Adaptation period (Anpassungslehrgang)

Article 3(1)(g) of Directive 2005/36/EC defines it as practising a regulated profession in the host country under the responsibility of a qualified member of that profession, possibly with further training, and subject to an assessment. The host country's authority sets the detailed rules, the assessment and your status during the period, including pay, social rights and residence.

It is one of two compensation measures; the other is the aptitude test. Article 14(1) caps the adaptation period at three years. Germany's recognition portal says the length depends on the differences listed in your recognition notice and what you still need to learn.

Anyone whose recognition decision finds substantial differences that their experience does not cover. Under the directive you can usually choose between an adaptation period and an aptitude test, although the host country may decide for some groups, including doctors and dentists in general system cases and holders of third-country qualifications recognised under Article 3(3).

For people trained outside the EU, national law decides. In Germany, nurses with a third-country qualification have the right to choose between a Kenntnisprüfung and an adaptation course of at most three years that ends with an exam on its content (Pflegeberufegesetz, section 40). Doctors from third countries do not have this option: they sit the Kenntnisprüfung.

1. You receive a notice listing the differences, often called a Defizitbescheid in Germany.
2. You tell the authority you choose the adaptation period. Germany's portal notes that the notice sometimes names training providers.
3. You find a place with a provider or employer, often a hospital or care home, and work under supervision. Germany's glossary gives the example of being supervised by a registered general nurse.
4. You complete the training and assessment, receive a certificate and send it to the authority, which then checks the remaining conditions for the licence.

If you are still abroad, Germany allows entry under certain conditions to take part in recognition measures while working; see recognition partnership.

• Adaptation period: you learn on the job and are paid under local rules, but it takes longer and depends on finding a placement.
• Aptitude test: usually faster if you prepare well and dates are available, but it is a single exam you might fail.

In Ireland, NMBI offers a period of adaptation and assessment or an aptitude test for nurses and midwives; see our NMBI guide for details.

• Places can be limited, so ask providers early.
• The language level needed for the placement may be higher than for your visa.
• Your status during the period, including pay, is set nationally, so confirm it in writing before you start.
• If you fail the final assessment, ask the authority in writing what your options are for repeating it.