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Environmental engineering professions; application for determination of the equivalence of a foreign qualification

The environmental engineering professions and the corresponding master craftsman training courses are not regulated. However, you can apply for the equivalence of a foreign qualification to be established.

Forms

Responsible for you

Bayerische Verwaltungsschule

Bayerische Verwaltungsschule

Street address

Ridlerstraße 75
80339 München

Postal address

Ridlerstraße 75

80339 München

Email

info@bvs.de

Website

www.bvs.de

Procedure details

If you have acquired your qualification for working in public water supply, wastewater drainage or disposal, or recycling management abroad and would like to work as a specialist or master craftsman in the environmental engineering professions, you can apply for your qualification to be recognized as equivalent. Environmental engineering professions are

  • Environmental technologist for water supply
  • Environmental technologist for wastewater management
  • Environmental technologist for recycling and waste management
  • Environmental technologist for pipeline networks and industrial plants
  • Certified water engineer
  • Certified wastewater foreman
  • Certified master craftsman for recycling and waste management and urban cleaning
  • Certified foreman for pipe, sewer and industrial services

You can submit an application for an equivalence assessment in accordance with the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act if you

  • have successfully completed vocational training abroad and - in the area of regulated professions - are authorized to practice the profession in the country of training and
  • intend to pursue gainful employment in Bavaria.

An application can be submitted regardless of nationality and residence status. Sufficient German language skills are also expected for practicing the profession. The requirements that the applicant must fulfill must be indicated here.

  • Final reports and subject overviews

    Original or certified copy and translation in German. The translations must be prepared by a publicly appointed or sworn translator.

  • evidence of your professional experience (e.g. references, workbooks)

    Original or certified copy and translation in German. The translations must be prepared by a publicly appointed or sworn translator.

  • Proof of identity

    Copy of identity card or passport

  • Proof of your German language skills

    z. e.g. certificate at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

  • Notification and letters from other competent authorities in Germany

    If you have already applied.

Before submitting a written application to the Bavarian School of Administration, we recommend that you have a consultation beforehand and then submit your application for recognition! This will help you to avoid errors in your application and delays in processing. The following points are clarified during the consultation:

  • Is my chosen profession correct?
  • Recognition as a skilled worker or master craftsman?
  • How does the recognition procedure work?
  • Which documents do I have to submit and in what form?
  • What alternatives are there if the necessary documents are not available?
  • Are there alternatives to recognition for me?
  • What can I do if I do not receive recognition?
  • What options are there for qualification?

Do you already have some documents in German? Then please bring them with you. During the consultation you will find out whether you need to have further documents translated for your application. The application must then be submitted informally in writing to the Bavarian School of Administration together with the required documents. The Bavarian School of Administration will decide on the application as the responsible body.

The fees are based on the fee regulations of the Bavarian Administrative School and depend on the individual effort required to carry out the procedure. Costs of between EUR 35.00 and EUR 1500.00 may be incurred.

Possible additional costs: e.g. for translations, certifications, adaptation qualifications or examination fees

none

The recognition procedure is usually completed within three months. Missing evidence and documents lead to delays.

In the areas of water supply and wastewater management, proof must also be provided of specialist, advanced electrotechnical knowledge and skills, without which recognition is not possible. Please note that sufficient knowledge of German is required for this profession in order to be able to differentiate between requirement, recommendation, admissibility and possibility. The qualification of master craftsmen/mistresses includes the ability to train the relevant skilled workers.

Administrative court action

Details of this procedure can be found in the information on legal remedies in your notification.

Status: 13.06.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
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