Kenntnisprüfung in Bavaria

• Oral part: case presentation and professional discussion (Fachgespräch) on the competence areas (Kompetenzbereiche) of the PflAPrV (nursing training and examination regulation)
• Practical part: nursing care of patients in 2–4 nursing situations (real or simulated, § 45 PflAPrV), usually 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 recognition procedure at the LfP usually costs €40–70, plus €40 for the certificate (Urkunde) (according to the LfP, as of 10/2026). The costs of the Kenntnisprüfung itself are set by each exam school – ask there. On top of that there may be costs for preparation courses and travel. Many hospitals in Bavaria cover the costs for their employees – ask your employer!

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

Exams take place at recognised nursing schools and hospitals, including in München, Nürnberg, Augsburg, Regensburg and Würzburg. Because Bavaria is so large, it is worth contacting several centres at the same time.

Bavaria processes a very large number of applications – keep your file number (Aktenzeichen) ready whenever you make an enquiry. Tip: When an exam date becomes free at short notice, people on the waiting list often move up quickly – tell the school that you are flexible.