Erlaubnis zum Führen der Berufsbezeichnung Medizinische Technologin für Veterinärmedizin bzw. Medizinischer Technologe für Veterinärmedizin (früher Veterinärmedizinisch-technische Assistentin oder Veterinärmedizinisch-technischer Assistent) aus Drittstaaten beantragen

Do you come from a so-called third country and want to work as a veterinary technical assistant in Germany? Then you need a permit to use this job title.

The activity of a veterinary technical assistant is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a veterinary technical assistant in Germany, you need a state permit.

With this permit, you are allowed to use the professional title "Veterinary Technical Assistant" or "Veterinary Technical Assistant" and work in the profession.

Even if you have a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can obtain a state permit from the competent body (an authority) in Germany. Third countries are all countries that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognised. In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks its equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the issuance of the state permit. In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the issuance of the permit. Other requirements are, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

• Proof of identity (ID card or passport)

• Curriculum vitae in German in tabular form with your education and professional activities

• Officially certified copy of your proof of education

• Proof of your relevant professional experience as a veterinary technical assistant

• Proof of other relevant knowledge for working as a veterinary technical assistant

• Extract from the criminal record or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin as proof of your reliability (This proof must be no more than 3 months old at the time of application.)

• Medical certificate of your health (The proof can be from an authority in your country of education. This certificate must not be more than 3 months old at the time of application.)

• Certificate of registration or declaration that you want to work where you apply

• You have a professional qualification as a veterinary technical assistant from a third country.

• They are suitable for health. (This means that you can work mentally and physically as a veterinary technical assistant.)

• You are reliable to work as a veterinary technical assistant and have no criminal record.

• You have the necessary knowledge of German for the job. This is usually language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Equivalence test

You submit an application to the competent authority for permission to use the professional title 'veterinary technical assistant' or 'veterinary technical assistant'. The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important prerequisite is the professional qualification. The competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a veterinary technical assistant. The competent authority will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent. 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 exam

If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognised. The authority can confirm the result to you in writing. You still have to meet the other requirements and prove your language skills. Then you will receive permission to use the professional title of "Veterinary Technical Assistant" or "Veterinary Technical Assistant". If the competent authority identifies significant differences, you can compensate for the differences through your professional practice and other knowledge and skills (lifelong learning). You must provide proof of professional experience. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority in your country of origin. However, this knowledge may not be sufficient. You will not be able to compensate for the essential differences. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognised. However, the competent authority will tell you the main differences and why you cannot compensate for the significant differences through your professional practice. You will not be allowed to work as a veterinary technical assistant. However, the competent authority will offer you the opportunity to complete an adaptation course or take a knowledge test as a compensatory measure. If you successfully complete this measure, you will be allowed to work in the profession.

Adaptation period or knowledge test

If your professional qualification is not equivalent, you can choose between a knowledge test and a maximum three-year adaptation period. The knowledge test tests your knowledge in specific subjects and areas. These subjects and the exact procedure of the examination are regulated by law. The knowledge test is a practical exam with an exam interview. If you complete the adaptation period or pass the knowledge test (and meet all other requirements), you will be granted permission to use the professional title of "Veterinary Technical Assistant" or "Veterinary Technical Assistant".

There are no deadlines.

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority. The decision will then be reviewed. Details on this can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first talk to the competent authority before taking legal action against the decision.

Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES)