The purpose of the Declaration of Value

Why the Declaration of Value is essential to make the most of your academic and professional path in Italy.

The Declaration of Value is not a mere bureaucratic document, but a crucial instrument accompanying academic and professional qualifications obtained abroad on their path to recognition in Italy. Its role extends both to the academic sphere, for those wishing to continue their studies or obtain equipollenza, and to the professional sphere, for those intending to practise a regulated profession or take part in public competitions.

In the academic sphere

From the academic point of view, the Declaration of Value makes it possible to certify officially, through the Italian consular authority abroad, the educational and legal value of a foreign qualification. It is used to facilitate access to university courses of the first, second and third cycle, but also to master’s degrees, specialisations and research doctorates. The Italian universities, although autonomous in assessing candidates, often require the Declaration in order to have a clear and reliable picture of the nature and structure of the course of study followed abroad. In particular, for admission to capped-number programmes, courses funded by scholarships or public selections, the Declaration of Value is almost always compulsory.

The Declaration also becomes indispensable in equipollenza procedures, governed by Law 148/2002, where the applicant’s aim is to obtain the formal equivalence of their qualification with a corresponding Italian one. In these circumstances the universities or assessing bodies must be able to compare the two systems of reference, and the Declaration provides them with the essential information to carry out that comparison. Without this document, the case remains deficient and is unlikely to be granted.

In the professional sphere

In the professional sphere too, the Declaration of Value takes on a central function. The competent Italian authorities, whether ministries, professional orders or sector bodies, require the Declaration in order to proceed with the recognition of professional qualifications, in particular for those activities subject to statutory regulation. This is the case for the healthcare, technical, legal and teaching professions, for which holding a legally recognised qualification is an indispensable requirement for practice in Italy. The Declaration provides the data needed to determine whether the qualification obtained abroad is suitable, in content, level and duration, to meet Italian standards.

Nor should its relevance in public-employment selections be forgotten. In many competitions held by State or local administrations, the Declaration is required as a supporting document for assessing the academic credentials of those presenting a foreign qualification. Although it is not a formal recognition in the strict sense, the administration has a duty to verify that the qualification has value equal to that required by the notice. The Declaration of Value provides an objective starting point for that assessment.

Finally, the Declaration is frequently necessary for access to funding, scholarships and forms of financial support provided for foreign students or Italians returning from abroad. Here too, the awarding authorities must have a document attesting the legitimacy of the qualification declared and its correspondence with a level of education provided for by the Italian system.

In short, the Declaration of Value is an essential instrument for anyone intending to make a qualification obtained outside national borders count in Italy. It supports the legitimacy of the qualification, assists a correct assessment by the competent authorities and is an almost indispensable requirement for continuing studies, entering a profession or taking part in a public selection. It is, in essence, the first step towards making one’s qualification usable, recognised and valued within the Italian legal, academic and professional context.