The European professional card (EPC) is available from
18 January 2016 for five professions (general care nurses, physiotherapists,
pharmacists, real estate agents and mountain guides). It might be extended to
other professions in the future.
The EPC is not a plastic card, but an electronic
certificate issued via the first EU-wide fully online procedure for the
recognition of qualifications. This digital procedure is based on the
well-established Internal Market
Information System (IMI) and allows
professionals to communicate with the relevant authorities inside a secure
network. The IMI also provides for an official, multilingual communication
channel between the regulating authorities for professionals in EU countries to
facilitate their cooperation and enhance mutual trust.
The EPC does not replace the 'traditional' recognition
procedures under the Professional Qualifications Directive, but it does offer
an advantageous option for professionals who wish to work either temporarily or
permanently in another EU country.
More information:
- New European Professional Card helps professionals work throughout the EU
- Video
- How to apply from the Your Europe website
The Alert Mechanism
To ensure that EU patients and consumers are adequately protected, the Commission has also introduced an Alert Mechanism. The Competent Authorities of EU countries are required to quickly warn each other through the IMI of professionals in the health and education of minors sectors who:
- have been prohibited or restricted from practicing the profession in one country
- have used falsified diplomas for their application for the recognition of their qualification.
Commission Implementing Regulation
On 24 June 2015, the European Commission adopted the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/983 on the procedure for issuance of the European Professional Card and the application of the alert mechanism pursuant to the Professional Qualifications Directive. Since January 2016, the EPC is available for nurses responsible for general care, pharmacists, physiotherapists, mountain guides and real estate agents.
Consultation on introducing the European Professional Card for seven professions
In 2014, the Commission launched a public consultation on introducing the EPC for seven professions (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, engineers, mountain guides and real estate agents). The aim of the consultation was to:
- collect data on mobility, application procedures, fees, authorities and professional recognition;
- assess whether the card is appropriate for these professions;
- estimate the impact on EU countries.
Focus Group on the European Professional Card
The Focus Group on the EPC aims to assess its suitability for a given profession and its impact on EU countries. The Group contributes to the analysis of whether a given profession fulfils the introduction criteria for the card and plays a role in discussions regarding the functioning of the card.
Meeting reports of the Focus Group on the EPC:
Call for expression of interest in the introduction of the European Professional Card
In 2013, the Commission invited professional organisations and associations to express an interest in the introduction of the EPC for their respective professions.
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