More Than Just a Test – What Makes the Kenntnisprüfung a Real Turning Point
The moment you register for the Knowledge Examination (Kenntnisprüfung) often feels like the first real step toward your Approbation. Maybe your studies are a while behind you, or perhaps you've just started to settle in Germany. What all candidates share is the hope to pass the next milestone – and the uncertainty of what exactly awaits.
🔎 The Kenntnisprüfung (KP) is the crucial step for many international doctors toward Approbation in Germany. It marks the transition from preparation to the real perspective of a medical career in the German healthcare system.
What is the Kenntnisprüfung (KP)?
The Kenntnisprüfung (KP) is a practical and oral exam that shows whether you, as an international doctor, have the necessary medical knowledge to work in Germany. It is mandatory if your medical degree is not considered equivalent to a German medical degree.
Who Needs to Take the Kenntnisprüfung?
Whether or not you need to take the Kenntnisprüfung primarily depends on where you completed your medical degree and whether it is recognized as equivalent to a German medical degree. This exam is part of the procedure for medical recognition and determines whether you can work as a doctor in Germany.
If you're from a non-EU country, the answer is usually clear: Yes, you will need to take the Kenntnisprüfung. Often, the foreign degree is not fully recognized in the equivalency process, and in this case, the Kenntnisprüfung is the official route to Approbation – allowing unrestricted professional practice as a doctor in Germany.
The situation is a bit different if you completed your studies in an EU member state, the EEA (e.g., Norway or Iceland), or Switzerland. In these cases, your degree can be automatically recognized under certain conditions, and a Kenntnisprüfung is usually not required. However, exceptions exist – for instance, if you've specialized in a field that doesn't exist in Germany, your medical qualifications will undergo a case-by-case review.
And what if you're already a specialist doctor? Even then: Without passing the Kenntnisprüfung or having your studies recognized as equivalent, you won't receive Approbation in Germany. Your specialist training can only be recognized if your basic studies have been officially confirmed through a successful equivalency check or the Kenntnisprüfung.
👉 Your Overview of the Approbation Process – Clear, Complete, and Easy to Follow.
The First Step: Registration
To register for the Kenntnisprüfung, you must contact the responsible state examination office or the medical chamber of your region. The registration is closely tied to your Approbation application – which means: without the Approbation application, you cannot register for the Kenntnisprüfung. This application forms the foundation of the entire process of medical recognition in Germany.
What many overlook: The examination offices are often overloaded, and there may be waiting lists for the Kenntnisprüfung. That's why it's crucial to register early. Our recommendation: Act at least six months before your desired exam date. The earlier you plan, the better your chance of securing a suitable appointment – and aligning your Kenntnisprüfung preparation accordingly.
Once your Approbation application has been reviewed, you will receive your invitation – sometimes only a few weeks or days before the exam – with the exact date and location. Many examiners remain anonymous until the day of the exam, which might seem unusual at first, but it is part of the official process. Don't let this unsettle you – it's standard procedure for the recognition process for foreign doctors.
What Happens If I Fail?
No one likes to talk about it – but the reality is: Not everyone passes the Kenntnisprüfung on the first attempt. And that’s completely okay.
You have a total of three attempts to pass the Kenntnisprüfung – meaning you have two retakes. Even if you take the exam in a different state, your first attempt still counts.
If you fail, you will typically receive a recommendation from the examination commission on when you can next attempt the exam. Many candidates use this time to intensify their Kenntnisprüfung preparation and focus on their weaknesses. This extra preparation often helps them approach the exam with more confidence and better knowledge on their second attempt.
What is especially encouraging: Most candidates pass the Kenntnisprüfung on their second attempt. In Berlin, the failure rate is only about 18%, while the success rate is a strong 82%. And on the final attempt, only about 2% fail, according to experience reports. This shows that those who consistently prepare for the Kenntnisprüfung – especially in language and medical topics – have a very good chance of passing the exam.
What Does the Kenntnisprüfung Cost?
In addition to content preparation, many people also wonder: How much does the Kenntnisprüfung actually cost?
The exam fees for the Kenntnisprüfung vary depending on the state and range from €400 to €1,100. But there are additional costs you should consider:
- Course fees for targeted Kenntnisprüfung preparation
- Learning materials for the exam
- Possible travel expenses if the exam is not in your hometown
- Potential overnight accommodations
💡 Tip: Look into funding programs and financial support for foreign professionals. Many states offer financial assistance – through foundations, regional initiatives, or educational projects. On our website, we have a comprehensive overview of the various support programs.
With the Right Preparation, You’ll Succeed in the Kenntnisprüfung
The Kenntnisprüfung is undoubtedly a significant challenge – but it’s manageable. You are not alone on this path. Thousands of international doctors have successfully completed this step – many with the same questions, uncertainties, and hopes as you.
What really matters is structured preparation for the Kenntnisprüfung, confidence in your professional skills, and the willingness to embrace the German healthcare system and its language.
FAQ
What language level is required for the Knowledge Examination?
In most cases, you’ll need at least B2 in general German and C1 in medical language to be eligible for the exam. The Fachsprachprüfung (medical language exam) often needs to be completed first – in many federal states, it’s a mandatory prerequisite.
What is tested in the oral-practical part of the Knowledge Examination?
The exam typically includes a simulated patient case in which you are required to take a medical history, make a diagnosis, propose a treatment plan, and discuss the case with the examiners – often involving both internal medicine and surgery components. Communication skills and logical reasoning are just as important as medical knowledge.