For professional qualifications obtained within the European Union, the Declaration of Value (DOV) alone is not sufficient to achieve recognition in Italy. Instead, individuals must obtain a professional certificate, often referred to as a “Certificate of Conformity,” issued by the competent authority in the country where the qualification was awarded. This is due to the specific requirements outlined by EU legislation, particularly the Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications.
The Directive 2005/36/EC establishes a framework for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications among EU member states. It aims to facilitate the free movement of professionals within the European Union by ensuring that their qualifications are recognised across borders. However, this recognition is subject to certain conditions and standards that are regulated at the EU level. The Directive stipulates that professional qualifications must meet specific educational and professional criteria to be recognised in another member state, such as Italy.
In Italy, the Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications was transposed into national law by Legislative Decree No. 206 of 9 November 2007 (Decreto Legislativo n. 206 del 9 novembre 2007). This decree implements the provisions of the EU directive, establishing the conditions for recognising professional qualifications obtained in other EU member states.
The Legislative Decree No. 206/2007 sets out the procedures, requirements, and competent authorities responsible for the recognition process, thereby ensuring compliance with the Directive’s principles and facilitating the free movement of professionals within the European Union. It specifies the criteria for recognising both regulated and non-regulated professions and outlines the necessary steps for individuals seeking to have their qualifications recognised in Italy.
The Certificate of Conformity is a document issued by the competent authority in the country where the qualification was obtained. This certificate confirms that the professional qualification in question meets the standards and requirements set by EU law and is in compliance with the regulations governing that profession in the issuing country. The Certificate of Conformity ensures that the professional qualification adheres to the minimum training conditions established by the EU, which are necessary for recognition in another member state.
The Declaration of Value, on the other hand, provides general information about the educational qualification’s value, its authenticity, and its level within the educational system of the country of origin. While it is essential for establishing the basic validity of a foreign qualification, it does not provide the specific assurances required by EU law for the recognition of professional qualifications. The DOV does not verify whether the professional qualification meets the harmonised standards and regulatory requirements stipulated by the Directive. Therefore, the Certificate of Conformity becomes necessary to certify that the qualification aligns with EU-wide professional standards, ensuring that the holder has the necessary education, training, and skills to practise the profession in Italy or any other EU member state.
In practice, the Italian authorities, such as professional orders or regulatory bodies, require the Certificate of Conformity to ensure that a professional qualification obtained in another EU country meets the specific requirements for practising that profession in Italy. The Certificate of Conformity provides a level of assurance regarding the content, scope, and quality of the qualification that the DOV alone cannot offer.
In conclusion, while the Declaration of Value remains a useful document for recognising academic qualifications or for preliminary assessments, it does not satisfy the legal requirements for professional recognition within the EU. The Certificate of Conformity is mandatory for ensuring compliance with EU standards, thereby allowing professionals to exercise their profession in Italy or any other member state under the conditions set by EU law.