Federal states recognition acts

Here you can find answers to the questions:

• How is recognition regulated by the federal states?
• For which professions are the federal states responsible?

How is recognition regulated by the federal states?

In Germany the legislative power of the 16 federal states also extends to the regulation of many professions and therefore also to their recognition. For example, in Germany around 30 Regulated professions and numerous Non-regulated professions fall under federal state jurisdiction.

The federal states regulate vocational recognition by means of their own Professional qualification assessment acts (BQFG) or by means of relevant regulations in the sectoral laws under legislation relating to occupations. These sectoral laws are tailored specifically to the relevant occupation and contain more detailed regulations. The principle of subsidiarity also applies here, as it does at federal level. The relevant BQFG of the federal state applies (only) in cases where recognition is not regulated in the sectoral laws under legislation relating to occupations.

For which professions are the federal states responsible?

Regulated professions which in Germany are regulated by the federal states include teacher, nursery school teacher, social education worker, engineer and architect. Continuing Vocational education and training in the academic medical professions is also governed and regulated by the federal states. The continuing VET job titles of medical specialist, specialist pharmacist, veterinary specialist, specialist dentist are protected by the respective continuing Vocational education and training regulation of the federal state.

Non-regulated professions which are regulated by the federal states include state-certified technician, state-certified biological technical assistant, state-certified manager and other initial and Continuing education and training qualifications provided by Full-time vocational schools and Trade and technical schools.

The Profi-Filter provides further information about which professions are governed by federal or state law and which are regulated.

KMK: Training provided by full-time vocational schools

KMK: Continuing training provided by trade and technical schools

Professional Qualifications Assessment Acts of the Federal States