Professional Recognition of International Qualifications

If you acquired your professional qualification as an engineer (m/f) outside Germany and wish to have it recognised, you can apply for a formal recognition and certification of equivalence which allows you to hold and use the German occupational title of "engineer (m/f)".

Specialisation in Engineering: The multitudinous possible engineering professions can generally be assigned to the four basic branches of engineering studies: civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Each of these braches include a number of further engineering specialisms.

Please note that only applications from specialists that are already working or intend to work in Rhineland-Palatinate are accepted. Applications from other German federal states will be rejected and returned to sender.

Furthermore, international applicants need to provide proof of their ability to use the German language effectively for purposes of their profession.

Documents required for issuing professional recognition of international qualifications:

• entirely completed application form
• certificate of citizenship (certified copy of identification card or passport, certificate of refugee status or status of exile)
• registration certificate
• CV pointing out course of education and work experience
• certified copy of the original foreign qualification (diploma certificate)
• translation of the certified original diploma certificate into German
• certified copy and German translation of the original official document (diploma certificate) issued by the higher education institution containing the information on: subjects (exams) taken and grades, official name and duration of the study programme and admission requirements  (e.g. diploma supplement)
• German language certificate(s)

In the course of the approval process, the professional qualification acquired outside Germany will be compared with the equivalent German professional qualification. The decision about the recognition of foreign qualifications is made by the Registration Committee. Please note that if all documents are complete, the process of recognition may take up to three months.

A total charge of € 250 is levied and has to be paid in advance. For further information and inquiries please contact us at: laake@ing-rlp.de