Ausbildungsdauer Verkürzung

Recognition of previous vocational training by competent authorities

According to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG), the federal states can regulate the crediting of prior vocational training. After consulting the State Committee for Vocational Education and Training, the state governments can determine by statutory order that attendance of a course at vocational schools or vocational training in another institution is credited in full or in part towards the training period.
A joint application by the trainee and the training provider is mandatory for crediting. The application must be submitted to the competent body (e.g. the relevant chamber). It may be limited to parts of the maximum permissible crediting period.

Proof of previous vocational training (e.g. diploma, certificate)

Possible fees for forms and forms can be found in the fee tariffs of the relevant chambers or the specific state law.

Case-by-case assessment by competent authorities

Information on the recognition of German professional qualifications abroad can be obtained from the relevant authorities in the country.

The competent body decides on the recognition of training periods.

If no chamber-independent responsibility is defined by legal regulation, please contact the body responsible for your vocational training, e.g:

• the Chamber of Skilled Crafts for vocational training in professions under the Crafts Code,

• the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for vocational training in non-trade occupations,
• the Chamber of Agriculture for vocational training in agricultural and rural domestic science professions,
• the Chamber of Lawyers, Patent Attorneys and Notaries as well as the Notary's Office for the vocational training of specialists in the field of law,
• the Chamber of Auditors and the Chamber of Tax Consultants for the vocational training of professionals in the field of auditing and tax consultancy,
• the Chambers of Physicians, Dentists, Veterinarians and Pharmacists for the vocational training of healthcare professionals.

Further responsibilities, e.g. for bodies in the area of public law as well as churches and other religious communities, are regulated in BBiG § 72 to 75.
If there are no chambers for individual occupational areas, regulations are already laid down in the state law that relate to responsibility. In addition, chambers can agree a special allocation of responsibilities among themselves with the approval of the competent supreme federal or state authority.