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Individual Assessment (§19 GewO)
GewO §19
Verified: April 2026
No exam required!
If you have extensive professional experience in a regulated trade,
you can apply for individual assessment. The district authority evaluates
your competence based on documentation alone — no written or practical exam.
Who Is This For?
- Career changers with years of hands-on experience but no formal Austrian qualification
- Immigrants whose qualifications aren't directly recognized in Austria
- Experienced professionals who learned on the job rather than through formal education
- Foreign-trained workers from non-EU countries
What You Need to Prove
The district authority must be convinced that your knowledge, skills, and experience are equivalent to passing the qualification exam. Submit:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Detailed CV | Shows career progression in the field |
| Work references | Confirms duration and scope of experience |
| Project portfolio | Demonstrates practical competence |
| Training certificates | Shows continuing education efforts |
| Qualification documents | Foreign degrees, diplomas, certificates |
| Client testimonials | Confirms quality of work (optional but helpful) |
The Process
- Prepare documentation — gather all evidence of your competence
- Submit application to the district authority (Bezirksverwaltungsbehoerde)
- Authority reviews your documents (may request additional information)
- Decision — positive: you receive the qualification; negative: you can appeal
- Register your trade using the individual assessment as qualification proof
Tips for Success
How to Maximize Your Chances
- Be thorough: More documentation is better than less
- Show breadth: Demonstrate knowledge across all aspects of the trade
- Get references: Former employers or clients carry weight
- Include training: Any workshops, seminars, or courses help
- Translate documents: All non-German documents need certified translation
- Typical experience needed: 6+ years in the specific trade
Not guaranteed
Individual assessment is not automatic. The authority has discretion to reject
applications if the evidence is insufficient. If rejected, you can appeal or
choose another path (exam, qualified manager).
Related Guides
General guidance only, not legal advice. Last verified: April 2026.
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