HIBB professional recognition

The professional recognition of the Hamburg Institute for Vocational Education (HIBB) is a recognition body and responsible for determining the equivalence (recognition) of professional qualifications from abroad in the professions of educator and socio-pedagogical assistant in Hamburg. Here you can apply for an examination of your foreign professional qualification and receive an assessment of whether it is equivalent to a professional qualification obtained in Hamburg. The examination is based on the Hamburg Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (HmbBQFG). If the HIBB is not responsible, the Central Contact Point for Recognition (ZAA) will advise you. Here people can get advice on the recognition of foreign school, professional and university degrees as well as on financing the costs that may arise in the context of the recognition. Anyone who lives in Hamburg, works here or will take up employment in Hamburg can submit an application. How does the recognition of a professional qualification acquired abroad work in the HIBB? The application – You can download the application form here (see link) or request it by e-mail (see contact). The application is free of charge. No proof of your German language skills is required for the application. Processing – After the application has been received, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt by e-mail. You will then be invited to an appointment to present your original documents. If you have submitted certified copies, no appointment is necessary. The decision - After checking the equivalence of your professional qualification with the chosen profession in Germany, you will be issued with a notification: you will either receive full professional recognition, partial recognition of your qualification or rejection. With partial recognition, you can take part in a compensatory measure. This is either an adaptation course or an aptitude test. After passing the compensatory measure, full professional recognition will be confirmed.