Applying for recognition as a farrier apprentice blacksmith with a foreign professional qualification

Application

You submit an application for state recognition as a farrier apprentice to the competent authority. To do this, you must already have state recognition as a farrier in Germany.

The competent authority will then check whether your training corresponds to the German training and whether all other requirements are met. State recognition can only be granted if your training is equivalent to the German one.

Equivalent certificates

Some examination certificates (qualifications) from abroad are equated with the examination to become a farrier apprentice without an individual equivalence test. The equivalent examination certificates are listed in Appendix 2 of the Horseshoeing Recognition Ordinance.
 

Equivalence test

If your examination certificate is not automatically equated, the competent authority will compare your professional qualification with the German professional qualification. 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 competent authority can confirm the result in writing. You still have to meet the other requirements. Then you will receive state recognition as a farrier apprentice blacksmith.

Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can make up for the differences through your professional practice, other knowledge, skills, or abilities. You must provide proof of professional experience. Knowledge, skills and abilities 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 for by these knowledge, skills and abilities. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognised. In this case, you are not allowed to work as a farrier apprentice in Germany.

However, the competent authority will tell you the main differences and why you cannot compensate for the significant differences through your professional practice. You can make a compensatory measure to compensate for the significant differences.
 

Compensatory measures

There are various compensatory measures:

• Adaptation period: The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.
• Aptitude test: The aptitude test examines the areas where significant differences have been identified.

You can choose between an adaptation period or an aptitude test. If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive state recognition as a farrier apprentice.

• Your professional qualification is equivalent to the German professional qualification as a farrier apprentice blacksmith.
• You have state recognition as a farrier in Germany.
• You have at least 5 years of professional experience as a farrier.
• They have taken part in the required training events on an annual basis.
• You have the necessary knowledge of vocational education and occupational pedagogy.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable for working as a farrier apprentice and have not violated animal welfare.

• Proof of identity (ID card or passport)
• Marriage certificate (if your name has changed as a result of marriage)
• Curriculum vitae
• Proof of your professional qualification (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
• Proof of state recognition as a farrier
• Proof of training (e.g. location, duration and content of the training)
• Proof of your relevant professional experience as a farrier
• Proof of other relevant knowledge, skills and abilities (e.g. attendance at further training events, proof of vocational and occupational pedagogical knowledge)
• Have you ever applied for recognition? Then indicate to which office you submitted the application.
• Proof of personal suitability: official certificate of good conduct from Germany. Or: Confirmation from the country of training that you have not violated animal welfare.
• Are you from a third country and do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you have to prove that you want to work in the profession in Germany. Evidence includes, for example, applications for a job, invitations to job interviews or a location note from the Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA).

If your documents are not in German, you must submit German translations of your documents. Translations must be carried out by translators who are publicly appointed or authorised.

The costs generally depend on the amount of work involved.

In addition, additional costs may arise (e.g. for translations or certifications). These costs vary from person to person.

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (e.g. lodge an appeal). 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.

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a late repatriate, you can either go through the recognition procedure in accordance with the laws mentioned here or in accordance with the Federal Expellees Act. This is up to you. The competent authority will advise you on which procedure is right for you.

Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

14.02.2023

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.