Guide · Certified translations
School recognition for vocational training: what needs translating?
An employer, vocational school and school-recognition office may ask for different records. Start by listing each recipient’s requirements separately.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Ask whether school qualification recognition is required and which office handles it. Its checklist determines the certificates, translations and copies needed. A certified translation does not also certify the copy of the original school record; clarify those requirements separately.
Use the right checklist for each recipient
Record the occupation, planned training location and receiving organisations. Ask whether your existing award record is sufficient or whether a school-recognition decision is needed first.
Bavaria’s school-recognition office, for example, explains its own requirements for official copies and translations. A university or professional-recognition checklist should not be assumed to apply to this procedure.
Read more: Bavarian State Office for Schools: recognition of school qualifications
Prepare complete certificates and copies
Review the leaving certificate, associated grade pages and any additional statements. Photograph or scan reverse sides containing entries and preserve a recognisable page order.
Identify existing translations rather than commissioning replacements without checking. If their format is uncertain, ask a specific question using the existing version rather than relying on a general assumption.
Coordinate application and recognition dates
Record the application deadline, school start and any deadline for later documents separately. Ask the employer or vocational school which records are needed at each stage.
Include the confirmed checklist with your translation enquiry. An offer can then address the required records while you obtain any missing originals or copies.
Your next steps
Identify the employer, vocational school and competent office.
Clarify recognition requirements and deadlines.
List certificates, copies and translations separately.
Enquire with complete records and instructions.
More questions
Is this the same as a university application?
The procedures can have different recipients and checklists. Use the instructions for your actual training route.
Does the translation agency certify the school certificate copy too?
Translation certification and official copy certification are separate processes. Check who may issue the required copy.
Does the employer need the same records as the authority?
Ask both recipients. A clear list prevents their different requirements from being mixed together.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
Prepare your documents and requirements
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