What is professional recognition?

Professional recognition is the recognition of a foreign qualification for the purpose of employment in a certain profession. The recognition of qualifications for professional (employment) purposes depends largely on whether the profession in question is or is not regulated in the host country.

The profession is regulated if the national legislation of the host country stipulates that the take up or pursuit of this profession in question is subject, directly or indirectly, by virtue of laws, regulations or administrative provisions, to the possession of evidence of education and training (or an attestation of competence). It is up to each country, which professions it chooses to regulate.

If a profession is not regulated, formally a holder of a foreign qualification does not have to seek any recognition. It is the employer who takes the decision regarding employment of a holder of foreign qualification.

If a profession is regulated, the state nominates competent authorities, which take the decisions upon recognition of foreign qualifications for the purpose of take up and pursuit of the profession in question. In order to work in a regulated profession with foreign qualifications one must apply for the recognition of these qualifications by a competent authority.

More information

Information about regulated professions, competent authorities and application procedures, etc., in a certain country is provided by the contact points for professional recognition. You could also contact the national information centre for further information.

Last updated: 18.04.2007