The Declaration of Value (DOV) plays a critical role in the recognition process for foreign qualifications in Italy, serving various academic and professional purposes. It acts as a bridge that facilitates the equivalence and recognition of foreign degrees, allowing individuals to navigate the Italian education and employment landscape with their qualifications earned abroad.
For academic purposes, the DOV is essential when seeking equivalence or informal recognition of a foreign qualification for the pursuit of further studies in Italy. Italian universities and higher education institutions may require the DOV to determine the comparability of the foreign degree with their own academic standards. This recognition is particularly important for students wishing to enrol in postgraduate courses, master’s programmes, or other advanced studies where specific prerequisites are needed. The DOV helps to ensure that the academic level and scope of the foreign qualification meet the requirements necessary for entry into these programmes.
When it comes to enrolment in doctoral programmes, especially those accessible through scholarships or public competitions, the DOV becomes indispensable. In Italy, many PhD programmes are publicly funded, and scholarships are awarded through competitive selection processes. In such cases, a candidate’s foreign qualification must be formally recognised to demonstrate that it is equivalent to an Italian qualification of the same level. The DOV provides the necessary documentation to support this equivalence, thereby allowing the candidate to compete on equal terms with others who hold Italian qualifications.
Academic recognition of foreign qualifications can also be obtained through a Rectoral Decree, which is an official act issued by the university rector that acknowledges the equivalence of a foreign degree with an Italian one. This process, known as procedura di equipollenza, relies heavily on the DOV to establish the validity, level, and content of the foreign qualification. The rector’s decision to grant equivalence is based on a detailed examination of the DOV and other supporting documents, ensuring that the foreign qualification meets the academic standards and requirements of the Italian education system.
Beyond academic recognition, the DOV is also used for informal recognition purposes, such as enabling participation in public competitions. In Italy, many public sector positions are filled through competitive examinations, and candidates with foreign qualifications must provide a DOV to prove the comparability of their education with Italian standards. While this does not always constitute a formal equivalence process, the DOV serves as an essential tool to demonstrate that the candidate’s qualifications are appropriate for the position they are applying for.
For professional purposes, the DOV is crucial when seeking recognition to practise a regulated profession in Italy or to register with a corresponding professional body. Many professions in Italy, such as medicine, law, architecture, and engineering, are regulated by specific professional orders or associations, which set stringent requirements for membership and practice. To practise such a profession, a foreign qualification must be recognised as equivalent to the corresponding Italian qualification. The DOV provides the necessary validation and description of the foreign qualification, enabling the competent authorities to determine whether it meets the professional standards required in Italy.
In addition to the recognition for practising a regulated profession, the DOV is also required when seeking authorisation to participate in public competitions for professional roles within Italian public administrations. The Presidency of the Council of Ministers oversees this process, and the DOV is often a key document to verify the educational credentials of candidates. Similarly, the relevant Ministries, such as the Ministry of Health for medical professions or the Ministry of Justice for legal professions, may require the DOV as part of the application for professional recognition or for the issuance of licences to practise.
In conclusion, the Declaration of Value is an indispensable document in the administrative recognition process, detailing the value and legitimacy of a qualification acquired abroad. Whether for obtaining an academic equivalence decree, authorisation to participate in public competitions, or a professional decree to practise regulated professions, the DOV must be submitted along with other required documentation to the relevant Italian authorities. These authorities include universities for the recognition of foreign degrees and PhDs, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers for participation in public competitions, and the relevant Ministries for professional recognition. The DOV thus serves as a foundational document that supports the recognition of foreign qualifications, ensuring that they are accurately assessed and appropriately valued within Italy’s educational and professional frameworks.