Certification
Formal
IHK professional recognition
IHK Recognition of Professional Qualifications: Your Key to the German Job Market
The recognition of your foreign professional qualification is an important step for your career in Germany. The IHK supports you in having your qualifications assessed and, if necessary, completing adaptation qualifications. Learn more about the opportunities for professional recognition and how you can benefit from the IHK's advisory services. We are happy to offer personal advice – contact us here.
The topic briefly and concisely
The IHK professional recognition is an important step for professionals with foreign qualifications, to significantly enhance their career opportunities in Germany and facilitate access to the job market.
The IHK FOSA plays a central role in the recognition process by acting as a central point of contact and assessing the equivalence of qualifications. Successful recognition can increase the average annual salary by up to €15,000.
There are various support options such as the Adjustment Qualification and the Recognition Grant to facilitate the process and reduce financial barriers. Take advantage of these offers to successfully secure your recognition and establish your professional future in Germany.
Would you like to have your professional qualifications obtained abroad recognized in Germany? This article provides you with all the important information about IHK professional recognition and how to successfully navigate the process.
Would you like your professional qualifications acquired abroad to be recognised in Germany and kickstart your career here? The IHK professional recognition is an important step to improve your chances in the German job market. We at Mentoc support you in mastering this process successfully. With our translation services and certified translations, we ensure that your documents meet the formal requirements.
What is the IHK professional recognition?
Definition and Purpose
The IHK professional recognition is a procedure to determine the equivalence of your foreign professional qualifications with a German qualification. The aim is to enable you to access qualified jobs in Germany and to promote your integration into the job market. This procedure is based on the Recognition Act, which grants you a legal right to such an assessment procedure.
Importance for Professionals
Successful professional recognition offers numerous benefits. It not only allows you access to your learned profession but also improves your career prospects and income. With a recognised qualification, you can apply for qualified positions and successfully advance your career in Germany. The recognition of foreign professional qualifications is thus a crucial step for your professional future.
Importance for Companies
The IHK professional recognition is also of great importance for companies. It helps to address the shortage of skilled workers and unlocks new potential through internationally qualified employees. Companies benefit from the diverse skills and experiences that foreign professionals bring. The recognition contributes to the optimal integration of these professionals into the company, enabling them to fully utilise their knowledge and skills.
IHK FOSA paves the way for recognition
The IHK FOSA (Foreign Skills Approval) plays a central role in the recognition process. As the key point of contact for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in IHK professions, it supports both professionals and companies alike. The IHK FOSA is responsible nationwide for all IHK professions and significantly contributes to alleviating the skills shortage in Germany.
The Role of IHK FOSA
Central Point of Contact
The IHK FOSA is the first point of contact for anyone seeking recognition of their foreign professional qualification. It consolidates the expertise and resources required for the recognition process and offers comprehensive advice and support. Since its establishment in 2012, the IHK FOSA has processed over 45,000 applications and issued more than 32,000 equivalency certificates.
Procedure of the Recognition Process
The procedure of the recognition process is clearly structured. Firstly, you must submit an application to the IHK FOSA. It is important to submit all necessary documents in full to ensure an efficient process. The IHK FOSA then assesses the equivalence of your foreign qualification with the corresponding German reference profession. Your professional experience is also taken into account.
Notification and Possible Measures
After the assessment, you will receive a notification from the IHK FOSA. If your qualification is fully equivalent, this will be confirmed in the notification. Should significant differences be identified, there is the possibility of an adaptation qualification or an aptitude test to demonstrate the missing knowledge and skills. The DIHK supports you and companies with projects like UBA and ProRecognition.
Adaptation Training: Closing Qualification Gaps
If the IHK FOSA identifies significant differences between your foreign qualification and the German reference profession, an adaptation qualification is often the key to full recognition. This qualification aims to bridge the identified gaps and equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in your profession in Germany.
What is adaptation qualification?
Objective and Content
The goal of the adaptation qualification is to establish the equivalence of your qualification. The content of the qualification is based on the identified differences and is laid out in a structured qualification plan. The adaptation qualification is often supported by the IHK to ensure it meets the requirements of the German job market. The IHK Stuttgart's recognition team offers support for this.
Forms of adaptation qualification
There are various forms of adaptation qualification. These include seminars and courses that provide you with the necessary expertise. However, enterprise adaptation measures, such as internships or job shadowing, can also be part of the qualification. Which form is best suited to you depends on your individual needs and the requirements of your profession.
Financial support
Participating in an adaptation qualification can involve costs. To assist you financially, there is the recognition grant. This grant is aimed at low-income earners residing and working in Germany and covers part of the procedure costs, qualification analyses, and training. The application for the recognition grant must be submitted before starting the process.
Recognition Act and FEG as legal basis secure professionals
The IHK recognition of professions is based on solid legal foundations. The Recognition Act (BQFG) and the Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) form the framework for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany and help to facilitate the influx of qualified professionals.
The Recognition Act
Legal Foundation
The Recognition Act, which came into effect on 1 April 2012, grants you a legal right to a determination procedure. This means that you have the right to have your foreign professional qualification assessed for equivalence with a German qualification. The law sets the framework for the procedure and regulates the responsibilities of the various bodies.
The Skilled Immigration Act (FEG)
Importance for Recognition
The Skilled Immigration Act has further enhanced the importance of recognition. Particularly for skilled workers from third countries, recognition is often a prerequisite for visa issuance. The law places increased focus on qualifications from the Western Balkans and Turkey. The recognition notice is thus an important step for immigration and taking up employment in Germany.
The FEG links the adaptation qualification with immigration for partially qualified persons according to §16d Residence Act, making it mandatory to complete the course to achieve full equivalence.
Complete documents accelerate recognition
To ensure a smooth process for the recognition procedure, it's crucial that you submit all required documents and proofs completely. Careful compilation of the documents helps to avoid delays and accelerate the process. We at Mentoc are pleased to assist you in translating your documents.
Required Documents
Overview
The required documents typically include certificates, diplomas, work references, and evidence of your professional experience. All documents not written in German must be translated by a sworn translator. Ensure that the translations are certified in order to guarantee their validity in the recognition procedure.
Preliminary Review of the Documents
Option for Preliminary Review
Some IHKs offer you the opportunity to have your documents reviewed in advance via email. Although this preliminary review is not binding, it can help you assess the suitability of your documents for the recognition procedure. This way, you can identify early on if any documents are missing or if adjustments are required. The IHK Schleswig-Holstein offers this option, for instance.
The IHK FOSA only accepts applications by post and not by email.
Recognition grant reduces financial barriers
The IHK professional recognition is an important step for your professional future, but it can also be associated with costs. In addition to the fees for application processing and equivalence assessment, there may also be expenses for translations, certifications, and potentially for an adaptation qualification. To ease the financial burden, there are various support programmes, such as the recognition grant.
Costs of the Recognition Process
Fees
The fees for application processing and equivalence assessment vary depending on the IHK and profession. It is advisable to enquire about the specific costs in advance. You should also consider the costs for translations and certifications in your planning. At Mentoc, we offer you professional translation services at fair prices.
Support Programmes
Recognition Grant
The recognition grant is a significant aid for low-income earners. If you have a low income and are employed in Germany, you can apply for the recognition grant. The grant covers part of the procedure costs and helps to reduce your financial strain. The programme is expected to run until 30 June 2027.
Additional Support Programmes
Besides the recognition grant, there are other support programmes that can assist you with the recognition of your foreign professional qualifications. These include, for example, ProRecognition and UBA (Unternehmen Beraten Anerkennung). These programmes offer advisory services and financial support for companies and professionals.
Qualification analysis overcomes missing documents
Even if you cannot present all the required documents, the recognition of your foreign professional qualification is not excluded. In such cases, a qualification analysis can help determine your professional skills and demonstrate equivalence with a German qualification.
Lack of Documentation
Solutions
If, for example, you are missing certificates or work references, the IHK FOSA can carry out a qualification analysis. In this process, your professional knowledge and skills are assessed through expert interviews, work samples, or other suitable methods. The results of the qualification analysis are then taken into account in assessing your equivalence.
Language Barriers
Support
Language barriers can pose an obstacle in the recognition process. To facilitate your access to the German job market, there are numerous language courses and integration measures. These offers help you improve your German language skills and find your way in the German working environment.
Complexity of the Process
Guidance
The recognition process can be complex and confusing. Therefore, make use of the advisory services of the IHKs and other organizations to get comprehensive information and support. Advisors help you find the right path and successfully complete all necessary steps. For example, the IHK Nord Westfalen offers a hotline and personal consultations.
Recognition of professional qualifications secures a long-term skilled workforce
The IHK professional recognition is an important component for securing skilled labour in Germany. It allows us to make optimal use of the potential of internationally qualified professionals and promote their integration into the job market. For professionals, companies, and the German economy alike, professional recognition offers numerous advantages.
Summary of key points
Importance of professional recognition
Professional recognition is a crucial step for professionals to achieve their career goals in Germany. It grants them access to qualified jobs and enhances their career prospects. For companies, professional recognition is an opportunity to address the skills shortage and unlock new potentials. And for the German economy as a whole, professional recognition helps strengthen competitiveness and promote growth.
Future perspectives
Trends
Professional recognition will continue to play an important role in the future. In light of demographic changes and the increasing shortage of skilled labour, the recognition of foreign professional qualifications is becoming ever more crucial. Increasingly important is the adaptation qualification to ensure the equivalence of foreign degrees. The digitalisation of the recognition process will also play a larger role in the future, aiming to make the process more efficient and user-friendly.
At Mentoc, we are happy to assist you with all steps of the IHK professional recognition. From translating your documents to preparing for the qualification analysis, we are here to support you with our expertise. Contact us now to learn more about our services and successfully navigate your path to professional recognition.
More useful links
The IHK Stuttgart provides information about the IHK FOSA procedure for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
The DIHK highlights the ten-year development of professional recognition and its significance.
The IHK Schleswig-Holstein offers information and services for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
The IHK Nord Westfalen provides a hotline and personal consultation for the recognition of foreign qualifications.
FAQ
What exactly is the IHK professional recognition and who benefits from it?
The IHK professional recognition is a procedure that determines the equivalence of your professional qualifications obtained abroad with a German professional qualification. It benefits skilled workers with foreign qualifications who wish to work in Germany, as well as companies seeking qualified international employees.
How long does the recognition process take at the IHK FOSA?
The recognition process typically takes three months once all required documents and fees have been received. A preliminary review of documents before official translation can expedite the process.
What documents do I need for IHK professional recognition?
Usually, you need certificates, diplomas, work references, and proof of your professional experience. All documents not in German must be translated and certified by a sworn translator.
What happens if my foreign qualification does not fully correspond to a German qualification?
If significant differences are identified, there is the option of a qualifying course or an aptitude test to demonstrate the missing knowledge and skills. The IHK supports you with structured qualification plans.
Is there financial support for the recognition process?
Yes, there is a recognition grant for low-income earners employed and residing in Germany. This grant covers part of the process costs, qualification analyses, and training. The application must be submitted before starting the process.
What is the IHK FOSA and what role does it play in the recognition process?
The IHK FOSA (Foreign Skills Approval) is the central point of contact for recognizing foreign professional qualifications in IHK professions. It assesses the equivalence of qualifications and issues the recognition notice.
Can I receive professional recognition without complete documents?
Yes, even if not all required documents are available, a skills analysis can be performed. Your professional knowledge and skills are determined through expert interviews or work samples.
What legal foundations govern the IHK professional recognition?
The IHK professional recognition is based on the Recognition Act (BQFG) and the Skilled Immigration Act (FEG). These laws give you a legal right to a determination procedure and facilitate the immigration of qualified professionals.
