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 Approbation?
- Full name
- Germany Medical Approbation
- Administering body
- The Approbation is the state-issued license to practice medicine in Germany
- Purpose
- Licensing process for international doctors seeking to practise in Germany.
- Format
- FSP · KP
- 2026-2027 cycle
- Sittings open across the 2026-2027 academic year — contact us for the next available date.
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Overview
The Approbation is the state-issued license to practice medicine in Germany.
Exam Structure
FSP
- Fachsprachenprüfung — Medical German language test.
KP
- Kenntnisprüfung — Medical knowledge assessment.
Eligibility & Registration
- C1 German proficiency.
- Recognition of foreign medical degree.
How to Register for Approbation in 2026
Check Approbation eligibility
Verify your qualifications meet the Approbation 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 Approbation
Complete the official registration on the Approbation 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 Approbation 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.
Approbation vs Kenntnisprüfung
| Feature | Approbation | Kenntnisprüfung |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Full German medical licence | Knowledge test (oral-practical exam) |
| Purpose | Legal licence to practise independently | Prove your medical knowledge matches German standards |
| Format | Document-based application + assessments | Oral-practical examination |
| Language | Requires medical German (C1) | Requires medical German (C1) |
| Outcome | Unrestricted licence valid nationwide | Passing clears the way for Approbation |
| Who needs it | All non-EU doctors practising in Germany | Foreign doctors with partially recognised degrees |
Approbation FAQs
What is the German Approbation?
The Approbation is the full, unrestricted German medical licence. Foreign (non-EU) doctors must obtain it to practise medicine independently in Germany. It is issued by the state medical authorities after a formal application and assessment.
Who needs the German Approbation?
Any doctor from a non-EU country who wants to work as a fully licensed physician in Germany needs the Approbation. Doctors from EU/EEA countries generally have their qualifications recognised through a simpler mutual-recognition process.
What are the requirements for the German Approbation?
Requirements typically include a recognised medical degree, proof of German language ability (usually C1 medical German), a clean criminal record and health clearance, and — for many applicants — passing either the Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge test) or a medical assessment (Kenntnisprüfung/Berufsbezogene Deutschprüfung) depending on how your degree compares.
How do I apply for the Approbation?
You apply to the state authority (e.g. the Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales in Berlin) for the state where you plan to work. The application is document-based and includes degree verification, language certificates and character checks.
Is the Approbation valid across all of Germany?
Yes. Once issued, the Approbation is a national licence valid throughout Germany, regardless of the state that issued it. It allows you to practise medicine independently, including as a self-employed physician.
