Application

You submit an application for a license to use the professional title "speech therapist" to the competent authority. You can hand in the application with the documents to the competent body or send it by mail. Do not send originals. Sometimes you can send the application electronically. The competent office will inform you.

Checking the equivalence

The competent body will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent body compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a speech 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 recognized. The competent body can confirm the result to you in writing. You still have to fulfill the other requirements, and then you will receive permission to use the professional title "Logopaedin" or "Logopäde".

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 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. Then your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as a speech 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 make a compensatory measure. This will allow you to compensate for the substantial differences.

Compensatory measures

There are several compensatory measures:

• Adaptation course: the adaptation course lasts a maximum of three years.
• Knowledge examination: The knowledge examination tests your knowledge in specific subjects and areas. The knowledge examination includes an oral and practical part.

You can choose between an adaptation course or a knowledge test.

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