Application
You submit an application for permission to use the occupational title "occupational therapist" to the competent body. You can hand in the application with the documents to the competent body or send it by post. Do not send any originals. Sometimes you can send the application electronically. The competent body will inform you.
Checking the equivalence
The competent body will then check whether you meet all the requirements. One important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent body compares your professional qualification from abroad with your German professional qualification as an occupational therapist. 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 recognised. The competent body can confirm the result to you in writing. You still have to fulfil the other requirements. You will then be granted permission to use the occupational title "occupational therapist".
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 practice, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). You have to prove the professional practice. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority of the state in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.
However, it may be that the essential differences cannot be compensated by this knowledge. If this is the case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognised. You will then not be allowed to work as an occupational therapist in Germany.
However, the competent body will tell you the essential differences and why you cannot compensate for the essential differences through your professional practice.
In most cases, you can take a compensatory measure. This will enable you to compensate for the substantial differences.
Compensatory measures
There are different compensatory measures:
- Adaptation course: the adaptation course lasts a maximum of three years.
- Aptitude test: In the aptitude test, only the areas in which substantial differences have been identified are tested. The aptitude test consists of a practical examination.
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 be granted permission to use the occupational title "occupational therapist".
