So, get practising!
In my case, I required evidence of B2 Niveu before my application would be accepted. This meant that I needed to complete the exam and have a shiny certificate to present with my application.
It’s frustrating but the truth is that any certificate you hold can also be used as evidence of your language skills with all employers and bureaucrats (think the Ausländerbehörde).
Learning German is difficult but it’s well worth your time and energy.
Not only for your professional ambitions but for your everyday life here. Being able to communicate in German removes lots of barriers for you socially, too.
How can I work before my qualification is recognised?
Where there’s a will, there’s a way, my friend.
Networking
As always, networking is a game changer.
Get to know as many people in your field as possible, as soon as possible.
Some questions you might want their input on include:
- How is your profession organised in Germany?
- Who is the professional body responsible for your profession here?
- Are there any networking events or conferences scheduled?
- Review of your CV and assistance to make it fit the German standard format.
- Support learning the German vocabulary specific to your profession.
Working in a similar field
Before you’re able to work in a specifically titled role, you may be able to find jobs that sit directly next to your dream job.
For example, I can’t yet work as a Social Worker, but I’m currently employed as a Support Worker. Functionally, I complete the same day-to-day tasks.
The bonus? I can learn as much as possible without the pressure of having to fulfil the high job title.
By taking on jobs in the field, you’ll get a head start in learning how the profession functions here and the professional language. Not to mention the contacts you’ll make!
Then, when you’re finally recognised and registered, you’ll already have work experience in Germany and a growing network of professionals to support you.
Volunteering
I know. You need money!
In Germany, there plenty of opportunities to gain experience as a volunteer. Many of these internship opportunities receive a small stipend too.
Like working in a neighbouring job, these opportunities allow you to refine your professional skills and language in German, while building a professional network.
Many of these opportunities are limited to 3 or 6 months with part-time working hours.
Agentur für Arbeit
Depending on your personal situation, you may be eligible to receive training or financial support from the Agentur für Arbeit.
Registered job seekers are often eligible to receive funded training, including language courses.
They also have an extensive job board and, in some cases, offer personalised career counselling and support in your job search.
Have a read of their site to see if you’re eligible.
UNREGULATED PROFESSIONS
If your profession isn’t on the long list above, you might never need to show that your qualifications are equal to those here.
Jobs may be offered to you on the strength of your professional experience.
Here are a few tips for you to make your journey to find a job as smooth as possible:
- Have originals of all certifications with you: degrees, diplomas, and additional training.
- Get your documents translated ASAP.
- Compare your qualifications with the local courses through ANABIN.
Even if you don’t need to demonstrate equivalence of your qualifications, it can be a useful way for potential employers to understand exactly what you studied.
Education in Germany is very particular. Anything you can do to make it easier for your employer to see how outstanding you are, you should do.
Include translated copies of your documents and information from ANABIN with your job applications.
It saves you a lot of explaining and researching and it assures them that your training is legit.
Finally, seek letters from previous workplaces outlining your work experience. These should demonstrate:
- Your job title,
- how long you were employed,
- the tasks you undertook,
- any additional training you did.
These letters are a big deal in Germany. Having them ahead of time will save a lot of stress and frustration later on.
What is ANABIN?
I’ve mentioned it a few times already, so here comes clarity.
ANABIN is an online education database. It’s purpose? To directly compare foreign qualifications with German qualifications.
This is how particular the German education system is.
Through this database, you can directly compare your educational institution with the German system and how your qualification compares.
For example, I studied at an Australian University. Anabin has identified it as being equal to somewhere between a German Hochschule and a German University.
Confusing? Yep. That’s why we need this resource!
There is the option to purchase certificates from this database but I don’t recommend you do this until after you’ve consulted with the IQ Netzwerk. You might not need it.
Save your money for the more important services: translation and certified copies.
Good luck!
I wish you the best of luck with your quest to find work here in Germany.
The system of qualification recognition and registration can be overwhelming. When you feel like that, just take a break from it and come back to it next week.
Remember: networking is key. Seek contacts. Consult widely. You’ve got this!
Got questions? Get in touch!
Have you already had your qualifications recognised? Share your experiences in the comments below.
