Application

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

You can hand in the application with the documents to the relevant office or send it by post. Do not send any originals.

Sometimes you can also send the application electronically. The responsible office will inform you.

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 body will compare your professional qualification with the German professional qualification as a surgical assistant. 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 and you will then receive permission to use the professional title "surgical assistant".

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 a surgical assistant 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.

• Knowledge examination: The knowledge examination tests your knowledge in certain subjects and areas. The knowledge test comprises an oral and practical part.

You can often choose between an adaptation period or a knowledge test.

If you successfully complete the compensation measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the job title "surgical assistant".