Description
The profession of emergency paramedic is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as an emergency paramedic in Germany, you need a state permit. With this permit, you may use the professional title "emergency paramedic" 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.
Procedure
Application
You submit an application for permission to use the professional title "emergency paramedic" to the competent body. You can hand in the application with the documents to the competent body or send it by mail. Do not send originals. Sometimes you can send the application electronically. The competent body will inform you.
Checking the equivalence
The competent body will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent body compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as an emergency paramedic. 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 "emergency paramedic".
Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? You may be able to 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. Then your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as an emergency paramedic 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 practical part. The practical part of the examination is combined with an examination interview.
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 professional title "emergency paramedic".
Processing time
The competent body will confirm that your documents have arrived after a maximum of one month. The competent body will inform you if any documents are missing.
If the documents are complete, the procedure will take a maximum of 4 months.
Remedy
You can take legal action (e.g. file an objection) against the decision of the responsible office within a certain period. The decision will then be reviewed. Details on this can be found in the appeal instructions at the end of your decision.
We recommend that you first talk to the responsible office before taking legal action against the decision.
If you select a location under "Localization" the contact details of the responsible authority and, if applicable, locally valid information will be displayed.