Professional recognition in North Rhine-Westphalia

Anyone who has obtained a professional qualification abroad and wants to work in Germany should check whether recognition of the professional qualification** is necessary or useful**. Recognition of foreign qualifications facilitates entry into the German labour market and provides clarity on how the qualification obtained is assessed in Germany. Depending on the profession, degree and state in which the work is started, different conditions and procedures apply.

Vocational recognition is a procedure in which a professional qualification obtained abroad** is checked for equivalence with a German qualification**. For many [regulated professions] (https://www.ankenn-in-deutschland.de/html/de/pro/berufliche-ankenn.php #module9614) – e.g. in healthcare or education – professional recognition is a prerequisite for being able to practise the profession in Germany. In non-regulated professions, it is often voluntary, but can facilitate the job search and improve career prospects.

Whether a professional recognition is required ** depends on the respective professional qualification and the desired profession in Germany**. This also depends on which documents are needed and which body is responsible for the recognition procedure. It is therefore advisable to examine the individual path of recognition at an early stage.

With a professional recognition, you can officially prove the equivalence of your qualification with a German professional qualification. For many professions, it is a prerequisite for exercising the profession. In addition, it frequentlyimproves your opportunities on the labour market and facilitates the entry into a qualification-appropriate employment.

• Better opportunities and integration into the labour market: Employers can assess their qualifications better. In addition, the recognition facilitates the entry into the learned profession.
• Legal security: With a letter of recognition, you and potential employers know how your foreign degree is assessed in Germany.
• Higher earning opportunities: Recognised qualifications can facilitate access to qualified and better-paid jobs.
• Access to [regulated professions](https://www.recognition-in-deutschland.de/html/en/pro/pro/professional recognition.php #module9614): For professions such as doctor, nurse, teacher or engineer (depending on the state and profession), recognition is often a prerequisite for professional practice.

“Recognition in Germany” is the central information portal of the Federal Government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany.

Then you can call or write to the hotline for an initial consultation.

The Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) is at your disposal for in-depth advice and support in the recognition process. The ZSBA helps with the application process. She advises you on qualification opportunities and job market prospects and accompanys you through the recognition process until you enter Germany.

Then you can contact the IQ network in NRW. The IQ-Beratungsstellen in NRW are happy to support you on your way to professional recognition:

• Accompanying in procedures for the recognition of professional or academic qualifications
• Information on financial support opportunities
• Assistance in mediating and accompanying appropriate measures that lead to the equivalence of the financial statements.
  The IQ-Network NRW qualifies, advises and accompanies specialists with foreign origin and residence in NRW: