Recognition or assessment of foreign vocational training 

The Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism cooperates with Member States of the EU/EEA and other countries on numerous initiatives and at various levels to further develop mutual recognition and accreditation of prior learning.

Applications completed vocational training (final examinations) may be recognised by the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and made equivalent to corresponding Austrian apprenticeship credentials.

Recognition of Vocational Qualification

1. Upon application the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism may declare vocational training credentials obtained abroad to be equivalent to the related final apprenticeship examination taken under the Austrian system. Furthermore the Ministry may declare the admission to a "restricted" practical examination to achieve full equivalence with the final apprenticeship examination.
2. Based on special vocational training agreements, a number of vocational training credentials obtained in Germany, Hungary or South Tyrol are equivalent.

Assessment of a vocational qualification

The Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism may evaluate vocational training completed abroad. It serves as an orientation on the labour market for jobseekers and companies to support employment in an adequate occupation.

The assessment doesn't result in a legal formal equivalence with an Austrian apprenticeship certificate. For this an application for equivalence (§ 27a Abs. 2 BAG) is required.

In accordance with Section 2 (3) of the Recognition and Evaluation Act  (Austrian Anerkennungs- und Bewertungsgesetz - AuBG) this law applies to all persons who have obtained foreign educational qualifications or professional qualifications and who have a right of residence in Austria that does not exclude the taking up of gainful employment, or who intend to acquire such a right of residence. This federal law does not apply to third-country nationals who do not wish to pursue gainful employment in Austria.

There should at least have been an application for a residence in Austria under the Red-White-Red Card  (https://www.migration.gv.at)

Process:

1. Fill in the application form
2. Choose the corresponding Austrian apprenticeship (Support: EUROPASS - certificate supplement; BIC)
3. add to the application:

• Originals or court-certified or notarized copy of diploma and certificates,
• Relevant employment certificates,
• Further documents mentioned in application form.

Assistance service :

• AST
• Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism (Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00) -  appointment  required by  phone: +43 (0)1 711 00 - 805321/803512 or e-mail: anerkennung-lehrabschluss@bmwet.gv.at)

Additional Information

• Form: Recognition of an apprenticeship (PDF, 907 KB)
• Form: assessment of an apprenticeship (PDF, 903 KB)

Contact:

anerkennung-lehrabschluss@bmwet.gv.at