Does Your School-Leaving Certificate Count in Germany?
Many students ask whether their own result is enough for an Ausbildung: WAEC in Nigeria, CXC in the Caribbean, FSc or matric in Pakistan, or the 12th grade in India. It depends on the type of training. The company or an official office decides, not GoAusbildung.
Company (Dual) Training: The Company Decides
For company (dual) training, German law does not require a specific school-leaving qualification. That means no official recognition is needed. Each company decides what it asks for.
Make it in Germany says many companies ask for an intermediate school-leaving qualification. Popular or demanding training may ask for a higher one. If a company asks for a specific qualification, recognition may then be needed.
What to do: read the job listing. If it names a school qualification, ask the company whether your certificate fits. Send your certificate with your application so they can see it.
School-Based Training: An Office Decides
For school-based training, you must finish your general school education first and have that qualification officially recognized. Which qualification you need depends on the profession.
An office in each of Germany's 16 federal states recognizes school certificates. It accepts your application when you have a registered address in Germany or a confirmed training place. If your certificate is equivalent to a German qualification, the office gives you a written confirmation.