Guide · Certified translations
Which certified translations do I need for IHK FOSA?
IHK FOSA assesses foreign qualifications within its occupational remit. The translation scope follows that recognition procedure, rather than a general visa checklist.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Check the IHK FOSA document list for your qualification. It covers qualification records, relevant work evidence and training content. Its published instructions exempt English documents from translation and provide further language exemptions for curricula. Required translations are accepted from publicly appointed or sworn translators in Germany or abroad.
Establish jurisdiction and the reference occupation first
Record the German reference occupation and application purpose. A DAB application, academic ZAB assessment and IHK FOSA recognition are different procedures with their own checklists.
Keep the instructions for the actual procedure together. Mark completed steps and outstanding evidence so an enquiry does not accidentally include records for another application route.
Check exemptions by document type
Distinguish the award, subject list, employment evidence and curriculum. The IHK FOSA list exempts training-content records in its nine website languages. Do not assume that exemption covers other document types.
Note the original language beside every file and identify existing translations. Accepted versions and remaining work can then be discussed separately before commissioning.
Read more: IHK FOSA: required documents and language exemptions
Make training and employment evidence traceable
Organise evidence by training stage or employment and preserve complete page sequences. Different employer names or spellings should remain traceable against the records.
Include the actual checklist and special format instructions with your enquiry. The standard procedure specifies accepted translator status; translation replaces neither the recognition application nor the assessment.
Read more: IHK FOSA: standard procedure and translator requirements
Your next steps
Establish the reference occupation and IHK FOSA jurisdiction.
Match the current checklist to available records.
Identify language exemptions and existing translations.
Enquire with the confirmed scope and complete files.
More questions
Does an English certificate always need German translation?
The published IHK FOSA list exempts English documents. Still check the actual current instructions.
Is IHK FOSA the same as the DAB?
No. Match the assignment to the assessment or recognition procedure actually needed.
Can I send only the diploma?
Check your document list. Employment evidence and training content may be additional items to review.
Sources and further reading
- IHK FOSA: standard procedure and translator requirements
- IHK FOSA: required documents and language exemptions
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