Family, Labour and Social Services Minister Selçuk has announced an important change regarding professional qualification certificates, which are especially crucial for those who want to work abroad. According to Selçuk, from now on these certificates can be issued in additional languages—German, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic—based on the applicant’s preference.
A New Era for Professional Qualification Certificates
Working abroad is a dream for many, but complex procedures often prevent people from taking advantage of opportunities overseas. One frequent obstacle has been the need to translate professional qualification certificates from Turkish into the language of the destination country, causing delays and extra costs. In response, Minister Selçuk made a significant statement on the subject.
Selçuk explained that certificates, which have previously been issued in Turkish and English, will now also be available in German, French, Spanish, Russian or Arabic according to the worker’s preference. He emphasized the importance of professionally certified credentials for a qualified workforce, particularly when applying for positions internationally. He added that since 2019 the certificates have been prepared bilingually in Turkish and English to facilitate overseas job-seeking, and that the program will now expand to include more languages.
Certificates Will Be Available in Multiple Languages
Selçuk noted that until now, candidates seeking employment in foreign projects or companies were required to obtain sworn translations of their professional qualification certificates, creating both time and financial burdens. To eliminate these obstacles, the Vocational Qualification Authority carried out the necessary preparations. As a result, professional qualification documents can now be issued as Turkish-German, Turkish-French, Turkish-Spanish, Turkish-Russian or Turkish-Arabic pairs according to applicants’ requests. This change gives those who want to work abroad a significant advantage and removes the need for additional translation or notary fees.
He also emphasized that the revised certificates meet international standards. Enhanced security features such as holograms and QR codes make forgery practically impossible. The documents were redesigned to comply with international norms and other relevant standards. With this update, the country’s certified and skilled workforce will gain freer mobility around the world. In effect, the new multilingual format of the professional qualification certificate becomes a practical tool facilitating work abroad—akin to easing certain visa-related hurdles. Selçuk added that the certificates will be recognized in many countries, including EU member states.
What Is a Professional Qualification Certificate and How Is It Obtained?
Certain occupations require proof that an individual has the necessary skills and attributes to perform the job; therefore, employers or regulatory bodies often request a professional qualification certificate. Holders of this certificate typically find it easier to secure employment in their field. Certification is granted to candidates who successfully complete assessment and evaluation activities conducted according to established criteria. Knowledge, skills and competencies are key elements evaluated during this process.
To obtain a professional qualification certificate, applicants must apply to institutions authorized to issue the certificate. Authorized organizations can vary by sector. For those seeking recognition as qualified workers, attending the relevant training courses and passing the required assessments leads to certification. With certificates now issued in multiple languages, searching for work abroad will become more straightforward and less costly for Turkish applicants.