State recognition of regulated social professions/professionals Applying for social work (domestic)

If you have completed a Hessian university degree in a social work course as well as a practical phase according to § 2 paragraph 2 of the Social Profession Recognition Act, you can apply for state recognition at your university.

After you have completed a bachelor's or diploma degree in a social work course at a Hessian university as well as a practical phase according to § 2 paragraph 2 of the Social Profession Recognition Act, you can apply for state recognition as a social worker, social pedagogue or social pedagogue at your university. The university checks the requirements. If all required achievements have been demonstrably achieved, you will be granted state recognition by your university.

Depending on the university, the practical phase can be integrated into studies or completed as an internship after graduation.

The universities advise and accompany their students and graduates during the practical phase.

The state recognition stands for a deeper suitability and ability to work independently in all areas of social work and social administration. It becomes relevant in professional practice as a recruitment and remuneration criterion. In addition, state recognition offers public-law professional protection by regulating anchoring in different areas of law, for example in service and data protection law.

• Completed application
• Proof of identity
• Proof of a bachelor's or diploma degree in a social work course at a Hessian university
• Certificate of completed professional practice phase according to § 2 paragraph 2 of the Social Professions Recognition Act
• Written confirmation of participation in the accompanying practice event

Forms/online services available: Yes

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: No

• You have informed yourself at your university about the possibility of applying for state recognition or have sought advice from the responsible practical department of your university
• You have completed a bachelor's or diploma degree in a social work course at a Hessian university
• You have integrated your studies or completed an internship after completing your studies in accordance with § 2 paragraph 2 of the Social Profession Recognition Act
• If the internship at your university is postgraduate, i.e. after completing your Bachelor's degree, you should have completed the recognition internship within three years of graduation. After completion of the practical recognition year, a colloquium takes place at your university
• You can prove through your university degree and your practical experience that you have an in-depth aptitude and ability to work independently in the field of social work and social administration

If the colloquium is not passed, a decision will be issued with information on the right to appeal. Within one month of the announcement of the result, an objection may be filed in writing.

• With the application for state recognition, the completed Bachelor's or Diploma degree and the professional internship must be successfully proven
• If all requirements have been met and all required achievements have been proven, state recognition will be granted by your university.

Please refer to the website of your university or department for information on the respective application deadline.

After all necessary documents have been submitted, the processing time varies from university to university.

for applying for the certificate of state recognition (in accordance with the Hessian Administrative Costs Ordinance): Fee 60,00 EUR