Recognition of qualifications
Mutual recognition of professional qualifications is the process by which countries or regions that allows professionals who have obtained their qualifications in one jurisdiction to be recognised and allowed to practice in another. This process supports the mobility of professionals and complements the commitments that the EU and its partners take in free trade agreements to facilitate the temporary movement of professionals. The General Agreement on Trade in Services in the WTO recognises members’ right to recognise the qualifications, licenses or certifications of other parties.
Mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) for professional qualifications are formal agreements that allow the EU and its partners to recognise some of each other’s professional credentials. The EU’s FTAs set out a general framework to allow for the negotiation of MRAs with third countries. So far, the EU has concluded a MRA for architects with Canada. MRAs set the framework and specific conditions under which professional qualifications are recognised, such as requirements for a certain level of education or professional experience.
