Ausländische Berufsqualifikation Anerkennung als staatlich geprüfter/e Lebensmittelchemiker/in

Would you like to use the professional title "state-certified food chemist" in Germany? Then you need recognition of your foreign qualifications.

The use of the professional title "state-certified food chemist" is regulated in Germany by the individual federal states. This means that taking up or practicing this profession is subject to the possession of certain qualifications by legal regulations of the respective federal state.

This means that you can only work in the public sector with the professional title "state-certified food chemist", for example, if your qualification corresponds to the German qualification "state-certified food chemist".

Did you earn your degree abroad? Then you can have the equivalence of your degree with the German degree checked. If you want to practice this profession in Germany, the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification with the German reference occupation must be determined by the competent authority.

The competent authority will check whether there are any significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

• Proof of identity (ID card or passport)
• Proof of training qualification
• tabular overview of all training courses in German and, if applicable, of previous employment
• Proof of relevant professional experience
• other documents and evidence relevant to the profession (certificates of continuing vocational training)
• Proof of your German language skills (language certificates)

All documents must be certified copies and translated into German – by publicly appointed interpreters.

• University degree in food chemistry with completion of the First State Examination or with
• Master's degree or university diploma obtained in a member state of the European Union (EU) or a state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA)

as well as

• a one-year practical vocational training with a final examination (Second State Examination)
• German language skills (proof e.g. via language certificate)
• You are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or a state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA)

The fees depend on the effort. Please contact the competent authority.

• You submit a written application to the competent authority for the recognition procedure.
• The competent authority will check your documents for equivalence. In doing so, it checks whether your foreign qualification corresponds to the German qualification.

If the exam is positive, you will receive recognition and may use the professional title "State-certified food chemist".

If there are essential differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification, you can take a so-called "aptitude test".

In the aptitude test, you can prove that you have the necessary technical, food law and administrative knowledge and skills that have not been taught in your previous training.

The scope of the examination shall be determined by the competent authority. If you pass the aptitude test, you will receive recognition and may use the professional title "State-certified food chemist".

The duration of the processing depends on the individual case. In general, the procedure should be completed within 4 months of receipt of the complete documents.

There are no deadlines to be observed.

Food chemists investigate and evaluate the chemical composition of foods and commodities as well as the interactions of their ingredients. They also take on tasks in research, for example in the further development of chemical, biochemical and microbiological analysis methods.

You can also seek advice on the recognition of foreign qualifications from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

The hotline can be reached Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at +49 30 1815-1111.

You can appeal against the decision of the competent authority.

• Foreign professional qualification Recognition as a state-certified food chemist
• The professional title "state-certified food chemist" is regulated in Germany
• Foreign professional qualifications must be recognised
• Further information and advice can be obtained from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB): Portal Recognition in Germany
• The responsibility lies with the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection

Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection

Calenberger Straße 2

30169 Hannover

Phone: 0511 120-0

Fax: 0511 120-2382

E-mail: poststelle@ml.niedersachsen.de

www.ml.niedersachsen.de

The responsibility lies with the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection