Diploma recognition and licensing for expatriates in regulated professions explained

To streamline the recognition of your regulated profession abroad, let's explore how you can find out about the regulations in your chosen destination. This will help validate your diploma and secure the necessary authorization to practice.

Professional regulatory bodies

In many countries, regulated professions fall under the jurisdiction of a regulatory body. This entity is tasked with upholding professional quality standards and safeguarding the interests of the public. Professional regulatory bodies may be public or private, national or regional.

In France, the best-known professional regulatory bodies are:

• Ordre des médecins;
• Le Conseil national des barreaux;
• The Order of Architects;
• Ordre des experts-comptables.

Diploma recognition

The initial step toward practicing your regulated profession abroad is the recognition of your diploma. This attests that your level of training aligns with the standards required in the destination country.

The diploma can be recognized in two ways:

1. Automatic recognition: In some cases, your diploma is automatically recognized in the destination country. This is the case, for example, with European diplomas.
2. Recognition by equivalence: In most cases, you'll need to have your diploma recognized by equivalence. This means proving that your diploma is equivalent to a diploma in the destination country.

Automatic recognition

Automatic diploma recognition is the simplest procedure. It is possible in the following cases:

• If your diploma was issued by a higher education institution recognized in the destination country,
• If your degree was awarded by a higher education institution recognized by the European Union,
• If your degree was awarded by a higher education institution recognized by an international organization, such as UNESCO.

Recognition by equivalence

Recognition by equivalence is the most common procedure. It is necessary in the following cases:

• If your diploma was issued by a higher education institution not recognized in the destination country,
• If your degree has been awarded by a recognized higher education institution in the destination country, but the study programs are different.

To have your diploma recognized by equivalence, you will generally need to provide the following documents:

• A copy of your diploma;
• A copy of your transcripts;
• A letter from the regulatory body of your profession;
• A letter from an independent expert attesting to the equivalence of your diploma.

If you're planning to relocate to Germany, consider checking the German government's information portal regarding the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. In the case of the UK, visit the ENIC website. Are you opting for Australia? Be aware that an agreement between France and the Australian government facilitates automatic recognition of certain French diplomas, including BTS, DUT, baccalauréat, license, maîtrise, master, DEA, DESS, and doctorate.

Diploma recognition procedure

The processes for diploma recognition differ from one country to another. It can be quick and simple or long and complex. Therefore, gathering information beforehand about the procedures applicable in your chosen destination country is essential. For information on diploma recognition procedures, contact the regulatory body for your profession in the destination country or the consulate or embassy of the destination country in your country of residence.

Licensing

After the recognition of your diploma, the next step usually involves obtaining authorization to practice in your expat country. Authorization to practice is an official document allowing you to engage in your profession in the destination country. This document is issued by the regulatory body governing your profession in that specific country.

Licensing requirements vary according to the country of destination. They may include the following:

• Fluency in the language of the destination country;
• Proof of professional experience;
• An aptitude test.

The licensing procedure

The process of obtaining a license to practice varies across different countries. It can be quick and simple or long and complex. Thus, it's important to proactively gather information about the specific procedures applicable in your chosen destination country. For information on the procedures for obtaining a license to practice, you can contact the regulatory body for your profession in the destination country or the consulate or embassy of the destination country in your country of residence.

In general, the procedure for obtaining a license to practice involves several steps.

The first step is to draw up an application for authorization to practice. This application must be sent to the regulatory body for your profession in the destination country. The application should generally include the following information:

• Your personal details;
• Your diplomas and certificates;
• Your professional experience;
• Your command of the language of the destination country.

The regulatory body for your profession may ask you to pay an application fee to process your request.

You'll need to submit supporting documents to demonstrate that you meet the licensure requirements. The specific supporting documents required may vary based on the destination country and the profession in question. The most common supporting documents are the following:

• A copy of your diploma;
• A copy of your transcripts;
• A letter from the regulatory body for your profession in your country of residence;
• Proof of proficiency in the language of the destination country;
• Proof of your professional experience.

In some cases, you may need to pass an aptitude test to prove that you possess the essential skills for practicing your profession in the destination country. The qualifying examination might be conducted either by the regulatory body of your profession or by an independent organization.

The professional regulatory body will review your application along with the submitted supporting documents and communicate its decision in writing. Upon approval of your application, you will be granted a license to practice your profession in the destination country.

Tips for speeding up the process

To speed up the licensing process, you can take the following steps:

• Start as early as possible;
• Find out about the procedures in force in your destination country several months before you leave;
• Provide all required supporting documents;
• Take the aptitude test if necessary.

Conclusion

Securing recognition for your regulated profession in a foreign country is an important step toward a successful relocation. By finding out the procedures applicable in your destination country before departure and following the guidance provided above, you can speed up the process and increase your chances of obtaining the necessary authorization to practice.