The Unification Treaty stipulates that state-recognized professional qualifications or certificates of competence acquired in the GDR are equivalent to each other and confer the same entitlements if they are equivalent. Equivalence is determined by the competent authority upon application.

As a rule, GDR skilled worker qualifications are equivalent to Federal German training occupations without the need for formal recognition. In individual cases, a certificate of equivalence is possible upon application. However, a new examination certificate will not be issued. An assignment of GDR master's degrees to IHK advanced training examinations can be checked and determined upon application. If equivalence is possible, you will receive a certificate showing your GDR occupation and the corresponding FRG occupation.

If it is a GDR skilled worker or master craftsman qualification that is related to industry, trade or the service sector, then the Chamber of Industry and Commerce is responsible. Applications must be submitted to the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce in whose catchment area the applicant's place of residence is located.