Surgical assistant from third countries Applying for permission to use the professional title

Would you like to work in Germany as a surgical assistant? Then you need a state permit. In order to obtain state permission, you can have your foreign professional qualification recognised.

The profession of surgical assistant is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to be able to work as a surgical assistant in Germany, you need a state permit. With this permission, you may use the professional title "Surgical Technical Assistant" or "Surgical Technical Assistant" and work in the profession. Even with a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can obtain state permission from the competent authority in Germany. Third countries are all states that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognised.

In the recognition procedure, the competent body compares your professional qualification with the German professional qualification and checks the equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of state permission. In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must meet other requirements for the granting of the permit. Further requirements are, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

If your professional qualification comes from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, other regulations apply
You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

Hessian State Office for Health and Care

Please contact the Hessian State Office for Health and Care.

The competent authority will tell you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are in general:

• Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
• Birth certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
• Curriculum vitae
• Proof of your professional qualification (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
• Evidence of formal qualifications
• Proof of your relevant professional experience as a surgical assistant
• Proof of further relevant knowledge for working as a surgical assistant
• Do you not yet live or work in the EU, EEA or Switzerland? Then you have to prove that you want to work in the profession in Germany. Evidence can be: applications for a job, proof of your application for an entry visa for gainful employment or a business concept.
   

You usually hand in these documents later. The competent authority will inform you when to hand in the documents:

• Proof of your personal suitability: extract from the criminal record or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin
• Proof of your health suitability: medical certificate
• Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate at language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The competent authority will inform you which documents you must submit as a simple copy, as a certified copy or in the original.

• Forms: Forms can be obtained from the competent authority.
• Online procedure possible: Ask the competent authority whether you can submit the application online.
• Personal appearance required: no

• You have a professional qualification as a surgical assistant from a third country.
• You want to work in Germany as a surgical assistant.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable for work as a surgical assistant and have no criminal record.
• Health suitability: You can work mentally and physically as a surgical assistant.
• You have German language skills at the required language level. This is usually level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (e.g. file an objection). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on the right of appeal at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first talk to the competent authority before taking legal action against the decision.

Application

You submit an application for permission to use the professional title "Surgical Technical Assistant" or "Surgical Technical Assistant" to the competent authority.

You can submit the application with the documents to the competent authority or send it by post. Do not send originals.

Sometimes you can also send the application electronically. The competent authority will inform you.
 

Equivalence assessment

The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important prerequisite is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent authority compares your professional qualification with the German professional qualification as a surgical assistant. 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 test

If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognised. The competent authority can confirm the result to you in writing. You still have to meet the other requirements. Then you will receive permission to use the professional title "Surgical Technical Assistant" or "Surgical Technical Assistant".

Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can compensate for the differences through your professional practice, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). You must prove your professional experience. 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 recognised. You will then not be allowed to work as a surgical assistant in Germany.

However, the competent authority 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 allows you to compensate for the essential differences.
 

Compensatory measures

There are several compensatory measures:

• Adaptation period: The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.

• Knowledge test: The knowledge test tests your knowledge in specific subjects and areas. The knowledge test consists of an oral and practical part.

You can often choose between an adaptation period 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 "Surgical Technical Assistant" or "Surgical Technical Assistant".

There is no deadline.

Sometimes documents are still missing in the procedure. The competent authority will then inform you by when you must submit the documents.

The fees result from the administrative costs regulation plus expenses.

Equivalence Notice

In the licensing procedure, equivalence is also checked (recognition procedure). You can apply for a separate notification for the result of the examination.

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a Spätaussiedler, you can go through the recognition procedure either according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide for yourself. The competent body will advise you on which procedure suits you.