Why is recognition important before an Umschulung?
To determine the real need for professional retraining/rehabilitation — you may be partly or fully qualified without needing a full program.
To make it easier to obtain financial support from the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter.
To increase your chances of being accepted into a shortened or higher-level Umschulung.
In some regulated professions (such as nursing, education, and skilled trades), recognition is mandatory in order to work in the profession.
Steps for recognizing foreign qualifications (Anerkennungsverfahren)
Identify the responsible recognition authority
Use the portal: www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de
Enter your profession and the country where the certificate was issued to find the competent authority (e.g., IHK FOSA, ZAB, Pflegekammer, etc.).
Prepare the required documents
Typically, this includes:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Academic or vocational certificate | With a certified German translation |
| Transcript / list of subjects studied | Needed to assess equivalence |
| Passport or residence permit | Proof of identity |
| CV / résumé | In chronological order |
| Work experience certificates | If available, they strengthen your application |
Submit the application
Submitted by mail or online, depending on the authority.
In some cases, fees range from €100 to €600.
Receive the recognition result
| Result | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Full recognition | You can start working directly or apply for an advanced specialization |
| Partial recognition | You must close qualification gaps through an Umschulung or Anpassungsqualifizierung |
| No recognition | A full Umschulung for a new career path may be recommended |
What happens after recognition?
If you receive partial recognition, a supplementary retraining is often recommended (shortened Umschulung / Verkürzte Umschulung).
If there is no recognition, an Umschulung becomes an excellent option to build a new career path with support from the Jobcenter.
Helpful resources
“Anerkennung in Deutschland” portal
IHK FOSA services (for commercial and technical professions)
ZAB – Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) (for general academic evaluation)
IQ Network in your region — offers free consultation and support with translations
ـ* The editorial team on the website aims to provide accurate information through extensive research and by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be uncertain. Please treat the content as initial guidance and always refer to the competent authorities for confirmed information.
