1) What is the main difference between a Fachsprachkurs and the Kenntnisprüfung?
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fachsprachkurs | A medical professional language course that prepares you for the medical language exam (Fachsprachenprüfung – FSP). |
| Kenntnisprüfung | A knowledge/recognition exam (theory + practice) often required if a foreign medical degree is not fully recognized as equivalent. |
2) Fachsprachkurs (medical professional language course)
Requirements:
B2 certificate (preferably telc or Goethe)
A preliminary hospital acceptance/offer or a clear pathway toward later employment
Residence status: residence permit for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification
Course content:
Medical terminology
Simulated doctor–patient communication
Presenting and handing over cases to colleagues (history taking, handover)
Writing medical reports/letters (doctor’s letter)
Duration:
Often about 3 months (approx. 300–400 teaching hours)
Funding options:
Federal Employment Agency / Jobcenter (e.g., via an education voucher)
IQ Network (free courses in some federal states)
Final exam / target:
Fachsprachenprüfung (FSP) at the Medical Association (Ärztekammer), typically including:
Interview with a “patient” (medical history)
Written documentation / medical report
Doctor-to-doctor case discussion
Important: Passing the FSP is often a key step toward obtaining the Approbation (full medical license), depending on the federal state and procedure.
3) Kenntnisprüfung (KP) – the equivalency exam
Who is it required for?
Doctors with non-EU degrees whose individual equivalency assessment finds the education not fully equivalent
Common for degrees from many countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America
Exam scope:
Internal medicine
General surgery
Additional subjects (e.g., pharmacology, hygiene, health law)
Exam format:
Oral-practical exam (mündlich-praktisch)
Before a panel (specialist physicians)
Includes real-case analysis, interpreting reports/findings, and discussing diagnostic and treatment options
Duration: typically 60–90 minutes
Where is it held?
Under the supervision of local/state authorities (often linked to the Gesundheitsamt or state examination bodies, depending on the federal state)
Each federal state has its own schedule and process
Fees:
Around €400–€1,000 depending on the federal state
Number of attempts:
Re-takes are usually limited; many procedures refer to two attempts, but exact rules depend on the state and the authority.
4) Full registration path (from start to license)
Prepare documents: medical degree, transcripts, internships/training, work experience, CV, B2 proof
Submit the application to the state Approbation authority
Receive the official decision (equivalency assessment result)
If FSP is required → take a Fachsprachkurs/targeted preparation + register for FSP
If KP is required → prepare specifically for the Kenntnisprüfung
Take FSP and/or KP
After passing: obtain Approbation
5) Key notes
In some states, FSP and KP are administered in closely connected processes; the exact setup differs.
There are private paid preparation courses for KP (e.g., Mediziner courses, Berlitz, etc.).
Once you have Approbation, you can generally work full-time and may explore additional residence options (e.g., EU Blue Card) if requirements are met.
Editorial note: The writing and editorial team aims to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, mistakes may occur or some information may be uncertain. Treat this as initial guidance and consult the responsible authorities for confirmed information.
