How do I check?
If you are resident in Northern Ireland and need to check your qualifications against UK equivalents, you can access our free Qualification Equivalence Service by contacting your local Jobs and Benefits offices or JobCentre. You can find the contact details for your local office on nidirect.
A member of staff will arrange a check against UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) database on your behalf, and provide you with comparison information and advice on your specific qualifications. Your country of origin needs to be listed on the NARIC databases to avail of this service and you will need to have a copy of your qualification certificates or details.
Your query will be acknowledged within two working days and the Department will aim to fully respond to you as soon as possible, but up to a maximum of 10 working days.
Free movement of professionals across the EU
If you are a non-UK National from a member state within the EU, EEA or Switzerland with professional qualifications and wish to work in Northern Ireland you may be eligible, under the EU Directive on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (Directive 2005/36/EC), for automatic or general recognition of your qualifications depending on your profession.
ECCTIS Limited is the National Contact Point (NCP) for Professional Qualifications in the United Kingdom. It is responsible for guiding professionals through the process of obtaining recognition for their professional qualifications in the UK and has a dedicated website which provides comprehensive advice and guidance for both individuals and employers. For more information go to the UK NCP website.