Application

You submit an application for permission to use the professional title "midwife" to the competent authority.

You can submit the application with the documents to the competent authority, send it by post or upload it electronically. Do not send any originals.

Examination of equivalence

The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent authority will compare your professional qualification with the German professional qualification as a midwife. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

Note: If your professional qualification is automatically recognized, the competent authority will not carry out an equivalence check. This is a different procedure. The competent authority will inform you.

Possible results of the equivalence assessment

If your foreign professional qualification is equivalent, it will be recognized. The competent authority can confirm the result in writing. You must still meet the other requirements. You will then receive permission to use the professional title "midwife".

Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? You may be able to compensate for the differences through your professional experience, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority in the country in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.

However, it may be that the significant differences cannot be compensated for by your professional experience, knowledge or skills. In this case, the competent authority will inform you of the significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification and why you cannot compensate for these significant differences with your professional experience or your knowledge and skills.

The competent authority will also tell you what compensatory measures you can take to offset the significant differences.
If you decide not to take compensatory measures, your professional qualification will not be recognized and you will not be allowed to work as a midwife in Germany.

Compensatory measures

There are various compensation measures:

• Adaptation course: The adaptation course lasts a maximum of 3 years.
• Aptitude test: The aptitude test consists of a practical examination combined with an interview.
• Knowledge examination for professional qualifications from a third country: The knowledge examination tests your knowledge in certain subjects and areas. The knowledge test comprises an oral and a practical part.

The competent authority will inform you whether you have to take one or more compensatory measures and whether you can choose which of the compensatory measures you take. This depends on the level of your training.

If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the professional title "midwife".