The role of formal, non-formal and informal learning outcomes in the Recognition Act

In order to assess the equivalence of a foreign and a German vocational qualification, within the framework of the Vocational Qualifications Assessment Law of the Federal Government (BQFG) informally and non-formally acquired competences can also be taken into consideration. Provided that the prerequisite is fulfilled of having acquired a vocational certificate abroad, equivalence is assessed on the basis of an inspection of documents, irrespective of how the competences were acquired. Furthermore, where certain preconditions are met, vocational competences can be validated individually. The article illuminates the possibilities provided by the BQFG and presents initial experience gained by the German chambers.