Difference between ZAB and Gleichwertigkeit

Hi Lucas, René from Get2Germany here 👋 Especially for doctors, the difference between ZAB and equivalence is particularly important. The ZAB issues a certificate evaluation upon request. This shows how a foreign medical degree can be classified in the German system – e.g. whether it corresponds to a German medical degree. But: This evaluation is purely informative and is not sufficient to be allowed to work as a doctor in Germany. For professional licensing – i.e. the Approbation – the equivalence of the degree is crucial. This is checked by the responsible Approbationsbehörde. It looks at whether your training is comparable to the German one. If you come from an EU country, your degree is usually automatically recognized. If you come from a third country, an individual examination is carried out. If there are differences to the German training, e.g. a Kenntnisprüfung can be required. Only when the equivalence has been established and further requirements have been met (language level, health, etc.), will you receive the Approbation and be allowed to work as a doctor. In short: The ZAB certificate evaluation is a first orientation, the Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung by the Approbationsbehörde is the decisive step towards practicing the profession in Germany. Best regards! René from Get2Germany

For the nursing profession you need the ZAB, for the Approbation you need the Gleichwertigkeit.

ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) ist für Ärzte nicht erforderlich. Sie müssen stattdessen Gleichwertigkeit machen