Kenntnisprüfung in Berlin

• Oral part: case presentation and professional discussion (Fachgespräch) on the competence areas (Kompetenzbereiche) of the PflAPrV (nursing training and examination regulation)
• Practical part: care of patients in 2–4 nursing situations (real or simulated, § 45 PflAPrV) at a hospital or nursing school
• No written part – the Kenntnisprüfung is purely oral and practical (§ 45 PflAPrV)
• The exam language is German; B2 level is usually required

The LAGeSo sets the administrative fee by official notice (Bescheid); the sources give different amounts: service.berlin.de €164, the BIBB Anerkennungs-Finder (recognition finder) €25–430, the application forms only “subject to a fee” (as of 07/2026). Expect an amount in this range and ask the LAGeSo. If you apply from abroad, processing only starts once the fee has been paid. The Kenntnisprüfung is run by exam schools and is usually offered together with a preparation course – e.g. at the Berliner Bildungscampus approx. €1,400 including a 10-day course (can be funded with a Bildungsgutschein (education voucher)). Large Berlin employers such as Charité or Vivantes often cover the costs – be sure to ask!

1. Wait for the Defizitbescheid (deficit notice) from the LAGeSo – it states that you are allowed to take the Kenntnisprüfung
2. Contact an exam school or exam centre and ask for a date (waiting times of several months are common – register early!)
3. Submit the registration documents: Defizitbescheid, proof of identity, B2 language certificate if required
4. Pay the exam fee and wait for the invitation
5. Before the exam, find out in which care area (e.g. acute care, long-term care) you will be tested

Exams take place at recognised Berlin nursing schools and hospitals, e.g. around Charité, Vivantes and large education providers. The choice of centres is good, but demand is also high.

At the LAGeSo, processing often takes several months. Tip: Submit your documents complete and certified – requests for missing documents are the most common reason for delays in Berlin.