The profession of interpreter for German Sign Language is regulated in Bavaria. If you have a non-Bavarian qualification, it must be recognized if you wish to be publicly appointed and sworn in by the court.
Description
If you have acquired a relevant academic sign language interpreting degree or a state sign language interpreting examination in German Sign Language (DGS) outside of Bavaria (in another federal state or abroad), you can apply for recognition of your qualification for the purpose of public appointment and general swearing in before the courts.
In the course of the equivalence determination procedure, the competent body checks whether there are significant differences between the proven professional qualification and the Bavarian training as a state-certified sign language interpreter in German Sign Language (DGS).
Prerequisites
In order to be able to open a recognition procedure, you must provide evidence of professional training in the field of sign language interpreting through a relevant sign language interpreting degree or a state sign language interpreting examination in German Sign Language (DGS).
The acquired professional qualification must include German as a corresponding language.
The application can be submitted regardless of citizenship and residence status.
Applications from abroad are also possible.
Procedure
The Bavarian Institute for the Promotion of Communication for People with Hearing Impairments (GIB) carries out the recognition procedures in the field of interpreters for German Sign Language.
The application can be made in writing or by e-mail.
Official documents (e.g. certificates, diplomas) must be sent by mail as officially certified copies.
Within one month, the GIB will confirm receipt of the application and request any missing documents.
Special notes
There is no automatic recognition of degrees from specific providers or universities. Each degree is examined individually to determine whether it can be recognized as equivalent to the Bavarian state examination for sign language interpreters.
No recognition procedure can be opened for professional activities in the field of sign language interpreting.
The activity of sign language interpreters falls under the freedom of trade in the entire Federal Republic of Germany. Only for the activity as a sign language interpreter in German Sign Language (DGS) in court you need the recognition of your non-Bavarian qualification (or the State Examination for Interpreters for German Sign Language).
Processing time
Within one month, the GIB confirms receipt of the application and requests any missing documents. After submission of the complete documents, the procedure is completed within three months.
Required documents
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Required Documents:
- officially certified copy of identity card or similar proof of identity (from a public administration office, e.g. district administration office, town hall)
- in case of change of name since acquisition of the diploma/certificate: marriage certificate or similar necessary
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form (especially with regard to activities in the field of sign language interpreting )
- Diploma or certificate of relevant sign language interpreting studies or state sign language interpreting examination in officially certified copy (from a public administration office, e.g. district administration department, town hall)
- if not listed in the diploma/certificate itself, official proof (e.g. through examination and study regulations, module handbooks or similar) of the final examinations taken (in the field of sign language interpreting)
- official proof, e.g. by examination and study regulations, module handbooks or the like
- a declaration that the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with the professional qualification as a sign language interpreter is to be determined
- a declaration as to whether and to which office an application for the determination of equivalence has already been submitted, as well as, if applicable, a decision issued by another country
Forms
Please select a location in "Localization" so that the address of the responsible authority can be filled in.
Remedy
An appeal is permitted against the decision of the competent body. This allows you to take legal action against the decision so that it can be reviewed. It is recommended that you first clarify the disputed issues with the competent body before lodging an appeal.
Links to more information
Status:28.08.2023
Responsible for editing:Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Unterricht und Kultus
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