Apply for recognition as an apprentice farrier with a foreign professional qualification

Application

You submit an application for state recognition as a farriery instructor to the competent authority. To do this, you must already have state recognition as a farrier in Germany.

The competent authority will then check whether your training corresponds to the German training and whether all other requirements have been met. State recognition can only be granted if your training is equivalent to the German training.

Equivalent examination certificates

Some examination certificates (qualifications) from abroad are equated with the examination to become a farrier's apprentice farrier without an individual equivalence test. The equivalent examination certificates are listed in Annex 2 of the Farriery Recognition Ordinance.

Examination of equivalence

If your examination certificate is not automatically equated, the competent authority will compare your professional qualification with the German professional qualification. The competent authority will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent. 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 authority can confirm the result in writing. You must still meet the other requirements. You will then receive state recognition as an apprentice farrier.

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 experience, other knowledge, skills or abilities. You must provide evidence of your professional experience. Knowledge, skills and abilities must be certified by an authority in the country in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.

However, it may be that the significant differences cannot be compensated for by this knowledge, skills and abilities. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as a farrier's apprentice in Germany.

However, the competent authority will tell you the main differences and why you cannot compensate for the main differences with your professional experience. You can take a compensatory measure to make up for the substantial differences.

Compensatory measures

There are various compensatory measures:

• Adaptation course: the adaptation course lasts a maximum of three years.
• Aptitude test: The aptitude test examines the areas in which significant differences have been identified.

You can choose between an adaptation period or an aptitude test. If you successfully complete the compensation measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive state recognition as an apprentice farrier.

• There are many advisory services. You can find these on the Recognition in Germany portal.
• Ask an IQ advice center for personal advice on this procedure and your qualifications. The advisors will also help you with your documents before you submit your application. The advice is free of charge.
• You can also call the "Working and living in Germany" hotline.
  

  Remark: Telephone number: +49 30 1815-1111

• If you are abroad: You can also contact the Central Service Center for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) via the hotline. This offers you in-depth advice and support in the recognition procedure and provides location advice.

Supervisory and Service Directorate (ADD)

• Your professional qualification is equivalent to the German professional qualification as a farrier's apprentice farrier.
• You have state recognition as a farrier in Germany.
• You have at least 5 years of professional experience as a farrier.
• You have taken part in the required annual training courses.
• You have the necessary knowledge of vocational education and work pedagogy.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as a farriery instructor and have not violated animal welfare regulations.

• Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
• Marriage certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
• Curriculum vitae
• Proof of your professional qualifications (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
• Proof of state recognition as a farrier
• Proof of training (e.g. location, duration and content of training)
• Proof of your relevant professional experience as a farrier
• Proof of other relevant knowledge, skills and abilities (e.g. attendance of further training events, proof of vocational and occupational pedagogical knowledge)
• Have you already submitted an application for recognition? If so, please state the body to which you submitted the application.
• Proof of personal suitability: official certificate of good conduct from Germany. Or: Confirmation from the country of training that you have not violated animal welfare laws.
• Are you from a third country and do not yet live or work in the EU, EEA or Switzerland? Then you must provide proof: You want to work in the profession in Germany. Proof can be, for example, applications for a job, invitations to job interviews or a location note from the Central Service Center for Professional Recognition (ZSBA).

If your documents are not in German, you must submit German translations of your documents. The translations must be made by translators who are publicly appointed or authorized.

The costs generally depend on the time and effort required for processing.

Additional costs may also be incurred (e.g. for translations or notarizations). These costs vary from case to case.

• § Section 3 (2), Section 5 Act on the Shoeing of Hooves and Claws (Hoof Shoeing Act - HufBeschlG)
• § 2 Ordinance on the shoeing of hooves and claws (Hufbeschlagverordnung - HufBeschlV)
• §§ Sections 2, 4 of the Ordinance on the Recognition of Farriery (HufBeschl-AnerkennV)

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (for example, by lodging an objection). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first speak to the responsible office before taking legal action against the decision.

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a late repatriate, you can go through the recognition procedure either in accordance with the laws mentioned here or in accordance with the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide for yourself. The responsible office will advise you on which procedure is right for you.

08.01.2025