Certification
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partial professional recognition according to the recognition notice
Partial professional recognition according to the recognition notice: Your opportunities in Germany
Have you received a partial recognition notice for your professional qualifications? This is not the end of your career dreams in Germany. Understand your options and learn how you can achieve full recognition. Need assistance in interpreting your notice? Contact us for personalised advice.
The topic briefly and concisely
The partial professional recognition allows entry into the German job market, even if your qualification is not fully recognized, and can significantly increase your income.
The recognition notice is crucial because it defines your rights and obligations and forms the basis for your partial professional license.
Use compensatory measures and professional experience to increase your chances of full recognition and improve your career prospects.
Find out what partial professional recognition means, which steps can lead to full recognition, and how to make the most of your recognition notice.
The partial professional recognition presents new opportunities for you in Germany, even if your foreign professional qualification does not fully meet German standards. At Mentoc, we understand that the path to full recognition can be complex. That's why we support you with our services to ensure your documents are translated accurately and in compliance with legal requirements. This way, you can make the most of your recognition notice and advance your professional integration. A partial professional recognition according to the recognition notice is an important step to utilise the skills and knowledge you acquired abroad in Germany.
What is partial professional recognition?
The partial professional recognition is granted when your foreign professional qualification shows significant differences compared to the German reference qualification. This means you are allowed to perform certain, defined tasks within your field of work. In contrast to full recognition, where your qualification is fully recognised as equivalent, partial recognition allows access to the profession for a specific part of your trained profession. The competent authority specifies which activities you are particularly permitted to perform.
Significance of the recognition notice
The recognition notice is the central document in the recognition procedure. It records the identified differences between your foreign qualification and the German reference qualification. Furthermore, it specifies which activities you are allowed to perform with your partial professional recognition. Thus, the notice forms the basis for your partial professional admission and provides clarity about your rights and obligations. It's important to carefully examine and understand the recognition notice to optimally utilise your opportunities. The IHK FOSA is one of the key bodies in this process.
Target group for partial professional recognition
The partial professional recognition is aimed at individuals whose foreign qualifications do not fully align with German standards. This often concerns individuals from EU/EWR countries and Switzerland who have obtained a formal qualification in their home country. However, individuals from third countries can also benefit from the partial recognition, especially in non-regulated professions. The partial professional recognition offers these professionals the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge acquired abroad in Germany, thus contributing to alleviating the skilled labour shortage. It is important to note that the partial professional recognition does not apply to professions where automatic recognition is possible.
Partial recognition: Using EU directives and national laws as a legal basis
The partial recognition of professional qualifications is based on various legal foundations that are established at both the European and national levels. It is important to understand these foundations in order to comprehend your rights and obligations in the recognition process. Compliance with these legal frameworks is crucial for a successful partial recognition of professional qualifications according to the recognition decision.
Legal Foundations
The EU Directive 2005/36/EC forms the basis for the recognition of professional qualifications within the European Union. It sets out the framework for the recognition of professional degrees and enables partial recognition of professional qualifications under certain conditions. National laws, such as the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG) and the MTD Act, detail the specifics in Germany and Austria. These laws define the requirements for the recognition of nursing professions and other health professions and stipulate the conditions for granting partial recognition of professional qualifications. The Nursing Study Strengthening Act (PflStudStG) of December 2023 further differentiates the framework for applying for partial professional access for nurses.
Conditions for Issuance
A partial recognition of professional qualifications is only granted if there are significant differences between your foreign qualification and the German qualification. These differences must be so substantial that full recognition is not possible. The adjustment measures required to establish equivalence must not reach the scope of a regular German education. Furthermore, partial professional admission cannot be granted if it endangers patient protection or public health. The competent authority therefore carefully examines whether the exercise of the profession can be guaranteed within the framework of partial recognition. It is important to note that partial recognition of professional qualifications is not intended to bypass full recognition, but rather to provide an opportunity to work within the existing qualification framework.
Professional Experience as Compensation
In non-regulated professions, professional experience can play an important role in compensating for missing practical training content. If your foreign training has deficits in certain areas, your professional experience can help to compensate for these deficits and increase the chances of partial recognition of professional qualifications. The competent authority considers your professional experience when assessing the equivalence of your qualification. It is therefore advisable to present your professional experience in the recognition process in detail and substantiate it with appropriate evidence. This is particularly true for applicants from third countries, where the number of applications for qualifications acquired in third countries is increasing.
Recognition procedure: Application, equivalence assessment and decision in detail
The recognition process is a structured procedure consisting of several steps. From the application submission to the assessment of equivalence and the final recognition notice, every step is crucial for the success of your partial professional recognition. We are happy to assist you with translating your documents to facilitate the process.
Application Submission and Required Documents
You submit the application for partial professional recognition to the relevant authority. This can vary depending on the profession and federal state. The ZSBA assists applicants in identifying the competent authorities for recognition. The application must include all relevant documents, such as your foreign qualification certificate, your CV, and, if applicable, further proof of your professional experience. It is important to submit all documents completely and in certified translation to avoid delays in the process. At Mentoc, we offer certified translations of your documents to ensure they are recognised by the authorities. From 01.07.2023, you can submit your application for recognition as a nursing specialist at the Bavarian State Office for Nursing.
Assessment of Equivalence
The competent authority compares your foreign qualification with the German reference qualification. Both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills are considered. The assessment of equivalence is a complex process where the competent authority determines whether your training and professional experience meet German standards. If significant differences are identified, this may lead to partial professional recognition. The authority may also request additional information or proof from you to better assess the equivalence. It is therefore important to answer all questions from the competent authority comprehensively and promptly.
The Recognition Notice
The recognition notice is the result of the recognition process. It lists the key differences between your foreign qualification and the German reference qualification. Additionally, it specifies which activities you may perform within the framework of partial professional recognition. The notice may also contain conditions, such as participation in compensatory measures to acquire missing knowledge and skills. It is important to carefully review and understand the recognition notice to know your rights and obligations. If you disagree with the result of the notice, you have the option to appeal. The recognition notice is the final document of the recognition process, showing the result of the so-called equivalence assessment.
Understanding Partial Access to Professions: Consequences, Compensatory Measures, and Alternatives
Upon receipt of the notice of recognition, you have various options available, depending on the outcome of the assessment. Partial access to the profession, compensatory measures, or even the rejection of recognition are possible consequences, each requiring different courses of action. It is important to understand the significance of these consequences in order to make the right decisions for your professional future.
Partial Access to the Profession
Partial access to the profession means that you may perform certain activities in your learned profession, even if your qualification is not fully recognized. The specific activities you are allowed to carry out are specified in the notice of recognition. You are permitted to perform these activities using your foreign professional title. Partial access to the profession enables you to utilize your skills and knowledge acquired abroad in Germany and to gain initial professional experience. However, it's important to note that partial access to the profession is not equivalent to full recognition. The goal should be to achieve full recognition through compensatory measures or further qualifications.
Compensatory Measures
If your notice of recognition stipulates compensatory measures, you have the opportunity to acquire the missing skills and knowledge needed for full recognition. Compensatory measures can include adaptation courses or a specialist discussion. In an adaptation course, you gain the specific skills and knowledge required for full recognition. A specialist discussion provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your competencies in a discussion with experts. The choice of the appropriate compensatory measure depends on the specific deficits identified in the notice of recognition. It is advisable to seek advice before participating in a compensatory measure to ensure it meets your needs.
No Equivalence
If your application for recognition is rejected, it means that your foreign qualification is not considered equivalent to the German reference qualification. In this case, you have several options. You may lodge an appeal against the decision if you believe it is incorrect. It is advisable to seek advice in advance to increase your chances of successful recognition. Alternatively, you can consider whether training as a nursing assistant might be an option for you. Another possibility is to apply for permission for partial access to the profession from the competent authority. It is important not to be discouraged and to carefully consider all options to find your path into the German labor market.
Partial professional recognition: Nursing, OTA, and other healthcare professions in focus
The partial professional recognition plays an important role, particularly in nursing professions and other health professions. The shortage of skilled workers in these areas is significant, and partial recognition provides a way to attract qualified professionals from abroad. However, it's important to know the specific regulations and requirements for each profession.
Nursing Professions
In nursing professions, there's a possibility to obtain permission for partial professional practice under § 48 a PflBG. This means you may perform certain tasks as a registered nurse, even if your qualification is not fully recognized. An example of this is the recognition of parts of training but not the complete qualification. To obtain permission for partial professional practice, you must first apply for recognition as a registered nurse and submit a determination letter with the obligation of an adaptation measure. The differences from the German training must be substantial, so the adaptation measure would match the extent of the regular German training. If the application assessment shows a correspondingly large need for adjustment, the following options exist: completing the German training, applying for recognition as a nursing assistant, or (in exceptional cases) applying for permission for partial professional practice.
Surgical Technical Assistance (OTA)
The recognition as OTA instead of DGKP partially is another example of partial professional recognition in the healthcare sector. Previous recognitions as "DGKP partially" are converted to the new occupational title OTA. This applies, for example, to care in the surgical area. Since 1st July 2022, the newly created profession of Surgical Technical Assistance (OTA) is included in the GBR, meaning professionals trained abroad in this area are now recognized as OTAs and no longer as "DGKP partially". Professionals already registered as "DGKP partially" at that time will be transferred to the new profession upon renewal; an earlier conversion to OTA is possible through a new application.
Other Health Professions
In other health professions, there are also examples of partial professional recognition. In the Healthcare Professional Register (GBR), professionals are registered with the addition "partially" and the exact designation from the recognition certificate. This demonstrates that partial recognition is an important way to work in the healthcare sector, even if the qualification is not fully recognized. However, it's crucial to note the specific requirements and regulations for the respective profession. The application form for registration in the GBR-DGKP requires the specification of whether there is a partial professional recognition according to the recognition certificate.
Overcoming challenges, promoting integration: Utilizing perspectives of partial professional recognition
While partial professional recognition offers opportunities, it also presents challenges. It is important to identify and address these challenges to promote the integration of professionals with partial recognition and fully exploit the potential of partial professional recognition as stated in the recognition notice.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges is the complexity of the recognition process. Responsibilities and requirements are often confusing, making it difficult for applicants to keep track. Language and cultural barriers can further complicate communication with authorities and employers. Discrimination and prejudice against partially recognised professionals are also a reality. Therefore, it is important to actively address these challenges and improve the framework conditions for partial professional recognition.
Perspectives
To make partial professional recognition more successful, it is important to simplify the recognition process and improve the information available to applicants. Better support in finding suitable jobs and training opportunities is also crucial. In addition, it is important to recognise and value the diversity of qualifications and experiences of professionals with a migrant background. An open and inclusive society that utilises the potential of all professionals is key to the successful integration of partially recognised professionals. The increasing number of applications for qualifications acquired in third countries is leading to more frequent partial recognition outcomes.
Key Benefits of Partielle Berufsanerkennung
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Access to the profession: Enables entry into the German labour market, even if the qualification is not fully recognised.
Skilled labour potential: Contributes to meeting the demand for skilled workers in various sectors.
Individual development: Provides the opportunity to further qualify through compensatory measures and achieve full recognition.
Partial recognition of professional qualifications: Seize the opportunity to secure skilled labour
The partial professional recognition is an opportunity to access the job market, even if the qualification is not fully recognised. It holds great potential for addressing the shortage of skilled workers and for integrating professionals with a migration background. It is important to further improve the framework conditions for partial professional recognition and to fully utilise the potential of this form of recognition.
Summary of key points
The partial professional recognition allows access to the job market, even if your qualification is not fully recognised. It is an important step towards integrating professionals with a migration background and addressing the shortage of skilled workers. However, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements and regulations for different professions and to actively tackle the challenges.
Importance for the shortage of skilled workers
Partially recognised professionals can make a significant contribution to meeting the demand for skilled workers. Particularly in nursing professions and other healthcare professions, the need for qualified personnel is high. The partial professional recognition offers a way to meet this demand while providing professionals with a migration background a career perspective. However, it is essential to ensure the quality of work and to appropriately support and promote partially recognised professionals.
Outlook for future developments
The recognition law will continue to evolve in the future to adapt to the changing demands of the job market. It is expected that partial professional recognition will play an increasingly significant role in combating the shortage of skilled workers and promoting the integration of professionals with a migration background. Therefore, it is important to keep abreast of developments in recognition law and continuously improve the framework conditions for partial professional recognition.
We at Mentoc are happy to support you on your path to professional recognition. Contact us today to learn more about our services in certified translations and proofreading. Together, we ensure that your documents meet the highest quality standards and that you achieve your professional goals in Germany. Get in touch now!
More useful links
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) offers recognition monitoring and statistics related to the Recognition Act.
The Ministry of Health provides information about healthcare professions and recognition in Germany.
The Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) offers information on labour migration and professional recognition.
FAQ
What exactly does partial professional recognition mean according to the recognition notice?
Partial professional recognition means that your foreign professional qualification does not fully match the German reference qualification. The recognition notice specifies which activities you are allowed to perform in Germany.
Who is partial professional recognition relevant for?
It is relevant for individuals whose foreign qualification shows significant differences compared to the German qualification, yet still covers part of the profession. This often applies to individuals from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and third countries.
What are the advantages of partial professional recognition?
It enables career entry in Germany, even if the qualification is not fully recognised. You can use the knowledge and skills acquired abroad and gain initial work experience.
What is the recognition notice and what does it signify?
The recognition notice is the central document in the recognition process. It records the identified differences between your foreign qualification and the German reference qualification and specifies which activities you are allowed to perform with your partial professional recognition.
What role does professional experience play in partial professional recognition?
In non-regulated professions, professional experience can play an important role in compensating for missing practical training content and increasing the chances of obtaining partial professional recognition.
What compensatory measures exist to achieve full recognition?
Compensatory measures can be adaptation courses or a specialist discussion. They help to acquire missing knowledge and skills to achieve full recognition.
What happens if my recognition application is rejected?
You can appeal the decision or consider whether training as a nursing assistant is an option for you. Another possibility is permission for partial professional access.
Where can I submit my recognition application?
You submit the application for partial professional recognition to the competent authority. The ZSBA assists applicants in identifying the competent authorities for recognition. For nursing professions, the application can be submitted to the Bavarian State Office for Nursing.
