If you are thinking of moving between the two parts of Ireland to work or study you will be acutely aware of the many problems associated with relocating to a different jurisdiction.
The UK and Irish qualification bodies and awarding authorities have published a comparing qualifications leaflet for Students and Graduates thinking of moving across borders within the British Isles to work or study. This helpful guide enables comparisons to be drawn between qualifications and their equivalent level in the various UK jurisdictions and Ireland. The leaflet is entitled 'Qualifications can cross boundaries – a rough guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland' and is available by clicking the link below.
http://www.qualifications-across-boundaries.org/compare/uk_ireland
This leaflet is a concise information guide which enables a board comparison to be made between the qualifications offered across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. However, if you are thinking of moving to another jurisdiction it is always advisable to contact the qualifications authority for more detailed information on your personal circumstances.
Other useful sources of information
National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC)
NARIC is the network of National Academic Recognition Information Centres in the member states of the European Economic Area. NARIC in the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) provides an advisory service for people who need to relate overseas academic qualifications to qualifications awarded in the UK. A fee is charged for this service.
For further information contact:
ECCTIS Ltd
Oriel House
Oriel Road
Cheltenham
GL50 1XP
Tel: 0870 990 4088
Website: www.naric.org.uk
Northern Ireland Contact for Translating Qualifications
Individuals who need to establish UK equivalencies of academic qualifications in order to apply for a specific job should contact the CCEA who provide a free service at present.
Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)
27 Clarendon Road
Clarendon Dock
Belfast
Tel: 028 9026 1206
E-mail: rmegarell@ccea.org.uk
Your qualifications will generally be recognised in all other EU states although you may have to apply to have them officially recognised. Generally speaking you should be qualified to practice a particular trade across all of the countries of the EU if you are qualified to practice it at home.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQA Ireland)
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is the Irish centre for the recognition of international qualifications. If you have completed a qualification outside Ireland, you may wish to have it assessed in order to gain employment or undertake further studies within Ireland. An Application form available online at: www.qualificationsrecognition.ie
Professional Recognition System (Ireland)
If you wish to practise in a regulated profession, for example teaching or nursing, it is always advisable to contact the relevant Governing or Professional body for further information. A full list of professions which are regulated along with associated contact addresses are available from the NQA website; www.qualificationsrecognition.ie
For further information contact:
Qualifications Recognition - Ireland
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
5th Floor Jervis House
Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Ireland
© Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NIACAB) 2008