This certification preparation program is reviewed by Dr. Ran Wilkosin, MD, FACP, FRCP, Chief Advisor at Royal Medical Pathways, for alignment with current sittings and registry requirements.
What is KP?
- Full name
- German Medical Knowledge Exam
- Administering body
- The Kenntnisprüfung (KP) tests clinical knowledge in a German hospital context
- Purpose
- Knowledge assessment for doctors outside the EU seeking Approbation in Germany.
- Format
- Oral/Practical
- 2026-2027 cycle
- Sittings open across the 2026-2027 academic year — contact us for the next available date.
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Overview
The Kenntnisprüfung (KP) tests clinical knowledge in a German hospital context.
Exam Structure
Oral/Practical
- Internal medicine, surgery, and elective subjects.
Eligibility & Registration
- Pass in FSP language exam.
How to Register for KP in 2026
Check KP eligibility
Verify your qualifications meet the KP requirements for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Speak with a Royal Medical Pathways advisor
Book a free consultation to map your prep plan and decide which study package suits your timeline and budget.
Register for KP
Complete the official registration on the KP portal and confirm your sitting window.
Receive your tailored study plan
Get a structured study schedule, syllabus-aligned materials and mentor calls scheduled around your test date.
Sit the exam
Attend your KP sitting with confidence, supported by structured preparation aligned to the real exam format.
Collect and verify your certificate
We assist with certificate collection, verification and onward registration with your regulator.
Kenntnisprüfung vs Approbation
| Feature | Kenntnisprüfung | Approbation |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Knowledge test (oral-practical exam) | Full German medical licence |
| Purpose | Prove your medical knowledge matches German standards | Legal licence to practise independently |
| Format | Oral-practical examination | Document-based application + assessments |
| Language | Requires medical German (C1) | Requires medical German (C1) |
| Outcome | Passing clears the way for Approbation | Unrestricted licence valid nationwide |
| Who needs it | Foreign doctors with partially recognised degrees | All non-EU doctors practising in Germany |
KP FAQs
What is the Kenntnisprüfung in Germany?
The Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge test) is an oral-practical exam that foreign doctors take to prove their medical knowledge and skills meet German standards. It is one of the steps required before a foreign doctor can be granted a full licence (Approbation) in Germany.
Is the Kenntnisprüfung oral or written?
It is primarily an oral-practical exam. You are examined by medical professionals on clinical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning and practical skills, often using patient cases or simulated scenarios. Some states combine it with practical elements.
Do I need German language skills before the Kenntnisprüfung?
Yes. In most German states you must first pass the medical language examination (usually the C1-level Fachsprachprüfung) before you are allowed to sit the Kenntnisprüfung. Adequate medical German is essential to perform well.
What does the Kenntnisprüfung test?
It tests general medicine knowledge and practical skills across internal medicine, surgery, and other core areas — essentially confirming that your medical knowledge is comparable to a German-trained doctor. Content is tailored to the level of a German Approbation.
What happens after I pass the Kenntnisprüfung?
Passing the Kenntnisprüfung clears the way for the full German medical licence (Approbation) in most states. The exact process and fees are managed by the state medical association (Landesärztekammer) responsible for your region.
