Audiologist

When should I apply?

Authorisation does not alter established working conditions, but when health workers change jobs or renew their contracts it is probable that documentary proof of authorisation will be requested.

For professional practitioners encompassed by the Transitional Regulations (not currently available in English), the deadline for application expires on 31 January 2007. It is therefore not necessary to apply immediately. The professional title may be used without authorisation until the end of 2002.

Conditions of authorisation

There are two ways of obtaining authorisation as audiologist:

1. Presentation of certified copy of leaving certificate as audiologist, or
2. Documentation confirming fulfilment of the conditions contained in Transitional Regulations, section 7. Should you not be in possession of documentation, authorisation may be granted in the event of your having completed former education/training and have worked fulltime as audiologist for a minimum of two years (or corresponding part-time) in the period subsequent to 1 January 1996. Professional work experience in posts involving less than 50% of full time may not be included. Such work experience must be confirmed through the submission of special certification forms to be filled in by the employer (currently only in Norwegian).

For this group, applications will be processed in accordance with Council Directive 89/48/EEC, cf. 92/51/EEC (with subsequent amendments). This does not grant right of recognition, but the Directive contains rules governing the granting of authorisation. These rules have been incorporated in a separate EEA Regulation of 21 December 2000, see Ch. VII. The main rule is that the education/training not deviate to any marked degree from the requirements as to competence laid down by Norwegian regulations.

Applicants with other foreign qualifications as audiologist

For applicants with foreign qualifications from outside the EEA, it is required that such qualification be judged as the professional equivalent of Norwegian certificate, cf. Health Personnel Act, section 48, subsection 3a. Such assessment is made by the applicant's documentation of her/his own qualification as described in curricula, work experience etc. representing the equivalent of curricula related to Norwegian education/training. Applicants will be expected to be acquainted with Norwegian health services. In certain cases external advisers will assist SAFH in making an assessment. Advisers do not make the final decision but provide professional advice which SAFH takes into account when assessing applicants' qualifications. Only when foreign qualifications have been evaluated will processing of an application for authorisation be finalised.



Updated 08.09.2011