Overview
The Ärztliche Prüfung, usually called the Staatsexamen Medizin, is the state exam that closes medical training in Germany. It is set by the federal medical licensing regulation (Approbationsordnung für Ärzte). The exam is taken in three parts, alongside a six-year medical degree.
Levels or stages
Medical degree
The degree covers 5,500 hours over six years. The last year is a continuous practical year (Praktisches Jahr) of 48 weeks. The training also includes first-aid training, a three-month nursing service and a four-month placement (Famulatur).
First part (Erster Abschnitt)
Taken after two years of medical study. It has a written part and an oral-practical part. The written part is offered in March and August, and the oral-practical part in the lecture-free period.
Second part (Zweiter Abschnitt)
Taken after a further three years of study, once the first part is passed. The university tests a list of subjects and cross-cutting areas between the first and second parts, and candidates also need to show attendance at five block placements: internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology and general practice. The written exam is offered in April and October.
Third part (Dritter Abschnitt)
Taken after one more year of study following the second part, which is the practical year. It is offered in May to June and November to December.
Marking and results
The written exam is multiple-choice. It is passed with at least 60 percent of questions answered correctly, or when the score is no more than 22 percent below the average of candidates who sat the exam for the first time after the minimum study time. Written grades are given as sehr gut, gut, befriedigend or ausreichend. Written exams are held on dates that are the same across Germany, with states handling the administration.
FAQs
How many parts does the German medical state exam have?
Three. The first part comes after two years of study, the second after three further years, and the third after one more year, which is the practical year.
How long is the medical degree?
Six years and 5,500 hours, with the final year as a 48-week practical year.