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"Bachelor Professional" and "Master Professional"

At the beginning of 2020, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry introduced the qualification titles "Certified Professional Specialist," "Bachelor Professional," and "Master Professional". By the end of 2024, graduates of over 20 IHK-certified qualifications could opt for such titles.

At the beginning of 2020, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry introduced the qualification titles "Certified Professional Specialist," "Bachelor Professional," and "Master Professional". By the end of 2024, graduates of over 20 IHK-certified qualifications could opt for such titles.

These new terms are designed to highlight the equivalence of vocational and academic education, emphasize the practical relevance of professions, and support the mobility of professionals from Germany.

For the affected IHK qualifications, there are usually two qualification titles. Graduates acquire both and can decide which one to use.

All other qualifications will be updated gradually. For many, it is also necessary to modernize the qualification content. The involved partners, such as the examining bodies like the IHKs, employer associations, trade unions, and the Federal Ministry of Education that handle the process, are in close exchange to coordinate the approach.

Learning scopes and transition options

Those who register for a master’s exam have learned approximately 1,600 hours, for the bachelor’s it is 1,200 hours, and for the professional specialist, it is at least 400 hours spent with preparation, the course, and relevant work experience.

The new advanced training regulations allow participants who are already in the examination process to obtain the new qualification titles. However, the transition is subject to requirements. Local IHKs are happy to assist with specific questions.

Here is an overview of qualifications:

Previous Qualification TitlesNew Qualification Titles
Certified Business ManagerMaster Professional in Business Management
Certified AccountantBachelor Professional in Accounting
Certified Sales ConsultantCertified Professional Specialist in Sales
Certified Foreign Trade SpecialistBachelor Professional in Foreign Trade
Certified Transport SpecialistBachelor Professional in Transport Management and Logistics
Certified Procurement SpecialistBachelor Professional in Procurement
Certified Energy Management SpecialistBachelor Professional in Energy Management
Certified Logistics System SpecialistBachelor Professional in Logistics Systems
Certified Marketing SpecialistBachelor Professional in Marketing
Certified Insurance and Finance SpecialistBachelor Professional in Insurance and Financial Planning
Certified Foreign Language CorrespondentCertified Professional Specialist in Multilingual Communication

Certified IT Developer (Certified IT Systems Manager),

Certified IT Project Manager (Certified IT Business Manager),


Certified IT Consultant (Certified IT Business Consultant),


Certified IT Economist (Certified IT Marketing Manager)

Bachelor Professional in IT
Certified Media SpecialistBachelor Professional in Media
Certified Media Production ManagerBachelor Professional in Media Production
Certified Event Technology ManagerBachelor Professional for Event Technology
Certified Industrial Manager – Print Media FocusBachelor Professional in Print
NewBachelor Professional in Road Operations Management
NewCertified Professional Specialist in Data Analysis
NewCertified Professional Specialist in Information Security
NewCertified Professional Specialist in IT Consulting
NewCertified Professional Specialist in Software Development
NewCertified Professional Specialist in Systems Integration and Networking
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