Erlaubnis zum Führen der Berufsbezeichnung pharmazeutisch-technische Assistentin oder pharmazeutisch-technischer Assistent bei Berufsqualifikation aus Drittstaaten Erteilung

You would like to work as a pharmaceutical technical assistant in Germany? Then you need a state permit. To obtain the state permit, you can have your foreign professional qualification recognized.

The profession of pharmaceutical technical assistant is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a pharmaceutical technical assistant in Germany, you need a state permit. With this permit, you may use the job title "pharmaceutical technical assistant" and work in the profession.

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

To obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognized.

In the recognition procedure, the competent body compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks the equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of the state permit.

In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must fulfill other requirements for the issuance of the permit. Further requirements are, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

If your professional qualification originates from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, other regulations apply.

You can also submit the application for the procedure from abroad.

• You have a professional qualification as a pharmaceutical technical assistant from a third country.
• You want to work in Germany as a pharmaceutical technical assistant.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable for the work as a pharmaceutical technical assistant and have no criminal record.
• Health suitability: You are mentally and physically able to work as a pharmaceutical technical assistant.
• You have German language skills at the required level. This is normally language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Application

You submit an application for the granting of permission to use the professional title "pharmaceutical technical assistant" to the competent office. You can hand in the application with the documents at the competent office 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. One 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 pharmaceutical technical 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 body can confirm the result to you in writing. You still have to fulfill the other requirements. Then you will receive permission to use the professional title "pharmaceutical technical assistant".

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. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as a pharmaceutical technical assistant 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 essential 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 a 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 occupational title "pharmaceutical technical assistant".

Equivalency notice

The equivalence test (recognition procedure) is also carried out during the licensing procedure. You can apply for a separate decision on the result of the examination.

Procedure for late repatriates

As a late repatriate, you can either go through the recognition procedure according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide this yourself. The competent office will advise you which procedure suits you.