Applying for recognition of teaching qualifications acquired in the GDR

• Title: Article 37 of the Treaty between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic on the Establishment of German Unity (Unification Treaty)
• Title: Mutual recognition of teaching qualifications acquired under the law of the GDR (resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of 22.10.1999)

In the case of an examination of the equivalence of the teacher training examination outside the recruitment procedure for the preparatory service or school service, the following documents must be attached to the application:

• a tabular list of the training courses completed and the activities carried out,
• official certified copies of the complete graduation documents (e.g. certificate and diploma certificate),
• if the current name differs from the name on the certificate of qualification, a copy of the marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or name change,
• further documents required for the equivalence check may be requested at a later date.

If you would like to be employed as a teacher in the preparatory service or in the school service, you can find out about the required documents on the following websites:

• For the school service
• For the preparatory service

You have acquired a teaching qualification in the former GDR.

The decision on the equivalence of a teacher training examination acquired in the GDR is generally made as part of the application procedure for recruitment to the preparatory service or school service. A separate application for a determination of the equivalence of the teacher training examination or the teaching qualification is not required.

If, exceptionally, a decision on the determination of equivalence is required outside the recruitment procedure, a written request to that effect must be submitted. Once the application has been reviewed, you will receive a notification of recognition or rejection.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: No

Online services available: No

• If you would like to be hired as a teacher in the preparatory service, you can find out more here and also apply
• If you would like to be hired as a teacher, you can find out more and apply here:
• Anyone interested in working as a vocational school teacher can find information and application options here

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs

Please contact the locally responsible Regional State Offices for Schools and Education