Compensation measures (aptitude test or adaptation period)

When an authority compares your training with its own and finds substantial differences, it can still recognise you once you have made up for them. Article 14 of Directive 2005/36/EC allows two measures:

• An aptitude test: an exam limited to the subjects where your training fell short, which must take account of the fact that you are already qualified (Article 3(1)(h)).
• An adaptation period: supervised practice of up to three years, possibly with further training, followed by an assessment (Article 3(1)(g)).

Germany's recognition portal describes compensation measures the same way: they let you make up the substantial differences so that you can still receive full recognition.

Only where your training covers substantially different matters, meaning knowledge and skills essential to the profession where the content differs significantly (Article 14(4)). The authority must first check whether your professional experience or formally validated lifelong learning covers the gap (Article 14(5)). The decision must give the levels of qualification, the differences and the reasons experience does not compensate (Article 14(6)).

Usually yes: Article 14(2) gives you the choice between the two. The host country may instead decide which measure applies for some groups, including doctors and dentists recognised under the general system and holders of a third-country qualification under Article 3(3). If an aptitude test is imposed, you must be able to sit it within six months of the decision (Article 14(7)).

• Germany, doctors: third-country applicants prove their knowledge by passing the Kenntnisprüfung, a test on the content of the state exam (Bundesärzteordnung, section 3).
• Germany, nurses: the Pflegeberufegesetz (section 40) gives you the right to choose between a Kenntnisprüfung and an adaptation course of up to three years ending in an exam.
• Ireland, nurses and midwives: NMBI can set an aptitude test or a period of adaptation and assessment, explained in our NMBI compensation measures guide.
• Spain: a homologación can be granted on condition that you complete complementary training, which may include an aptitude test, within four years.

• Reading the wrong measure into the notice. An aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) covers only the listed gaps; Germany's Kenntnisprüfung for third-country applicants relates to the whole state exam. Check which one your decision names.
• Waiting too long. Exam dates and adaptation places can be scarce, and some decisions carry time limits, so start arranging the measure as soon as you receive it.
• Language. Passing a compensation measure does not replace the separate language requirement for the licence.

1. Read the decision, often called a Defizitbescheid in Germany, and note each difference listed.
2. Tell the authority which measure you choose, where you have a choice.
3. Find a test date or an adaptation placement. In Germany the notice sometimes names providers, and free counselling centres can help.
4. Submit the pass certificate to the authority, which then checks the remaining conditions, such as language and fitness to practise.