In Italy, the profession of Speech and Language Therapy (Logopedia) is regulated, and foreign-trained professionals must obtain official recognition of their qualifications to practice. The recognition process varies depending on whether the qualification was obtained within the European Union (EU) or outside of it.
Regulatory Body/Organization: Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute)
Website: Ministero della Salute
Requirements for Foreign-Trained Speech and Language Therapists:
- Educational Qualifications:
- EU Citizens: Qualifications obtained in EU member states are subject to recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended by Directive 2013/55/EU. Applicants should contact the Help Centre for the recognition of professional qualifications at the Department for European Policies of the Prime Minister’s Office for guidance.
- Non-EU Citizens: Qualifications obtained outside the EU are recognized according to Presidential Decree 394/99, Articles 49-50, and subsequent amendments. Applicants must identify the competent Italian authority responsible for their profession and follow the specified procedures.
- Language Proficiency:
- Proficiency in the Italian language is essential, as practitioners must communicate effectively with clients and comply with local regulations.
- Documentation:
- Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore): This is an informative document issued by the Italian diplomatic or consular representations abroad, detailing the nature and value of the foreign qualification. It is not a recognition per se but aids in the evaluation process.
- Certified Translations: All documents must be translated into Italian by a certified translator.
- Application Process:
- Submission: Applicants must submit their recognition request to the competent authority, which, for speech and language therapists, is the Ministry of Health.
- Assessment: The authority will assess the equivalence of the foreign qualification to the Italian standard. If significant differences are identified, the applicant may be required to undertake compensatory measures, such as additional training or examinations.
- Professional Registration:
- Upon recognition of the qualification, practitioners must register with the relevant professional body or association in Italy to legally practice.
Additional Considerations:
- Processing Time: The recognition process can be time-consuming, often taking several months. Applicants are advised to plan accordingly.
- Legal Advice: Given the complexity of the recognition process, seeking legal assistance or consulting specialized agencies can be beneficial.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the official website of the Ministry of Health and the Italian Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (CIMEA).
If you like my work and want me to continue, consider buying me a coffee through Paypal Donation. Thanks in advance