Application
You submit an application to the competent authority for permission to use the professional title "emergency paramedic". The application must be submitted electronically. The original documents must be presented at a personal appointment.
You can submit an application if you do not yet live in Germany.
Examination of equivalence
The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualifications. The competent body will compare your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as an emergency paramedic. 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 examination
If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification 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 "emergency paramedic".
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). You must provide evidence of your professional experience. 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 this knowledge. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as an emergency paramedic in Germany.
However, the competent authority will tell you the main differences and why you cannot compensate for the main differences with your professional experience.
In most cases, you can take a compensatory measure. This will allow you to compensate for the main differences.
Compensatory measures
There are various compensatory measures:
- Adaptation course: The adaptation course lasts a maximum of three years.
- Aptitude test: In the aptitude test, only those areas in which significant differences have been identified are tested. The aptitude test consists of a practical examination combined with an interview.
You can choose between an adaptation period or an aptitude test.
If you successfully complete the compensation measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the professional title of "emergency paramedic".
