Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for recognition as a farrier with a foreign professional qualification

Description

The profession of farrier is regulated in Germany. This means that in order for you to be able to work as a farrier in Germany, you need state recognition. Even with a professional qualification from abroad, you can obtain state recognition.

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks the equivalence of the two qualifications. In addition to the established equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for state recognition. An important prerequisite, for example, is the required reliability.

You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

Prerequisites

Your professional qualification is equivalent to the German professional qualification as a farrier.
For their qualification, they have completed at least 2 years of training to become a farrier. This also includes full-time work as a farrier.
You are entitled to work as a farrier in your country of origin.
Personal suitability: You are reliable for working as a farrier and have not violated animal welfare.
You want to work in the profession in Germany.

Required documents

Proof of identity (ID card or passport)
Marriage certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
Curriculum vitae
Proof of your professional qualification (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
Proof of training (e.g. location, duration and content of the training)
Proof of your relevant professional experience as a farrier
Proof of other relevant qualifications for working as a farrier
Have you ever applied for recognition? Then indicate to which office you submitted the application.
Proof of personal aptitude: official certificate of good conduct from Germany. Or: confirmation from the country of training that you have not violated animal welfare.
Do you come from a third country and do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you have to prove that you want to work in the profession in Germany. Proof includes, for example, applications for a job, invitations to job interviews or a location note from the Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA).

If your documents are not available in German, you must submit German translations of your documents. Translations must be carried out by translators who are publicly appointed or authorised.

Fees (costs)

The costs generally depend on the effort required for processing.

In addition, additional costs may arise (e.g. for translations or certifications). These costs vary from person to person.

Legal remedy

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (e.g. file an objection). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first talk to the competent authority before taking legal action against the decision.

Procedure

Application

You submit an application for state recognition as a farrier to the competent authority.
The competent authority will then check whether your qualification corresponds to the German qualification and whether all other requirements are met. State recognition can only be granted if your qualification is equivalent to the German qualification.

Certificates treated as such

Some examination certificates (qualifications) from abroad are equated without an individual equivalence test. The equivalent examination certificates are listed in Annex 1 of the Farriery Recognition Ordinance. You must also provide proof of at least 2 years of training or professional experience as a farrier.
As a rule, your professional qualification is also equivalent to the German professional qualification if the European Association of Farriers' Association (EFFA) has already recognised your professional qualification.

Examination of equivalence

Your examination certificate is not automatically equivalent or has not yet been recognized by the EFFA? Then the competent authority carries out an individual equivalence test. The competent authority compares your professional qualification with the German professional qualification. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

Possible results of the test

If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognised. The competent authority can confirm the result to you in writing. You still have to meet the other requirements. Then you will receive state recognition as a farrier

Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can compensate for the differences through your professional practice, other knowledge, skills or abilities. You must prove that you have professional experience. Knowledge, skills and abilities must be certified by an authority of the state in which you acquired the knowledge, skills or abilities.

However, it may be that the essential differences cannot be compensated for by these knowledge, skills and abilities. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognised. You are then not allowed to work as a farrier in Germany.

The competent authority will tell you the main differences and why you cannot compensate for the essential differences through your professional practice. You can take a compensatory measure to compensate for the significant differences.

Compensatory measures

There are various compensatory measures:

Adaptation period: The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.
Aptitude test: The aptitude test examines the areas in which significant differences have been identified.

You can choose between an adaptation period or an aptitude test. If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive state recognition as a farrier.

Further information

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a late repatriate, you can go through the recognition procedure either according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide for yourself. The competent authority will advise you on which procedure is right for you.