The German Medical Exams Decoded: FSP and KP Survival Guide

Embarking on the journey to practice medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy in Germany is not for the faint of heart. The bureaucratic dance begins with the holy grail of paperwork: applying for “Approbation” at the appropriate state or district government. The journey doesn’t stop there. Brace yourself for the Fachsprachprüfung Medizin (FSP), a German medical language exam, and in most cases, the Kenntnisprüfung (KP), a knowledge exam. Both these exams aren’t available online—they demand a face-to-face encounter with the examiners on German soil. Preparing for these hurdles is no sprint; it’s more of a marathon.

If you’re a healthcare professional who hasn’t even dipped your toes into the approbation/recognition waters yet, stop right here! Contact us directly because navigating the paperwork maze is your first quest. For those who are already a few steps down the bureaucratic rabbit hole, here’s a guide to ace these exams.

Fachsprachprüfung FSP

To be allowed to attend the FSP, you will have to proof at least German level B2, which probably already has happened before travelling to Germany or when applying for approbation. Remember, this isn’t just another German language exam; it’s a hyper-focused test on medical jargon and the fine art of professional communication in a medical setting.

How to register? After receiving the deficit notification, the applicant is enrolled with the Chamber of Doctors/Dentists/Pharmacists. The applicant has to pay the administrative fee for the FSP which depends on the federal state but is between 390€ and 600€ . After receipt of payment, an examination date and further information necessary for the Fachsprachprüfung, including the examination location and exact time will be given. Make sure that you reserve your exam seat well in advance, as there is often a waiting period of 4-5 months before you can get a seat for the exam, so plan accordingly.

The content of the Fachsprachprüfung is a case example of a typical situation in a hospital, simulating a conversation and documentation situation. The focus of the examination is on the assessment of listening comprehension, oral and written expression, while medical expertise is not assessed.

The FSP lasts 60 minutes and is conducted as an individual examination by experienced physicians and consists of three parts, each lasting approximately 20 minutes:

(The structure described here is for physicians, but examinations for other healthcare professionals are similar)

• Doctor-patient interview: The first part of the examination includes a simulated doctor-patient interview in which the candidate conducts an anamnesis interview with a simulated patient played by a doctor of the examination committee.
• Documentation: The second part of the FSP includes documentation and builds on the previous doctor-patient interview. The candidate receives an anamnesis form on which he or she is to summarize in writing the medically relevant information obtained in the anamnesis interview.
• Doctor-doctor interview: The last part of the FSP includes a doctor-doctor interview in which the candidate presents the case to a fellow doctor in a handover interview.

The evaluation of the FSP is carried out by the members of the examination committee according to a uniformly structured scheme. Immediately after the examination, the candidate will be informed whether he or she has passed the examination or not.

There are plenty of language courses in Germany, that can prepare you for the FSP. Some of these even have subsidies, other might be hybrid allowing you to join while you wait for your visa to come through.

When preparing for the examination, its crucial to focus on practicing German and not just learning vocabulary by heart. You will be evaluated in an example situation, and not on a text with multiple choices. Hence its crucial to be quick, understanding native Germans, forming sentences and translating from a normal language to medical terms.

Former ProRecognition candidates have suggested that forming study groups can be extremely helpful in preparing for the exam. You can create exam-like conditions with your fellow study peers and advise each other where you can improve. This does not mean you should just find fellow compatriots in Germany – make it international and keep German as the unifying language.

Kenntnisprüfung KP

Before you can tackle the KP, you need two things: a deficit notice and a passed FSP. The costs vary from €400 to €900, depending on where you are.

The structure of the Kenntnisprüfung can vary slightly depending on the specific state or region, but it generally consists of the clinical component and the oral-practice component.

Clinical Component:

A written exam assesses your theoretical knowledge of medical subjects. It may include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, or case-based scenarios. It is followed by a practical exam that evaluates your ability to apply this knowledge to real-world clinical situations—think physical exams, interpreting lab results, taking patient histories, and formulating diagnoses.

Oral-Practical Component

This part measures your ability to communicate medical concepts clearly and accurately. You’ll need to conduct simulated patient interviews, discuss cases with examiners, or present case reports.

Surprise, surprise—the exam is in German! So, gear up with a strong command of the language and medical terminology. Brush up on your knowledge of core medical concepts and procedures if it’s been a few years since you last hit the books. Get cozy with German medical guidelines and health insurance intricacies because they differ from those in other countries. Specialized prep courses for the KP can be a game-changer, especially if they’re subsidized. Again, connecting with other medical professionals preparing for the exam to share resources and experiences or joining study groups or forums online can be great support.

Our candidates often tell us that the best way to prep for the KP is to work in the German healthcare sector in an assistant capacity. Once you have passed the FSP, you are eligible for the temporary license (Berufserlaubnis) which allows you to work in a supportive/assistance capacity. What better practice than real world situations in a hospital to practice and learn how to communicate effectively from fluent German-speakers.  

Don’t Panic, Just Prep

Yes, it’s a mountain to climb, and it might seem daunting at first glance. But trust us, most who have walked this path have passed their exams and are now enjoying a fulfilling career in Germany. Your story could be next.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on the experiences of candidates assisted by ProRec in their recognition process. Procedures may vary slightly, so always double-check with the official sources.