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Recognition of diplomas

When do you need an official transcript?

Recognition of diplomas

In some sectors the recognition of your qualifications is vital to enable you to exercise your profession. There are two basic scenarios, depending whether the profession is EU-regulated or non-regulated.

Non-regulated professions

In this case, anyone is allowed to do the job and it will be the experience and qualifications of the candidate that the employer bases their decision on. Certificates of studies issued by the Ministry of Education via the education offices (when you become resident in France) may perhaps be used to provide information to the employer, but they have no legal value.

Regulated professions

Professions covered by a secorial directive (doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, veterinary surgeons, pharmacists and architects): EU citizens with diplomas from their own countries can freely exercise their profession in another Member State - but you may need to have you qualifications certified by your professional association, depending on the profession. For non-EU citizens, check with the relevant French professional association or the one in your home country.

Professions that are not covered by a sectoral directive: These professions require training and qualification specific to France. These are often professions in the health sector, law, architecture, transport, etc. In this case, the diploma must be recognised by an official body. For more information contact a relevant government department or the relevant professional association (e.g.: architects: www.architectes.org ; lawyers: www.paris.barreau.fr ; doctors: www.conseil-national.medecin.fr ).

You should be able to get detailed information from the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in your home country and/or in France at the place of your residence (find contact details of French CCIs at the main website www.cci.fr ).

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